Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Yesterday we upheld a tradition that has been in place for well over a decade: the annual flyover of the Islands of Perdido on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The goal, as always, was to capture the local boating scene from an aerial perspective. This year we had the added bonus of capturing the Inaugural Nest Fest hosted by the City of Orange Beach (read more about Nest Fest).

We met with our pilot, Luke Horan, at the Lost Bay Helicopters hanger at the Gulf Shores Airport just before 2:00 p.m. The forecast was for mostly sunny skies and the forecasters pegged it. It was a beautiful day for flying, and boating. 

The aerial photos provide a glimpse into the variety of boats that gather around the islands. From the smallest paddleboards to the largest yachts, each vessel contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the Orange Beach boating community.

In addition to showcasing all the boats, the photos also capture the islands themselves, and how they’ve changed from previous years. The patches of greenery set against the sugar-white sands serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of the northern Gulf Coast.