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Yes, you will – we guarantee it, or your next trip is free! We have been cruising with these dolphins for well over a decade and know a great deal about their social life and habits. After thousands of trips, we have missed seeing dolphins only three times. After each of those three trips, we returned to the dock and rescheduled all who could for a second free cruise in the next day or two, with your choice of the same cruise or a sailing cruise. There is no guarantee that you will see dolphins aboard the sail boat – however, we most always do!
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The boat is equipped with more than 60 life jackets available for use by children and adults. In addition, we provide child life jackets for everyone who is under eight years old; state laws require these to be worn during the cruise. According to the US Coast Guard office of boating safety, Newborn infants should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 lbs. and can wear a personal floatation device (life jacket)
***Please be advised that we have a minimum weight requirement of 18 pounds- those under 18 pounds will not be allowed to board.
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No- we do not allow strollers on board.
There is simply not enough floor space to accommodate strollers of any kind.
Please leave your strollers in your vehicle, or you will be asked to leave it dockside.
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No- we are not handicap accessible. We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, powered chairs, or strollers.
We are able to accommodate walkers and canes- boarding The Explorer is relatively easy.
Boarding The Cetacean is not advised for anyone with walking impairments, as the ramp is incredibly steep.
Please contact our office to discuss your needs with our crew- 251-550-8000
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The Explorer is a 40-foot aluminum pontoon that was custom-made to cruise swamps and creeks. Needing only 16-18 inches of water, we can offer picture-perfect opportunities for close-up viewing of local flora and fauna. Much of the seating area is shaded, and the open bow is conducive to walking around and getting fabulous photos. And yes, there is an onboard bathroom!
The Cetacean Sailing Catamaran is a 52-foot two-hulled sail boat. The two hulls ensure “smooth sailing!” and we have tables and chairs and additional seating for 40 passengers. While sailing the beautiful bays we listen to relaxing and fun music. You have a hostess that takes care of your every need including taking photos of you and your group on your devices creating memories to last a lifetime. Our sunset sails are amazing, offering wonderful photo opportunities. There is a full service bar aboard offering a variety of reasonably-priced specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. And yes, there is a restroom onboard!
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Should you choose to cancel a reservation prior to departure, you must notify our customer care center at 251-550-8000 at least Twenty-Four (24) hours prior to the scheduled departure. Failure to timely notify or arrive for a reservation will result in empty seats and therefore the reserved credit card will be charged the full fare times the number of seats reserved. Parties greater than 10 pp require 72 hour notice.
For PRIVATE CRUISES the cancellation policy is a 72-HOUR notice, this is required to avoid loss of deposit. A 48-HOUR notice is required to avoid being charged for the entire cost of charter. Parties greater than 10 pp require 72 hour notice.
If the captain deems the weather, the vessel, or any equipment to be inadequate for a safe and pleasurable cruise, he reserves the right to cancel the cruise. In such a case, no charges will be incurred to any customer and we will do our best to reschedule each reservation as space on subsequent cruises is available.
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Please arrive at the our ticket booth located in-front of The Springhill Suites Hotel at The Wharf Marina 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time to get all passengers registered. Once registration is complete and the boat is fully prepared, the captain invites you to board.
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We encourage guests to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera and maybe even binoculars. Once on the boat, you may purchase iced-down soft drinks, water, and Gatorade as well as chips, cookies, nuts, and candy, all for $1 each. Coolers are not allowed. Outside Alcohol is NOT permitted to be brought on either of our vessels. Both vessels have adult beverages available for purchase.
*Please wear sensible shoes, high-heels are not allowed on boats!
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Find us in Orange Beach, Alabama, at The Wharf Entertainment District, we are located directly in front of The Springhill Suites by Marriot on the West End Side of the Marina. Our address is 4673 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561.
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Your reservation requires a valid credit card to reserve your seats. When you arrive, you may pay by credit card or cash.
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Our 40-foot pontoon can comfortably accommodate 49 passengers.
Our 52-foot sailing catamaran can comfortably accommodate 40 passengers.
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Yes! Our full season runs from March until the end of October. During the off-season, check with us and let us know when you are available; we are usually open and we schedule cruises as the need arises (with as few as 13-15 people). Join us any time of year for a unique excursion.
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Cetacean Cruises operates on a reservation system to insure that you get on a cruise when you arrive. Anyone is welcome to walk up, but often the boats are full. We STRONGLY recommend a reservation.
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We ask guests to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to register your group.
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Most of our cruises are two hours. Dolphin only cruises are an hour and a half and private sailing cruises can be longer.
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Per Coast Guard regulations, our minimum weight requirement is 18 pounds. Children and infants under 18-pounds will not be allowed to board. This is for their safety.
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We offer a variety of cold beverages [Coke products and lemonade] for $2 each, as well as bottled water and snacks for $1 each.
Select Adult beverages are also available for purchase at reasonable prices.
Customers must be prepared to show a physical, valid form of ID when ordering alcoholic beverages. You must be at least 21 years of age to order and consume alcoholic beverages. Expired IDs are NOT valid. Valid forms of ID include:
- Non-expired, valid driver’s license
- Valid U.S. Uniformed Service Identification [Military ID]
- Valid passport
- Valid Alabama non-drivers ID issued by Dept. of Public Safety
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If you are without transportation and need a lift to The Wharf, we highly recommend “The Surfside Shuttle” service.
Contact: 251-215-1919
The Surfside Shuttle offers friendly, prompt transportation services throughout Baldwin County.
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Absolutely no smoking or vaping is permitted on any of our vessels or cruises. This applies to our public and private cruises.
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Both of our vessels have an onboard restroom.
However, these restrooms are NOT like the ones at home. All paper products must be thrown into the provided trash cans, NOT in the toilet itself!
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No animals allowed on board due to safety concerns.
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We are open for business with our normal business hours! For your safety, we heavily sanitize our boats in between cruises. We have sanitization stations at our ticket booth and on our boats, providing customers with easy access to hand-sanitizer. We can also provide facemasks for customers who would like them.
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