Weeks Bay is a coastal estuary located near Mobile Bay's eastern shore in Baldwin County, Alabama. It is a designated National Estuarine Research Reserve protecting over 9,000 acres of coastal habitats. The bay's tidal range is approximately 0.5 meters, indicating a noticeable but moderate tidal influence. Paddlers should be aware that Weeks Bay can get rough depending on wind conditions, as its open water is exposed to fetch. The primary access for non-motorized vessels is the Weeks Bay/Fish River Boat Ramp area, which features a very nice, separate kayak and canoe launch with rollers and hand straps. This launch is free and provides dedicated access, whereas previously paddlers had to compete with larger vessels at the motorboat ramp or navigate jagged rocks. A significant new feature is the ADA-compliant, adaptive kayak launch at the Weeks Bay Reserve, designed for inclusivity and safe entry and exit for paddlers with disabilities or mobility limitations. This launch is located at the Reserve's Visitor Center on Highway 98 between Fairhope and Foley, just west of the Fish River bridge. Another potential launch point is the View Point Boat Ramp near the mouth of Weeks Bay, which offers two launching lanes and a courtesy dock. The popular boat launch on Fish River provides access to both the river and the bay, though it may be subject to seasonal closures. A common one-way trip for paddlers with shuttle capability is to put in at a park on Fish River and take out at the Weeks Bay Reserve. The bay's tributaries, the Magnolia River and Fish River, offer additional kayaking opportunities. The area is known for its wetlands, marshes, forests, and a pitcher plant bog, with wildlife that includes rare species like the bald eagle. The Weeks Bay Resource Center sits at the mouth of Fish River, and its decks, pavilions, and a fishing pier are accessible to the public during daylight hours. The Reserve hosts events like the annual Pelican Paddle race and guided eco-tours. Insect repellent is recommended when visiting the area.