1-877-861-3992

Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals

Getting across Mobile Bay from Dauphin Island is a breeze via the Mobile Bay Ferry. Board the Dauphin Island ferry near your Boardwalk Realty vacation rental and take a quick trip across the bay to Fort Morgan. Skip the interstate and take a scenic 45-minute trip along the Gulf Coast, viewing birds, sea life, and ships along the way. Read on to learn more about the ferry schedule, pricing, and things to do once you arrive!

Schedule for the Dauphin Island Ferry

The Dauphin Island ferry connects Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan at Mobile Point, operating seven days a week. Ferry schedules change throughout the year due to weather or maintenance issues. Two ferries bring passengers across Mobile Bay: the Fort Morgan and the Marissa Mae Nicole. One ferry operates year-round, and both operate during the busier summer months. We recommend heading to the loading docks 30 minutes to one hour before departure:

  • Depart from the Dauphin Island Loading Dock on 112 Bienville Blvd,
  • Return from the Fort Morgan Loading Dock at 110 AL-180 in Gulf Shores 

Please call 251-861-3000 or check Facebook for updated information on ferry schedules. 

Ferry Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for the Mobile Bay Ferry are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket cost is per person plus vehicle, and people are free on same-day returns as long as they have their receipts. If you have a vehicle over 21 feet long, please call ahead to ensure they can accommodate your vehicle. In general, prices are as follows:

  • Drivers, Passengers, and Pedestrians: $6
  • Children 3 and under: Free
  • Dogs: Free
  • Vehicles, Trailers, & RVS Under 22 Feet One Way: $15
  • Vehicles, Trailers, & RVS Over 22 Feet One Way: $20
  • Motorcycles One Way: $7

Read through Frequently Asked Questions for more information about taking the Dauphin Island Ferry! 

Things to Do Near Fort Morgan

Once you have crossed Mobile Bay, the ferry will drop you off at Fort Morgan, where you can start your journey learning about local history. After visiting the Fort, we recommend checking out the top attractions of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, such as:

Plan Your Alabama Getaway on Dauphin Island

The Dauphin Island Ferry offers the perfect gateway to adventures throughout Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Visit the Gulf Coast with Boardwalk Realty and browse our collection of over 40 vacation rentals on Dauphin Island. Whether you are looking for a couples retreat or a family getaway, we have something for everyone. Check out our Alabama vacation rental specials and book your stay on Dauphin Island today!

When you vacation on Dauphin Island, not only do you have access to exceptional beaches and activities on the island, but you are also a stone’s throw away from some of the top attractions on the Gulf Coast! Boardwalk Realty invites you to plan an Alabama day trip from your Dauphin Island vacation rental to Mobile, Gulf Shores, Biloxi, or Pensacola. Whether you are interested in local history, exploring the great outdoors, or family-friendly amusement parks, there is something for everyone to discover on the Gulf Coast:

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, Alabama, is just a 40-minute drive north of Dauphin Island on Highway 193. Once you have arrived in Alabama’s oldest city, we recommend checking out these top attractions in Mobile:

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Getting to Gulf Shores is easy with the Mobile Bay Ferry, transporting passengers from Dauphin Island to Mobile Point. The ferry will drop you off at Fort Morgan, where you can explore this National Historic Site before heading out to explore what Gulf Shores has to offer:

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi, Mississippi, is just over an hour from Dauphin Island on Interstate 10, offering the perfect Alabama day trip from your vacation rental. The city is best known for its eight first-class casino resorts, where you can enjoy endless games and entertainment!

Pensacola, Florida

Make the one-hour-and-a-half drive from Dauphin Island to Pensacola and experience the attractions of the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle:

Book Your Dauphin Island Vacation Rental Today

After your Alabama day trip, return to your Dauphin Island vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty. We offer over 40 vacation rentals ranging from two to six bedrooms to accommodate groups of all sizes. Save on your Dauphin Island getaway with our vacation specials, and plan your trip to the Gulf Coast today!

Are you looking for romantic getaways in Alabama off the beaten path? Look no further than Dauphin Island, a small Gulf Coast island known for its white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, and abundant wildlife. Choose Boardwalk Realty to host your getaway and find the perfect vacation rental to host you and your special someone! 

Spend Time at Dauphin Island Beaches

No romantic getaway in Alabama is complete without spending time at our Dauphin Island beaches! Spend your days swimming, suntanning, and strolling along the beach at sunset. If you want to explore our Gulf Coast waters, we recommend renting watersport equipment with SaltyDog Watersport Rentals.

Embark on a Romantic Sunset Cruise

Embark on a romantic sunset cruise at Dauphin Island Marina for a fantastic evening on the water. Watch a relaxing sunset, meet some marine life at the built-in touch tank aquarium, and keep an eye out for dolphins. If you want a private sunset tour, we recommend signing up for a trip with Finatics Fishing Charters. 

