For some the white sands are enough for enjoyment on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Others prefer white-knuckle adventure. Good thing the area has plenty of both to offer. There’s one in every crowd: The thrill-seeker. The daredevil. The person willing to push himself ? or herself ? one step further than everyone else. Leisurely hours on the beach, dolphin cruises and hours of eating, shopping and relaxing hold no interest for these adventurous types. That’s no problem when a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast is in the works. Adventures can be found by land, by sea and by air, all by visiting the local tourism website. By land, check out one of the amusement parks in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. There are bumper cars to help work off some energy, go-carts to fill that “need for speed? and, at The Track on Gulf Shores Parkway, there’s the Skycoaster to satisfy the true daredevil. The Skycoaster simulates skydiving as brave souls strap themselves into a harness and free-fall 110 feet at speeds reaching up to 70 miles per hour. If that’s not enough to get your heart pounding, visit the Gulf Coast Zoo — “The Little Zoo That Could? — to see and potentially interact with hundreds of species. Or, make the short trek to Alligator Alley, where more than 150 alligators can be seen in natural habitats. Check out “Captain Crunch,? a 13-foot-long gator that holds the world record for bite strength, and “Big T,? the largest alligator in captivity. For the truly brave, there are even opportunities to feed the gators. (This is a good place for a reminder: These alligators are in a controlled habitat, and visitors’ interaction is monitored by trained professionals. Never, ever approach, feed or attempt to interact with an alligator in the wild.) Once you’ve checked out what there is to do on land, it’s time to check out your aquatic options ? and they are legion. You can opt for above-the-surface thrills such as personal watercraft rides, sailing or kayaking, or you can visit Waterville USA, a 20-acre amusement park. With waterslides named “Black Widow,? “Screamin’ Demon? and “Triple Dog Dare,? thrill-seekers are sure to find something to make them gasp, squeal and pant. Diving excursions can take you under the blue Gulf waters to see amazing vistas. And finally, there’s air. Several companies offer parasailing excursions, where visitors can glide above the waves and sand and take in the sights from hundreds of feet in the air. If there’s an adventurer in your group , check out www.thebeachiscalling.org. About the author April Boone lives and works on the Alabama Gulf Coast. She frequently takes her nephews to the zoo to visit with the lions and tigers and wolves.
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