SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Locals are finally starting to figure out what alligators understand instinctively: The only way to beat the summer heat on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is to cruise it in the dark.

In fact, response to 5 Rivers Delta Safaris’ "Gators After Dark" cruises has been so strong, a third cruise has been added to the lineup to accommodate the overflow.

The 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. cruises slated for June 10 and June 17 filled up so quickly, a third cruise has been scheduled for June 14, but only about six seats remain available.

"The first two are fully booked, so we added this one, but we’ll also have two more in July, we just haven’t set the dates yet," said Christian Aboud, president of 5 Rivers Delta Safaris’ parent company Wild Native Inc.

Of course, if you’d prefer to place just a little more distance between yourself and Mother Nature, Wild Native is also offering a "Sunset and Moonlight Paddle" from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 14 and a "Sunset Wine Cruise" from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 17.

Prices and seating vary depending on the cruise, but Aboud did say there’s currently space for about 10 more canoe and kayak enthusiasts to join the "Moonlight Paddle" and the wine cruise is not yet full. To register or for more information, call 251-259-8531.