Paddle Little Lagoon in a tandem kayak with a quick lesson included
1-1.5 hours
Tandem kayak, life jackets
Explore calm, protected waters at Little Lagoon in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores on a 1–1.5 hour tandem kayak rental. Paddle at your own pace with a short lesson and guidance on where to go.
Minimum of 2 people per booking (tandem kayaks only). Rentals are subject to wind and weather conditions.
Cancel or change up to 48 hours before your tour for a full refund. Late arrivals, no-shows, and last minute cancellations are non-refundable. If dangerous conditions require cancellation, you get a full refund or can transfer to another date. Tours will not be cancelled in the event of rain.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a towel. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Consider a hat or sunglasses with a neck strap, and bring bug spray if it has been raining.
You should have some swimming ability and feel comfortable in the water. Life jackets are provided.
You need a minimum of 2 people per booking because this rental uses tandem kayaks. A few single kayaks may be available if you have an uneven number of people.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge sits just minutes from Little Lagoon, protecting more than 7,000 acres of maritime forest, freshwater marsh, scrub dunes, and quiet shoreline along Alabama's Gulf Coast. The name Bon Secour comes from the French for "safe harbor," and that spirit carries through every paddle stroke on the calm, sheltered waters nearby. While your tandem kayak adventure launches on Little Lagoon itself, the surrounding ecosystem flows directly from the same coastal habitat that makes Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge one of the most treasured natural sanctuaries in the Southeast. Paddling here means slipping into a landscape where loggerhead sea turtles nest, ospreys patrol the sky, and the line between land and water blurs into something genuinely wild.
From your kayak, the same sights that define Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge unfold all around you. Watch for great blue herons stalking the shallows, brown pelicans diving in lazy arcs, and the occasional flash of a redfish beneath the surface. The lagoon's protected waters are calm enough for first-time paddlers, yet rich enough in wildlife to keep seasoned naturalists glancing in every direction. Spanish moss drifts from coastal oaks along the banks, salt-tinged breezes roll in off the Gulf, and the soft rhythm of paddle against water replaces the noise of the road. It is the kind of slow, sensory experience that makes Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and its surrounding waterways feel worlds away from the busier beaches just down the highway.
This tandem kayak rental is ideal for couples, families, friends, and anyone who wants a low-key way to connect with the coastal Alabama wilderness without committing to a full guided tour. Birdwatchers and photographers will love the proximity to the habitats that make Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge famous, while parents will appreciate the calm water and easy pace for kids. Whether you are looking for a romantic morning on the lagoon, a peaceful afternoon escape, or a chance to spot wildlife you simply will not see from shore, paddling here puts you right at the doorstep of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and the quiet beauty it preserves.
Eva stands out as an exceptional instructor who genuinely cares about creating memorable water adventures. Reviewers consistently praise her patience, encouragement, and ability to adapt activities for everyone from complete beginners to experienced paddleboarders. First-timers mention feeling comfortable and supported, with Eva's clear instructions helping them master standing on boards faster than expected. She's described as welcoming, upbeat, and knowledgeable, bringing years of experience to every session. The variety of activities is impressive, from paddleboarding and kayaking to paddle board yoga and Pilates. Groups of all sizes seem to have excellent experiences, whether it's families of seven or larger gatherings of thirteen. The locations around Gulf Shores, Pensacola, and Bon Secour offer beautiful water views that enhance the adventure. Communication before activities is reliably clear, and Eva shows flexibility with scheduling around weather. One tip from visitors: consider the 9am slot during hot summer months for a more comfortable experience.