Nautical Information


The Eastern Shore is a great place for anything nautical! Check out our list of exciting things to do in our area.

Historic Lighthouses

Middle Bay Lighthouse (circa 1885) is located in the middle of Mobile Bay just south of Point Clear and is accessible only by boat. Can be seen with binoculars from the beachfront at Marriott’s Grand Hotel.
Sand Island Lighthouse (circa 1863) is located south of Fort Morgan & east of Mobile Bay. Union soldiers hid in this lighthouse to spy on Fort Morgan during the Civil War. Accessible by boat only, but can be seen by binoculars from the beachfront at Fort Morgan. 
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Ferry

Mobile Bay Ferry 861-3000
Departures begin at 8:00 a.m. on Dauphin Island and at 8:45 a.m. at Fort Morgan and continue until 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. respectively except during November-February. During these months, the last departure time is 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. respectively. Rates starts at $16 per car one way. Walk-ons and passengers are also charged a maximum of $5 per person. Please call for a more detailed rate schedule or visit their website at http://mobilebayferry.com

Fishing Licenses

Fresh and saltwater licenses are required by the State of Alabama. Combination fresh and saltwater: $24.50; saltwater $16; freshwater $9.50. Seven-day short term license $6; disabled $1, residents 65+ exempt. Out-of-state costs vary. Fishing licenses are available at:
Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries office at f Rivers Delta Center, 5093 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, 626-5153; Wal-Mart Supercenter Wal-Mart Drive off Highway 98, Daphne 626-0923; Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, Fairhope Avenue 928-3002; Licenses by Phone 1-888-848-6887.

Jubilee!!!

A Jubilee is an extremely rare phenomenon that occurs on the Eastern Shore during the summer. Old timers say that they can predict a Jubilee, but there is really no way of knowing when changes in temperature and oxygen levels in Mobile Bay will drive fish, shrimp, crabs and other bounty onto the beach. Folks are awakened during the wee hours of the morning by the cries of “Jubilee!! It’s a Jubilee!” If you happen on a Jubilee, be sure to bring a net, gig and bucket to scoop up as much fresh lunch or dinner as you can carry!




Marinas

  • City of Fairhope Pier & Marina 928-2136 West end of Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL
  • Fairhope Yacht Club 928-8888, 101 Volanta Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Lake Forest Yacht Club 626-9329, One Golf Terrace, Daphne, AL 36526
  • Grand Hotel Marriott Marina 928-9201, One Grand Boulevard, Point Clear, AL 36564

Piers

  • City of Fairhope Pier - west end of Fairhope Avenue. Free, quarter-mile long pier with restrooms, drink machines & a covered area.
  • Pier Avenue & Mobile Street on Scenic 98 in Fairhope - No fee.
  • Orange Avenue & Mobile Street on Scenic 98 in Fairhope - No fee.
  • May Day Park - west end of College Street in Daphne. No fee.
  • Blakeley State Park - Highway 225 in Spanish Fort. Two observations decks on the Tensaw River - Fee.
  • Meaher State Park - east end of Battleship Parkway in Spanish Fort (Exits 30 or 35 off I-10) - Fee
  • Corps of Engineers pier on Battleship Parkway at Exit 30 off I-10 - No fee.
  • Battleship Park pier on Battleship Parkway at Exits 27 & 30 off I-10 - Fee.

Boat Launches
  • 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Across from Meaher State Park on the Causeway
  • Battleship Parkway Launches Corps of Engineers Area, Meaher State Park.
  • Daphne Launches May Day Park & Pier
  • Fairhope Launches Fairhope Municipal Park & Pier, Mobile Street & Pier Avenue, Mobile Street & Orange Avenue
  • Point Clear Launches Mary Ann Beach Park at Mullet Point on County Road 1, Palmetto Creek Boat Ramp, Scenic Highway 98, Viewpoint at end of County Road 1
  • Spanish Fort Byrnes Lake on Highway 225 @ .3 mile beyond 9-mile marker, Cliff’s Landing - Handicapped accessible on Highway 225


Boats, Marine Equipment Services & Supplies

  • L&M Marine, LLC 937-1380 41840 State Highway 225, Bay Minette, AL 36507
  • Safe Harbor Mini Storage, LLC 625-2590, 31756 Buzbee Road, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
  • Sportsman Marine & Outdoor Center 928-2244, PO Box 1282, Fairhope, AL 36533


Tours & Charters

  • Capt. Dan Kolenich 626-7175, Fish or sightsee in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Mobile Bay & Coastal Waters; Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide.
  • Capt. Sonny Dean 689-3612, Crooked Hook Fishing Charters, LLC In-Shore charters & guide trips. crookedhookcharters@yahoo.com P.O. Box 2062, Fairhope, AL 36533
  • Delta Airboat Express 370-7089, Eco-touring at its best, night trips available, gator sightings. Leaves from Original Oyster House.
  • Delta Explorer 626-0798, Operates group tours of Mobile/Tensaw Delta; covered boat, bench seats & restrooms on board; Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort.
  • Making Waves Charters & The Joshua, 443-9463 or 209-1168. Fishing, sailing touring & private parties. One to forty-nine passengers. Trips to historic Middle Bay Lighthouse. Boats - 22’-72’.