Red tropical drinks. White-knuckle thrill rides! Blue Gulf waters. Here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, we’ve got all the colors of high-energy adventure to kick off your vacation no matter what time of year you visit!
Parasailing in Paradise
What’s up? You are! Or at least you will be when you soar high above the water on a parasail outing. Imagine the thrill of seeing your friends on the beach as you wave above. They look so small way down there. Your views will also include looking down on rays, dolphins and maybe even sharks swimming in the Gulf waters below. Hey, we said it was an adrenaline rush! Plenty of local companies in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores can take care of you. Among our favorites are Chute em' Up Parasail, Chute for the Skye Parasail, and the Sky Surfer from Sail Wild Hearts.
Chute ‘Em Up Parasail Facebook page
Soar above the Gulf on a parasail adventure.
Waterville for Wows
Perched at the top of a towering water slide, your pulse quickens. That drop feels like a mile below! Do you have the courage to do it? Sure you do! Located a short distance from the beach, Waterville USA in Gulf Shores is our pick for making a splash on the water slides. You can also test your balance on the Flowrider as you hang ten. The wave pool offers predictable three-foot waves and the lazy river gives you a chance to recover for your next go at the water slides. For fun out of the water, try your hand at the Waterville 500, the area’s fastest go-cart track.
Waterville USA Facebook page
The ride to the bottom goes fast!
Brave the Sky Coaster
Mini golf, go carts and roller coasters are for light weights. At The Track in Gulf Shores those with true courage head straight for the Sky Coaster. Strap in to the harness with your fellow flyers (up to three are allowed at a time) and watch your panic meter start to climb as you are pulled up to a dizzying height of 110 feet. And that’s the calm part! The thrill comes when you are brave enough to pull the cord and soar through the sky at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. Don’t forget your superman pose!
The Track Facebook page
Think you are brave enough not to scream on the Sky Coaster?
Thrill Rides at OWA
Trust us, you are going to get double dog dared to ride the top thrill rides at OWA. Your friends are going to see the Wave Rider and challenge you to brave the up and down path, all while you spin around. Next they’ll invoke “chicken” to coax you to try Twister where you’ll spin 360 degrees while swinging until you’re completely upside down. You’ll be up to those dares. Then save your dare back to your friends for the intimidating Rollin’ Thunder. This massive roller coaster is OWA’s largest ride. Slowly you climb straight up, pausing just a second at the top (time to grip the bar tighter) before racing forward and downward. Yes, the loopty loop and spiral turn will have you upside down.
OWA Facebook page
Are you brave enough for Rollin’ Thunder?
Whew! That’s a whole lot of adventure! Are you up to the challenge?
For even more coastal fun, check out our list of area attractions.