SPANISH FORT, Ala.—A still pristine Mobile-Tensaw River Delta will be on view for passengers on Blakeley State Park’s eco-tour boat, the Delta Explorer, when it embarks on a special tour of the Delta and the busy Port of Mobile July 14.

The popular three-hour tour includes the wildlife areas of the Delta, site of the tragic Amtrak train wreck at Bayou Canot, traditional site of the sinking of the last slave ship, the Clotilde, and the working port of Mobile with its state docks, ship building and repair and a steady stream of work boats and tugs on the Mobile River.

The tour leaves the Blakeley dock on the Tensaw River at 9:30 a.m. returning at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are on a first come-first serve basis or can be reserved in advance by calling the park at 251-626-5581 and paying with major credit cards. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children 6-12 and free to children 4-5.

Piloting the Delta Explorer on that tour will be experienced Captain Steve Day. Narrating and assisting as crewmate will be Blakeley wildlife biologist Thomas Harms. Sometimes referred to as the “state docks tour”, the cruise was initiated by Blakeley State Park three years ago and remains one of the most popular outings along the coast.

“If you want to see alligators snoozing in the sun, osprey fishing for the family dinner, remote areas of the Delta accessed only by boat and then add to that the excitement of tugs churning up and down the Mobile River this tour is as environmentally exciting as it gets”, said Jo Ann Flirt, Blakeley Park director. “We have repeat customers who bring back relatives and friends so it must be special”, she added.

Blakeley Park is located on State Highway 225 about 4.5 miles north of Spanish Fort. Tour passengers need to arrive at the park’s front gate by at least 9 a.m. to allow time for boarding. The boat ticket price includes unlimited visiting in the park that day and many visitors bring lunches to be enjoyed in the park’s picnic area. Only bottled water is allowed on the boat.

The docks tour and regular Delta tours may be chartered by groups. For more information call Joyce Walker at 251-626-0798.