Whether you own a boat or not, the waterways of the Alabama Gulf Coast are ready to welcome you. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the surrounding areas provide the ideal boat-friendly destination for both visitors and locals. Boating enthusiasts can explore tranquil bays, picturesque islands, and even deep-water offshore fishing spots.
Where to Stay
Alabama’s coastline is a haven for boaters, offering a variety of homes, condos, and land ideal for water enthusiasts. You can choose from condos with boat slips or beach houses featuring private piers for easy docking. While some properties offer complimentary boat slips, others may require a small fee, so it’s important to confirm trailer storage and boat slip availability with rental management before booking your stay.
Dining by Boat
You’ll find no shortage of boat-friendly eateries along the waterways surrounding Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Cruise to popular waterfront spots such as Tacky Jacks, Cobalt, and Flora-Bama Yacht Club for a relaxed meal on the water. In Gulf Shores, LuLu’s is a favorite stop for boaters. Many marinas, such as The Wharf Marina, offer transient slips for boaters to dock, dine, and enjoy entertainment onshore.
Restaurants in the Orange Beach Area with Boat Parking
- Zeke’s Restaurant – Orange Beach
- Flora-Bama Ole River Grill – Orange Beach
- Flora-Bama Lounge – Orange Beach
- Flora-Bama Yacht Club – Orange Beach
- LuLu’s Gulf Shores – Gulf Shores
- GTs On The Bay – Orange Beach
- Tacky Jacks – Orange Beach
- Tacky Jacks – Fort Morgan
- Tacky Jack’s – Gulf Shores
- Cobalt the Restaurant – Orange Beach
- Tiki Bar at Safe Harbor Sportsman – Orange Beach
- OSO at Bear Point Harbor – Orange Beach
- Avenue Pub – Orange Beach
- Pirate’s Cove – Elberta
- Sunset Grille – Perdido Key
- Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina – Perdido Key
Wildlife to Watch for While Boating
The Gulf Coast is home to a wide range of marine life. When you’re out on the water, keep an eye out for:
- Dolphins: Often seen playing near boats, especially around Ono Island and Robinson Island.
- Sea Turtles: These endangered creatures sometimes surface near boaters, especially during nesting season.
- Pelicans and Seabirds: Along the shores and islands, you’ll spot various species of birds such as pelicans, ospreys, and herons.
If you’re bringing your boat, there are plenty of boat launches in the area, including those in Fort Morgan, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. Make sure to map out marinas along your route to refuel, as marine gas is readily available across the region.
Boat Launches
- Boggy Point Launch- Orange Beach
- The Launch- Orange Beach
- Cotton Bayou Launch- Orange Beach
- Fort Morgan Launch- Gulf Shores
- The Pines Boat Launch- Gulf Shores
- Canal Park Boat Ramp- Gulf Shores
- Lagoon Park Launch- Gulf Shores
- Mo’s Landing Park & Boat Launch. Gulf Shores.
- Josephine Park- Josephine
- Palmetto Creek- Elberta
- Pirate’s Cove- Elberta
- Lillian Boat Launch and Park – Lillian
Marinas
- Bear Point Harbor
- Caribe Marina & Watersports
- Flora-Bama Marina and Watersports
- Happy Harbor Marina
- Hudson Marina
- Orange Beach Marina and Watersports, LLC
- Reel Surprise Marina
- Romar Marina
- Saunders Marine Center
- Sportsman Marina
- The Wharf Marina
- Zeke’s Landing Marina
Exploring Unique Boating Spots
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores boast several scenic destinations that are perfect for boating. Some must-visit spots include:
Robinson Island & Bird Island: Just 30 yards away from Bird Island sits Robinson Island. Like its neighbor, this island is a popular hangout spot for boaters. Robinson Island is named after a family of settlers who were some of the first to live in the area. Lush with vegetation, it offers a tranquil setting for sightseeing and exploring. These islands, purchased by the City of Orange Beach, are nature reserves that offer shallow waters perfect for anchoring and swimming. These quiet havens are ideal for a peaceful day surrounded by wildlife.
Bird Island Located just north of the Perdido Pass Bridge, Bird Island is a boater’s paradise. During the summer, it’s lined with boats of both visitors and locals looking for fun in the sun. The island is also a haven for a variety of coastal bird species, so keep your eyes peeled for herons, egrets, and pelicans. Pull up to the island or anchor nearby and enjoy wading in the water or hanging on the shore.
Walker Island A sanctuary for native and migratory birds, Walker Island is located just east of Bird and Robinson Island. It acts as a refuge for waterfowl, and its grass beds attract crab, shrimp, and several fish species. A relaxing stroll on this island will reveal its natural wonders to visitors.
Ono Island: This private, exclusive island offers stunning views of luxury homes and quiet canals, perfect for a scenic boat ride. You might even spot dolphins swimming nearby.
