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Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals

As a Globally Important Bird Area, Dauphin Island is one of the best places for birding in the Southeast. Plan a fall getaway on Dauphin Island and witness hundreds of birds take shelter on our island during the annual fall migration. Grab your binoculars and use the resources from Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries to find the best information on local birding spots, conservation efforts, and birding checklists. Bird watch from anywhere on the island or seek out the hot spots at East End, Pelican Point, or the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. With over 350 bird species reported here, birding on Dauphin Island is the perfect addition to your vacation with Boardwalk Realty. 

Dauphin Island Fall Migration

Birding on Dauphin Island is fantastic year-round, but the spring and fall migrations have been described as the “stuff of birding legend.” During the fall, shorebirds make a pit stop on Dauphin Island to prepare and get ready for their long trans-gulf flight. This results in a high diversity of species passing through, providing incredible birding opportunities. If you want to join local research efforts, you can sign up for Coastal Bird Banding through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary in October. 

Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries 

The non-profit organization Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries preserves the island’s valuable habitat and manages several protected places open to the public. Download the birding checklist and see how many birds you can check off while visiting these birding locales:

Pelican Point

Located just south and east of Fort Gaines, Pelican Point is a popular spot to see seabirds in the early morning or late afternoon. Look for birds on the beach, jetties, and the underbrush by the parking area. Common species here include black-bellied plover, ruddy turnstone, gulls, terns, and brown pelicans. 

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary offers 164 acres of phenomenal birding amidst woodlands, swamps, marshes, dunes, and beaches. Explore the sanctuary’s diverse habitats and spot migrating passerines in the oak grove and herons at Galliard Lake. 

Shell Mound Park

Visit Shell Mound Park for the best passerine bird watching on the island. Explore this 11-acre site and see migrant birds in the oak trees and native vegetation. Nearby, you can find even more fantastic passerine birding at Goat Tree Reserve and Cadillac Square. 

West End Park

Head to West End Park and walk along the beach to see large numbers of gulls, terns, shorebirds, and wading birds. See least terns and plovers in the dunes and shorebirds like reddish egrets in the tidal pools. 

Fall Vacation Rentals on Dauphin Island

Plan your getaway from mid-September through October and experience the fall migration on Dauphin Island. Head to the island’s birding hot spots or enjoy birding from the comfort of your Dauphin Island vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty. Book one of our Gulf Front or Bay Front properties and watch the birds from your deck or from the beach steps away!

Get off the beaten path this summer and visit Dauphin Island, a hidden gem on the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you’ve never visited the Gulf Coast, you may ask yourself, “Where is Dauphin Island?” Boardwalk Realty is here to put our island paradise on the map by providing visitors with an inside look into where we are located, how to get here, and what to do when you arrive. Book your vacation home on Dauphin Island and visit the Southernmost point in Alabama to discover pristine beaches, incredible birdwatching, rich history, and exceptional fishing!

Where is Dauphin Island?

Dauphin Island is located at the southernmost point of Alabama on the Gulf Coast, just three miles south of Mobile Bay. It is part of Mobile County and is just 37 miles from the town of Mobile. The island is also surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay to the north. 

How to Get Here

Getting to Dauphin Island is easy via the Dauphin Island bridge or the Mobile Bay Ferry:

  • If you are traveling from Mobile, Montgomery, or Birmingham, we recommend accessing the island via I-65. If traveling from the west, I-10 is the route to follow. Get to the island from the Gordon Persons Bridge, the sole road connecting to the mainland.
  • If you are traveling from the east, the best way to access our island is via the Mobile Bay Ferry. Save travel time and get across Mobile Bay in just 40 minutes! The ferry offers daily transportation to and from Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, weather permitting.

What to Do

Now that you know how to get here, you may be wondering what to do when you arrive:

  • Relax at 7 miles of pristine sugar white sand beaches of Dauphin Island.
  • Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and experience some of the best birdwatching in Alabama.
  • Discover the island’s rich history at Historic Fort Gaines, a crucial site for the South during the Civil War.
  • Visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Alabama Aquarium and learn all about the marine life of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico through visual and interactive exhibits. 

Book Dauphin Island Vacation Homes

Now that you know where Dauphin Island is located, it’s time to plan your beach getaway with Boardwalk Realty. Browse our collection of Dauphin Island vacation rentals and find the perfect basecamp for your group. Explore everything our island has to offer and immerse yourself in the small-town charm of Dauphin Island. If you need assistance finding the right property, don’t hesitate to reach out at 877-861-3992!

