Sharks, The Duke and a Lighthouse, Oh My

The water on Dauphin Island was very murky the week we visited.  The captain of the Duke told us that they never get very clear water down there but that week was exceptionally bad, and was related to the crazy tides they were having.  This brought on the conversation of sharks. I get a bit scared when I can't see my feet in the water.  I will swim in creeks, ponds, and lakes with murky water back home where I am sure there are no alligators or sharks, but NOT oceans.

What is it?  Shark or Dolphin???!!!  We had seen so many dolphins while swimming, beachcombing, and enjoying the beach; however, none of them acted like this. 

"The Duke"

Wishing us farewell as we leave the Marina

 These two are enjoying the ride

 
While we were on the boat, we visited the lighthouse.  He informed us that the water is around 26 feet deep around the lighthouse and only 8-10 feet in depth in the bay. Near the lighthouse, the Captain told us that it is a major hangout for bull, tiger, and black tip sharks.  He also said that it is an excellent place for fishing.  I was amazed at the current.  We were told it was about 10 knots.  It looked very dangerous.  The lighthouse was built in 1838, was rebuilt in 1873 and then taken out of usage in 1933.  The lighthouse used to have a sand walkway to get there but Hurricane Katrina wiped it out.  Now it stands alone.  It is a federal offense to step foot on the rocks because the town does not want it vandalized. 

 You can see the current around the lighthouse.  It was pretty strong!

Up close view.  Too bad this lighthouse is no longer lit.  I would imagine it would be a beautiful sight.

We had a ton of fun on The Duke.  After talking about sharks and seeing the lighthouse, it was time to put out some shrimp nets.  After the nets were put out, they were drug for about 15 minutes.  The nets were taken out and dumped onto a touch table.  All dangerous creatures were removed and all passengers were able to look at and even touch the catch.  There were so many starfish that we each came home with one to dry out and keep for ourselves.  There were plenty of small fish which the kids got to throw to the birds and dolphins.  There were some squid that inked all over the place and some hermit crabs.  Overall, it was a blast and the kids learned a ton about ocean life. 

 

My family with my brother and his girlfriend on the tour

 The birds were hanging around to catch some of our catch from the shrimp nets

 Lots of interesting finds in the nets

 Squid!

 Our Starfish

 Sea anemone

 Dolphins were hanging around waiting on the kids to throw over some of our catch

Overall, I highly recommend this tour.  If we would have done it earlier in the week, I would have booked the fishing tour and the sunset tours with them as well.  Overall, they had excellent customer service.  One thing I would have liked is if they had waters and snacks for sale.  We had to bring our own.  To reach them for pricing and booking, go to www.actionoutdoors.org 

XOXO...Becky