The Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab announced dates for the 2018 Summer Excursions. The excursions take visitors into the habitats studied by our marine scientists and students at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Choose a trip to the salt marsh or a walk along the beach, through the dunes, and into the maritime forest. 

During the Salt Marsh Excursion, our Estuarium educator will take you to the salt marsh on Dauphin Island to explore this fascinating coastal wetland which is critical to our 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. 

Salt marsh excursions are scheduled for June 14, June 28, July 12, July 19, and July 26.

The Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion takes you on a journey through the forest to the water's edge to learn about these vital habitats. Learn about the plants that Indians and colonists used, and keep an eye out for coastal animals such as the osprey, alligators, and dolphins. 

Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursions are scheduled for May 31, June 5, June 21, and July 3. 

Excursions start at the Estuarium at 9:45 a.m. on the scheduled day, and are expected to return by 12:15 p.m. The cost is $12 per person, and reservations are recommended as space is limited. To learn more or to reserve a spot, email summerexcursions@disl.org or call (251) 861-2141 ext. 7545.