Admiral Shellfish Company is a local oyster farm located in Fort Morgan, Alabama. They offer farm tours, distribute to local restaurants, and produce amazing local oysters. If you are looking for one of the most unique and fascinating things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast, this is it.
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Admiral Shellfish Co.
I took a really fascinating tour with Admiral Shellfish Co. in Fort Morgan learning about their oyster beds. If you haven't made it out to Fort Morgan for a tour, add it to your list. It is one of the most fascinating things I've done on the Gulf Coast.
Tours are booked on specific days so make sure to check the Admiral Shellfish Company website for tour dates.
Did you know a single adult oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water a day? Here are some of the incredible things I learned on the tour:
- Each oyster has its own "merroir" - a sea-driven flavor profile shaped by where it grows, similar to wine terroir
- They ship 20-25K oysters a week, including to Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, and St. Louis
- Oysters start as seed at just 1/16th of an inch - called spat! - and reach market size of 2 to 3.5 inches in about 6 to 8 months
- They plant 100-250K seed oysters in one planting, 6 to 8 times a year
- Oysters double in size every two weeks
- The farm uses triploid oysters, meaning they are sterile and won't compete with wild reefs
They are able to "shape" the oyster shell so the lid is flat and the body is a cup to hold the meat and oyster water.
Alabama has only 24 oyster farms, with 3 right here in Baldwin County. Admiral Shellfish Co. produces pleasantly salty, flavorful, fresh raw oysters for the premium half-shell market and distributes through Bon Secour Fisheries and Crimson Bay Seafood to restaurants across the region.
Why you will love Admiral Shellfish Co.
- One of only 24 oyster farms in Alabama, 3 in Baldwin County
- Behind-the-scenes look at a working Gulf Coast oyster farm
- Learn how a single adult oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water a day
- Fascinating education on oyster aquaculture from seed to market
- Learn about "merroir" - each oyster's unique sea-driven flavor profile
- Triploid oysters farmed to protect wild reef ecosystems
- Ships 20-25K oysters a week to restaurants across the Southeast
- One of the most unique and educational experiences on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Things to know when planning a visit to Admiral Shellfish Co
Address - Farm Address: 1237 HWY 180 Gulf Shores AL 36542
Reservations - Required. Site visits and tours must be scheduled in advance due to limited staff. All visitors must be accompanied by staff.
Important Note - Visitors are not able to handle gear or shellfish. All Alabama shellfish workers are required to watch a training video at Alabama Marine Resources. Call ahead to schedule viewing.
Accessibility - There are stairs to reach the boardwalk to the sandy beach.
Plus Size Seating - Tour seating is on a wooden bench that is comfortable
Dress Code/Suggestions - casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the tour
Parking - There is dirt road parking near the farm.
Fort Morgan Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Fort Morgan State Historic Site - Tour a Civil War era star fortification that played a major role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.
Best Things to Do in Fort Morgan, AL - A complete guide to the top attractions, beaches, dining, and adventures in Fort Morgan.
Fort Morgan Alabama Restaurants - A guide to the best dining options in Fort Morgan with waterfront views and fresh Gulf seafood.
Fort Morgan Fishing Pier - A great spot for fishing, birdwatching, and watching for marine life right next to Historic Fort Morgan.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
The Wharf Orange Beach - Shopping, dining, the giant Ferris wheel, live music, and more at Orange Beach's most popular entertainment destination.
Gulf State Park - Gorgeous beaches, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and camping along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - Tour the legendary WWII battleship and explore military aircraft and exhibits in Mobile, Alabama.
Flora-Bama - The legendary beach bar right on the Alabama-Florida state line. A Gulf Coast bucket list stop.
Annual Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - A month-by-month guide to festivals, events, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast all year long.
Bellingrath Gardens - Stunning gardens in Mobile, Alabama with incredible seasonal blooms and historic home tours.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Kids - The best family-friendly activities on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Spring Break - Everything you need to know to plan a spring break trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
BOLO Steak and Seafood - Orange Beach - A great steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Orange Beach.
What's New in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - New restaurants, attractions, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast, updated regularly.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties and Lucky Bird Vacations for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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