Arriving at the white sandy shores along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you pick the perfect spot on the beach, set up your umbrella command station, lay out a few beach towels, and douse the kids in sunscreen. Within minutes, watching the lapping waves offers relaxation and serenity from the hustle and bustle of life at last. Now, it’s time to crack open the cooler for an ice-cold drink to go with your latest novel while the kiddos splash and play with your better half for a while… OR you could take a fun, family-friendly lesson from the professional sandcastle creators at Sand Castle University!
Build Sandcastles Like a Pro
Remember building sandcastles as a kid…and somehow any structure larger than your biggest bucket always turned out like a Jackson Pollock? Say goodbye to titling towers, collapsing castles, and confused looks from your friends and family and say hello to beautifully sound sand art with Sand Castle University.
Before asking why you’ve never heard of an accredited university for building sandcastles or how you can earn a master’s in the art of sandcastle creations, this playful service is just for fun — the perfect addition to your seaside family vacation or coastal getaway with friends. Learn tips and tricks from people who play in the sand for a living and build the best sandcastle you’ve ever made on your breezy beach retreat in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, or Gulf Shores, Alabama!
Can anyone really learn to build an amazing sandcastle or sand animal in just one or 2 hours? With the right instructor, yes! Just check out these SCU alumni photos! When you book a class with Sand Castle University, your instructor will lead you step by step and answer any questions you may have while working on your sandy creation. After carrying buckets of water, shoveling and manuevering in the sand, sculpting art, and hanging out under the sun for a while, you’ll look up to something totally worth it — and make fun memories along the way!
Book a Class with Sand Castle University
Offering all lessons at Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach year-round, Sand Castle Univeristy sends your instructor to meet you at the beach location of your choice. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate, so it’s perfect for any group. Their private lessons are ideal for families, friends, coworkers, and teammates as a memorable experience to help everyone let loose and learn a new skill.
Have special circumstances? Let them know ahead of time so they can work to accommodate your sandcastle class. Prices vary by your group size and class chosen. Those who prefer to watch and not participate, plus children under 3, are not included in your group count. Lessons are offered at 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. each day. Photos and videos are encouraged! And you can purchase a gift card so others can share in your unique experience on the shores of Alabama.
Sand Castle 101 | Beginner
Introducing you to the art of building sandcastles, this intro class welcomes all ages and skill levels to participate in this 1-hour session.
Price: $150-250 (1-15 participants)
Sand Castle 201 | Intermediate
Ready to advance your skills and build bigger sandcastles with multiple towers and even great attention to detail — like spiral staircases, crafted windows, and landscaping? This intermediate sand castle course is for you! Ages 8+ are recommended for this 2-hour class.
Price: $250-350 (1-15 participants)
Sea Creature | All Skill Levels
A brand-new class offered at Sand Castle University, this 1-hour session teaches you how to make sea creatures! All ages and skill levels are welcome to sculpt a timid turtle, stubborn crab, or adventurous octopus — with assistance from your instructor.
Price: $150-250 (1-15 participants)
Bad Weather + Cancellations
If the weather forecast predicts rain, high winds, extreme heat or cold, or storms for your sandcastle building session, your instructor will let you know, and you can reschedule. Should the weather change course for the worst during your session, your class may be delayed (up to 20 min) or canceled. No cancellation fees are implemented in these circumstances.
Cancellations for any other reason must be made within 48 hours, and a $50 cancellation fee may be charged.
What’s Provided & What to Bring
All equipment needed to build sandcastles and sand creatures is provided by Sand Castle University. All you need to bring are normal beach necessities for your group and creative imaginations!
Tools Provided
- Water buckets
- Plastic shovel (no holes)
- Measuring spoons
- Straws
- Offset pallet knife or pastry spatula
- Hard plastic serving spatula
- Chip brush
- Reformed trash can/bucket (castle molds)
- Lubricant (to prevent sand from sticking)
What to Bring
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Cash tips (if desired)
Order Custom Sand Sculptures
Along with fun sandcastle building lessons, Sand Castle University can send their best sand artists to create custom sand sculptures for your Gulf Coast event in Alabama. Their stunning pieces can be used for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, corporate logos, marketing events, seasonal festivals, or other special occasions. Along with a great photo op, a gorgeous work of art made of sand will be the talk of your event!
Alabama Vacation Rentals with Beach Access
Stay at a beachfront cottage with ocean views or opt for a condo with beach access when you stay with Alabama CFY. We offer Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals near Alabama beaches with homey conveniences, relaxing amenities, plus resort extras — like swimming pools, picnic areas with grills, and paths straight to the beach. Plus, when you stay close to the beach, you’ll be able to meet your Sand Castle University instructor in minutes.
Book YOUR unforgettable beach vacation, build lovely sandcastles — and make memories with family and friends — with Sand Castle University!