Learn About Marine Life and Birds

Dauphin Island is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Visit the Alabama Aquarium and learn about the coastal habitats of Alabama, featuring a living marsh boardwalk, visual exhibits, and interactive experiences. Then head to the Audobon Bird Sanctuary and enjoy fantastic birdwatching on Dauphin Island. 

Take the Mobile Bay Ferry for More Adventures

Dauphin Island offers a convenient gateway to even more Alabama adventures on the Mobile Bay Ferry. The ferry takes you from Fort Gaines to Fort Morgan at Mobile Point, offering the fastest access across Mobile Bay. Spend a day exploring the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Enjoy Dinner with Beautiful Sunset Views

Enjoy dinner with a sunset view at Islander’s Restaurant & Bar, Pirate’s Bar & Grill, or watch the sun paint the sky while enjoying a glass of wine at The Carriage. Or pick up a delicious meal at Dinner’s Ready, bring it back to your vacation rental, and enjoy the sunset from your own private deck.

Book Your Romantic Getaway in Alabama Today

Book your Alabama romantic getaway on Dauphin Island with Boardwalk Realty today! Our one-bedroom DI Time property is ideal for couples visiting the island, offering everything you need for your stay. Or gather a group and stay in one of our larger Dauphin Island vacation rentals that can accommodate up to 20 guests. 

Please contact us with any questions about booking your Dauphin Island getaway with Boardwalk Realty!

Although most of your time on Dauphin Island will be spent at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do during your vacation. Explore the Dauphin Island shopping scene and find the perfect souvenir for your Alabama getaway with Boardwalk Realty. Whether you are looking for Dauphin Island merch, locally made gifts, or original art, there is something for everyone!

Beach Planet

Visit Beach Planet for all your beach and souvenir needs! Their souvenir collection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, hats, and much more.

Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Gallery

Shop for local art at the Dauphin Island Art Gallery, including painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, and fine jewelry. The gallery represents more than 40 local artists, along with books by local authors and handmade gift items. 

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Gift Shop

After learning about the key habitats of coastal Alabama at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, visit the gift shop! Shop from various gifts, including t-shirts, jerseys, jewelry, reusable drinkware, backpacks, bags, patches, stickers, and plush animals. 

The Happy Octopus

Stop at The Happy Octopus, a locally owned beach boutique with something for everyone! Find apparel, accessories, and shoes for your unique style here. 

The Hippie Fish

The Hippie Fish is a new boutique on Dauphin Island, offering trendy clothing so you can look your best on vacation. They also feature jewelry, trinket dishes, ornaments, and paintings made by local artists. 

The Sandbox

The Sandbox has been providing Dauphin Island souvenirs for nearly 50 years! Stop in and bring a piece of Dauphin Island home with their decor and apparel. 

The Silver Pearl

The Silver Pearl is an independently owned gift shop offering home decor, apparel, and local art. Their t-shirts feature artwork designed by the owner and operator, along with cutting boards, notecards, matted prints, and more!

Plan Your Dauphin Island Getaway Today

Explore the Dauphin Island shopping scene and find the perfect souvenir for your Alabama getaway. Stay with Boardwalk Realty and choose from our Dauphin Island vacation rentals ranging from one to six bedrooms. Save money with our vacation deals and book your Dauphin Island vacation today!

Along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, you will find beautiful Dauphin Island, a popular destination for both vacationers and migratory birds alike. As a Globally Important Bird Area, Dauphin Island is among the top places in the country to witness fall and spring migrations! Boardwalk Realty invites birders to visit our coastal paradise and discover the diverse habitats that entice hundreds of species to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary. Pack your binoculars, grab your birding checklist, and start your birdwatching adventure today!

When to Go Birdwatching on Dauphin Island

Birdwatching can be enjoyed on Dauphin Island year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall migrations. 

The fall migration usually runs from mid-September through October and is a great time to see shorebirds. But, if you want to make the most of your birdwatching adventure, we recommend visiting in the spring, when neotropical birds fly across the Gulf of Mexico and seek shelter on Dauphin Island. This season lasts March-May and allows visitors to see more than 300 bird species during one visit. 

Take a look at this field checklist of birds of Dauphin Island before your visit!

Audobon Bird Sanctuary

The Audobon Bird Sanctuary is a 164-acre nature sanctuary and the best birding spot on Dauphin Island! The sanctuary is home to diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests, marshes, dunes, lakes, swamps, and beaches. Stroll through these ecosystems on the 1,000-foot-long boardwalk and keep an eye out for the neotropical migrants on Galliard Lake. Please read this brochure about the trail systems and bird sighting checklist before you visit the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary. 

More Birdwatching Spots in Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is also part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and offers several more fantastic birdwatching spots on the Bayou La Batre Loop: 

Plan Your Dauphin Island Birdwatching Getaway Today

Dauphin Island, Alabama, stands as a true haven for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers! Plan your getaway and spend time at the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, checking off birds from the checklist. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newcomer to the world of birdwatching, Boardwalk Realty has the perfect vacation rentals for your getaway!

DAUPHIN ISLAND WEATHER
Skip to content