At Boardwalk Realty, we know no vacation is complete without your pet by your side. That’s why we offer nearly 40 pet-friendly Dauphin Island rentals so everyone (even your four-legged friend) can enjoy our beach paradise. Save money on boarding your pet and spend time playing at the beach, exploring our nature trails, and dining at outdoor patios together. So, pack your leash and prepare for some tail-wagging fun on Dauphin Island!

Dauphin Island Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and find the perfect property for your getaway. Please read through our pet policy rules below before booking with us:

  • Guest must notify us of pets at the time of booking and complete the Dog Registration form before arrival.
  • A non-refundable pet fee is required per dog. Amounts vary by property.
  • Properties may have additional limitations on dog size, breeds allowed, and the total number of dogs permitted.
  • No pets are allowed on any property that is not advertised as pet-friendly.
  • Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
  • Dogs are not allowed on property furnishings.

Dauphin Island’s Good Neighbor Pet Policy

Pet owners are required to abide by the town of Dauphin Island’s Good Neighbor Pet Policy during their visit. 

  • Follow the island-wide leash law, which requires your dog to be properly restrained at all times.
  • Pets are not allowed on West End Beach since this section of the island serves as a critical bird nesting habitat. 
  • Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of waste.

Things to Do with Your Dog on Dauphin Island

  • Take your dog to East Beach or Middle Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Stroll up and down our sandy shores together.
  • Explore three miles of dog-friendly trails at Audubon Bird Sanctuary, winding past maritime forests, marshes, dunes, and swamps. 
  • Visit Fort Gaines and walk through historic sites with your pooch. Even the museum is dog-friendly!
  • Refuel from a day of adventures at Islanders Restaurant and sit out on the dog-friendly patio. 

Book your pet-friendly Dauphin Island rentals with Boardwalk Realty and escape to the beach this summer. If you have any questions about our pet policy, don’t hesitate to call us at  1-877-861-3992.

Located at the Southernmost point of Alabama, Dauphin Island offers the perfect destination for summer fun. Book your getaway with Boardwalk Realty and easily access the top Dauphin Island tourist attractions found along our 14-mile island. Head to the island’s east end and spend the day exploring historic Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Or visit the pristine East, Middle, or West end beaches for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you seek a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous family vacation, we have something for everyone!

1. Historic Fort Gaines

Historic Fort Gaines was built in 1821 and is best known for its contributions to the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. This preserved fort has original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, a gift shop, and tunnels for visitors to explore. Take a self-guided tour and learn about the fascinating history through signs, exhibits, and artifacts. 

2. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Alabama Aquarium

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Alabama’s leading marine science research and education center. The Sea Lab operates the Alabama Aquarium, where you can stroll through exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. Discover the 10,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, explore the Living Marsh Boardwalk, and attend an educational Boardwalk Talk at one of Dauphin Island’s top tourist attractions! 

3. Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Dauphin Island is located in a Globally Important Bird Area and is one of the best places in the country for bird watching! Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and look for hundreds of bird species as you stroll through 164 acres of trails winding through pines, live oaks, swamps, and beaches. Use the local bird sighting checklist for helpful info about birding on Dauphin Island! 

4. Dauphin Island Beaches

Play at the Dauphin Island beaches during your getaway and relax along our Gulf Coast beaches’ soft, sugar-white sand. Head to one of three public beaches- East Beach, Middle Beach, or West End Beach for fishing, swimming, and watersports. Check out all the local beach access points to find where to park during your visit. Stay in one of our Gulf Front vacation rentals and access the beach steps from your rental home. 

5. Indian Shell Mound Park

Indian Shell Mound Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features shell mounds dating back to the Mississippi period (1100-1550). Over centuries, this shell mound was used as a gathering site for indigenous people, where they came together to harvest fish and exchange goods. Learn about the history of indigenous people on Dauphin Island here!

Dauphin Island Alabama Beach Rentals

Plan a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast and discover the top Dauphin Island tourist attractions during your visit with Boardwalk Realty. Reserve one of our Gulf Front vacation rentals on Dauphin Island and stay steps away from our beautiful white sand beaches. If you need assistance finding the best rental, please call us at 1-877-861-3992. 

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!

DAUPHIN ISLAND WEATHER
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