Top 5 Fabulous Waterfront Experiences in Fairhope, AL

Fairhope, AL's beautiful waterfront on Mobile Bay has long captured the attention of travelers looking for a place to soak in the peace that being near water gives each of us. Ever since Jim and I became resident owners of Jubilee Suites in 2018, we awake each morning filled with gratitude for our spectacular views of Mobile Bay from almost every point on the property. Each day, we look forward to the magnificent sunsets, new every evening, that signal day is done and done well. There is nothing more healing than to sit and relax while we watch the sun slowly set in the west over the Bay. The shorebirds, ospreys, and pelicans are soaring overhead, fishing for their last catch of the day. The evening air grows cooler, and we love seeing our guests unwind around the fire pit. We always say, spend 3 nights with us, and you'll go home deeply in tune with the rhythms of nature, refreshed and rejuvenated body and soul.

We'd like to help you enter our world ready to indulge as soon as you arrive. Read on for our suggestions for five of the most fabulous waterfront experiences in the Fairhope area, all designed for deep renewal. Once you've booked your suite, be sure to book one of these water experiences right away because each of them fills up quickly. Contact us anytime with questions about your reservation or any of our guest experiences designed to help you create lasting memories.

For the epitome of luxurious peace, there's no experience quite like a sunset cruise on Mobile Bay with Eastern Shore Charters. See Fairhope the way it was meant to be seen—from the water. This relaxing sunset cruise takes place aboard “Tootsie,” a quiet electric boat that accommodates up to six passengers as it glides across Mobile Bay and nearby waterways. Guests board at either Fly Creek Marina, home to Sunset Pointe restaurant, just five minutes from Jubilee Suites, or at the Fairhope Pier, depending on the cruise experience you choose. Cruises start at $85 per passenger (up to six total) and include a variety of sunset and non-sunset cruises, both public and private. All are best enjoyed March through November when the weather is mild and inviting. Bring your own beverages and snacks—alcohol is permitted for guests 21+.  All safety equipment and life jackets are provided, so you'll simply sit back and enjoy the views as your Captain carries you far away from the cares of being landbound. Whether you're an avid boating fan or a first-time adventurer, Eastern Shore Charters curates an unforgettable experience, tailored to your preferences. You'll glide effortlessly across the sparkling waters of Mobile Bay, taking in the coastline images and the ever-changing colors of the sky as the sun begins to set slowly and completely over the horizon to yield a twilight of glorious color most evenings. Book online with Eastern Shore Charters and select “Tootsie” along with one of the options for the type of cruise you prefer. Note that sometimes weather conditions may require rescheduling or cancellation.

For the traveler looking for an action-packed adventure, there's nothing like a private fishing charter where a seasoned local boat captain welcomes you aboard his charter boat for an unforgettable day fishing the waters of Mobile Bay, Weeks Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico. Depending on the season, you may reel in favorites like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, snapper, or grouper—perfect for a fresh Gulf Coast dinner. The captain's deep knowledge of the area ensures you'll be taken out into the day's ideal fishing grounds, where you'll receive one-on-one help to catch the best of whatever is in season. All equipment and a fishing license are included in the price of each charter. Be sure to choose a private charter that caters to no more than 6 passengers, which makes for a personal experience and one where you'll feel like family at the end of the day. Beyond the thrill of the catch, the journey into the waters of the area allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, perhaps see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and experience a profound emotional reset after a day on the water. With the captain's skill and a bit of luck, you can take home a cooler full of fresh fish to enjoy that evening or to ship home to stock your freezer.  Inshore trips are available year-round, while deep-sea excursions typically run from March through November. Because trips fill quickly, please call us to help you book as soon as your suite reservation is complete, at least a week in advance. Weather conditions may sometimes require rescheduling or cancellation.

Chartering a guided eco-tour through the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is an extraordinary journey into the heart of natural wonder. There are both group tours and private charters available from a variety of boat captains, and you can't go wrong with any of them. If you're traveling to Fairhope, an eco-tour is the perfect way to truly understand the monumental importance of the delta regions north of Mobile Bay to our quality of life in Fairhope. Your knowledgeable captain will guide his boat gently along the meandering waterways as lush vegetation surrounds you. The sounds of civilization gradually disappear, creating a unique sensory experience you'll always remember. You'll hear fascinating insights about the diverse ecosystem, watch rare bird species, identify ancient cypress trees, see vast marshes of seasonal blooms, and view more alligators than you can even imagine! The intense quiet and serenity of the Delta calm your soul, as you gradually unwind in the presence of the untouched beauty of the landscape. A guided boat tour in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta will leave you, as it does us, with a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem that Ben Raines, one of our most famous local guides and authors, calls "America's Amazon". These trips fill especially quickly, even months in advance, so don't hesitate to call us to help you book when your suite reservations are complete.

Fairhope is a vibrant small town that can take days to fully explore- all the art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and the music scene can add up to a wonderful vacation for the curious tourist. But for a complete understanding of the Fairhope culture, you must get out onto the water. The ultimate coastal date or small-group experience combines a private sightseeing cruise with a beautifully styled picnic on the water. Begin by booking the “Private Picnic Cruise” with Eastern Shore Charters, then add the "Boat Picnic Package" through Southern Charm Picnic Company. Your cruise takes place aboard “Tootsie,” a quiet 22-foot electric boat gliding across Mobile Bay. The onboard picnic includes a balloon garland, floral arrangement, charcuterie boards, water and ice, full table décor and settings, pillows for every guest, cozy blankets, and an Instax camera with 10 exposures to capture the moment. Your captain will pick you up at one of the local marinas, and after that, all you have to do is relax and enjoy. Best enjoyed March through November.

Embark on a nature adventure like no other with a kayak or paddleboard tour of Mobile Bay from our private beach. We love to kayak at dawn to watch the sunrise, the birds fishing, and schools of fish jumping all around us. The sunset is also an ideal time to enjoy a scenic paddle for a truly spectacular experience—complimentary and included with your stay. Take an immersive journey through calm and shallow waters along the shore. This is a trip available to families with children and anyone with an average level of mobility. All equipment is provided, including kayaks for one or two, paddleboards, and life jackets, which are required for children under age 9. We usually paddle for 60 - 90 minutes, but the length of your trip is entirely up to you. Ask us for insights about the bay's unique ecosystem, and you'll soon be pointing out rare bird species, playful dolphins, and other fascinating marine life that call Mobile Bay home. If you're lucky and in just the right place at the right time, you might even catch a "jubilee," a rare phenomenon that happens here every year and reliably nowhere else. As you glide through the gentle waves, the tranquility of the Bay envelops you, creating a profound sense of well-being and connection with nature. After your trip, retreat to the comfort of your suite at Jubilee Suites, where you can relax in coastal luxury with a new appreciation of the picturesque views from your suite and the wonders of Mobile Bay.

Opened in early 2018, Jubilee Suites Boutique B&B is a beautifully restored hotel built in the 1940s. We offer 9 completely renovated and individually-decorated family-size suites for families, couples, small groups, wedding guests and wedding parties, and business travelers for vacations, romantic getaways, intimate events, girls’ trips, corporate retreats, and more. Each morning, we serve a full made-to-order breakfast in our Bay View great room and porch looking out over the shimmering waters of Mobile Bay. Each of our suites also includes a fully-equipped, full-size kitchen or kitchenette for creating snacks or meals "at home". We also love to offer suggestions for restaurants and local activities sure to please. For more information, contact us with this form or simply call. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you this year!

Dana and Jim Maloney

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