Sand Island Lighthouse: Located near Dauphin Island and accessible from the Fort Morgan boat ramp, this historic lighthouse is a favorite spot for boaters. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins on your way there!
Dauphin Island: This is a great all-day boating destination for relaxing on the public beach or exploring the historic forts along the coast.
We know you’re on island time while you’re here, but remember that these protected islands are an essential part of the ecosystem of Alabama’s Beaches. When visiting, please take all your belongings with you and do not disturb wildlife. Swim with caution and be aware of watercraft in the area.
Boating Safety Tips
Whether you’re an experienced boater or a first-timer, safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential boating tips for a safe and enjoyable day on the water:
- Wear Life Jackets Make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest. Life vests should always be within reach, and children under 8 must wear them at all times.
- Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: Gulf waters can change quickly with pop-up storms, so always check the weather before heading out and avoid venturing too far offshore if the weather looks unpredictable.
- Don’t Overload Your Boat: Boats have a weight limit, so be sure to follow the capacity guidelines to avoid capsizing.
- Follow No-Wake and Idle-Speed Zones: In busy areas like Terry Cove and Ole River, follow the no-wake and idle-speed rules to keep yourself and others safe.
For those unfamiliar with Alabama boating laws, it’s important to note:
- Boat Operator Licensing: Alabama law requires anyone operating a motorized boat to have a valid Alabama Boating License. Visitors can get a temporary license or show proof of boater safety certification from their home state.
- Navigation Rules: Make sure to understand and follow the local waterway markers and boating traffic rules, especially in high-traffic areas such as Perdido Pass.
Fishing
For anglers, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers plenty of fishing opportunities:
- Inshore Fishing: Try the calm waters around Mobile Bay or the back bays of Orange Beach, where you can catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
- Deep-Sea Fishing: Venture offshore to the Gulf of Mexico, where you can reel in species like snapper, king mackerel, and tuna. Many marinas offer charter fishing trips if you don’t have a boat equipped for deep-sea adventures.
- Pier and Shore Fishing: If you don’t have access to a boat, you can still enjoy fishing from public piers like the Gulf State Park Pier, or try surf fishing along the beaches.
Plan for your next family fishing vacation to make sure you get access to all of the fish you’re looking for. Get insight into the best time of the year to visit depending on the fishing season and where you plan on fishing, whether inshore, offshore, or nearshore. Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach won’t disappoint, as you get access to various fish, from king mackerels and Spanish mackerels to red snappers and groupers, depending on the season.
Fishing Charters
Head offshore or cruise the back bays to find your catch this fishing season. Going after sailfish is only one of the angling thrills that await you on your visit to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. From bluewater fishing to cruising the back bays for snapper, the angling possibilities are endless.
Fishing is a year-round sport along the shores of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here’s a list of what’s biting and what’s in season.
Follow the link below to see more about the different fishing seasons along the Gulf of Mexico.
https://www.gulfshores.com/fishing/fishing-seasons/
When you head offshore along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the variety of game fish is impressive, offering both seasoned anglers and beginners plenty of action. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to catch:
Offshore Fishing (Bluewater)
- Snapper: A favorite for its abundance and taste.
- Yellowfin Tuna: Known for its incredible flavor and a popular target.
- Blackfin Tuna: A strong fighter that will dive deep when hooked.
- Grouper: Found near deepwater structures and reefs.
- Wahoo: A fast swimmer and one of the hardest fighters in the Gulf.
- Amberjack: Another strong fish, great for sport fishing.
- Black Drum: Often found near the bottom, a tough and hefty catch.
- Cobia: A migratory species often found close to the surface.
- Jack Crevalle: Known for its strong fight, a popular game fish.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin): A colorful fish that provides exciting action.
- Tripletail: Often found near floating debris or buoys.
For those after a true trophy catch, the blue marlin reigns as the ultimate game fish, with its smaller cousin, the white marlin, and the agile Atlantic sailfish also present in the deeper Gulf waters.
Inshore Fishing (Back Bays & Estuaries)
- Speckled & White Trout: Aggressive biters that can make for a fun, fast-paced day.
- Flounder: Typically found around piers and structures, with a distinctive flat shape.
- Redfish: A prized shallow-water fighter known for its power and endurance.
- Mackerel: A warm-water fish that’s often abundant near the coastline.
- Cobia (Crab Eaters: Frequently caught just off the beaches as they migrate.
Each type of fishing offers a unique experience, with inshore waters providing calm, scenic angling and offshore waters bringing thrilling battles with some of the Gulf’s top sport fish. Whether you’re casting lines near the shore or heading out to the deep blue, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a fishing paradise.
As your boating adventure comes to a close, remember that the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation on the water. Whether you’re setting sail for a day of fishing, cruising to a waterfront restaurant, or simply soaking in the stunning coastal views, this is a destination that keeps calling you back. So, grab your sunscreen, your favorite crew, and enjoy all the Gulf has to offer. Safe travels and happy boating!
