Sea labs' whole-family excursions

The Dauphin Island (Ala.) Sea Lab has experiences for the whole family to learn about coastal environments during one of its multiple excursions.

Each excursion is led by an Alabama Aquarium educator that gives you a chance to be a marine scientist for the day while learning about the area’s history, economic impact and ecosystem benefits.

The Salt Marsh Excursion into coastal wetlands is critical to the area's estuary ecosystem. You will have the chance to use seine nets and sieve boxes to get an up-close look at hermit crabs, snails and small fish. All animals are released back into the marsh. The upcoming dates are July 6, July 13, July 20 or July 25.

The Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion takes you on a journey through the maritime forest to the water’s edge. Learn about the plants that Indians and colonists used and keep an eye out for osprey, alligators and dolphins. The upcoming dates are June 22 or June 28.

The Salt Marsh and Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursions cost $12 per person, begin at 9:45 a.m. and return at 12:15 p.m.

The R/V Alabama Discovery Excursion is the perfect fit to learn about Mobile Bay's diverse environment during a 2-hour boat trip.

For the boat excursion only, children younger than eight are not permitted. 

The R/V Alabama Discovery excursion cost is $30 per person and the hours are 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. The upcoming dates are June 23, June 30, July 14, and July 21.

For each excursion, you will meet at the Alabama Aquarium. To learn more or to reserve a spot, email excursions@disl.edu or call (251) 861-2141 ext. 7545. (DISA 06/14/23) Excursion dates announced for June and July - Dauphin Island Sea Lab (disl.edu)