Floating along on my inner tube past the rides and slides on
Waterville USA’s Crystal River is
my idea of a relaxing time in the sun. The lush tropical setting of this soothing
ride even includes a refreshing waterfall to cool off when a splash is just what
I need. Of course most of the waterpark visitors are scurrying around to
capture the thrills of the 17 water slides, the wave pool and Flowrider but I’m
perfectly content to relax on the 1/3 mile of lazy river that never ends.
But the waterpark is not the only opportunity to relax on a
lazy river on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. In fact, there are now eight condominium
resorts featuring this family-friendly amenity. Here’s my guide to your coastal
lazy river adventure:
FOUR GULF FRONT LAZY
RIVERS
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| Turquoise Place |
Turquoise Place
is the address for luxury on the coast, so it’s quite natural that a
450-foot lazy river is a featured amenity at this upscale Orange Beach resort.
No doubt the entire family will savor the experience of the peaceful,
slow-moving waters overlooking the bright white sands and gorgeous blue waters
of the gulf beach from this unique vantage point.
Phoenix West
provides an upscale, spacious backdrop for beachside fun and relaxation with its
lazy river that includes an exciting slide and overlooks the sugar-white beach
in Orange Beach.
Phoenix West II is
the newest addition to coastal condominiums in Alabama and just like its sister
property a lazy river with a waterslide is a feature of this luxurious resort.
Pools and hot tubs complete the beachfront amenities that provide a world-class
view.
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| Crystal Tower |
Crystal Tower
is quite exceptional since the actual condo dwellings are situated on the north
side of West Beach Boulevard along the coast in Gulf Shores. No worries about
crossing from the condo to the beach since an air conditioned pedestrian bridge
delivers you directly to the pool, hot tub and the largest lazy river on Alabama’s
Gulf Coast. So you have the views and advantage of gulf-front amenities and
your accommodations are priced a little lower than the gulf-front rental rate.
THREE LAZY RIVERS ON
THE BAY
Caribe Resort built
its 18-inch deep, 980-foot-long lazy river to the upper deck, where you’ll also
find more pools and slides for the young and the young at heart. Located where
Ole River intersects with Terry Cove at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, you have
the opportunity to pick your view of the calm, backwaters to the north of the
resort or the sand and surf of the gulf to the south. In fact there’s even a
shuttle when you are ready to trek over to the gulf beach. I guess you could
say it’s the best of both worlds.
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| Phoenix on the Bay |
Phoenix on the Bay
I offers an opportunity to slide into a water-filled adventure where
you can experience spectacular views of Terry Cove from the lazy river at this
beautiful resort in Orange Beach.
Phoenix on the Bay
II is another choice for family fun on the lazy river ride where the
waterfront views of picturesque Terry Cover in Orange Beach are never boring.
ONE LAZY RIVER ON THE
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
The Wharf
rises above the Intracoastal Waterway with its bustling marina, boutique
shopping, exhilarating night life, movie theatre, thrilling ferris wheel, excellent seafood restaurants and an
amphitheater bringing popular entertainment to our coast. A tram conveniently
moves you and your family from the condo buildings along the waterfront to the inland
Oasis at The Wharf. There you will not only find the lazy river, complete with
a waterslide, but also a zero-entry pool, lagoon pool with waterfalls and even
a sandy beach at Hammock Island at this charming Orange Beach destination.
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| Oasis at The Wharf |
Even though the waterpark at Waterville USA closes at the
end of summer, the adventures along our beautiful coast extend year-round. I
hope this lazy river guide will assist you to find your piece of paradise by searching properties with lazy rivers.
See you at the beach.
