Surrounded by Water: Old River, Bayou St. John & Beyond

Ono Island is hugged by two distinct waterways — Old River to the south and Bayou St. John to the north — with the Intracoastal Waterway and Perdido Pass connecting it all to the Gulf of Mexico. Each side offers something special for homeowners and boaters alike.

Old River: Gulf Access & Bluewater Boating

On the south side, Old River feels like a private slice of the Gulf — saltier, bluer, and calm thanks to barrier islands blocking the surf. Along River Road and Ono Boulevard, you’ll find deep-water docks with quick, bridge-free Gulf access. Depths average 7–8 feet mid-channel and about 5 feet near shore, perfect for most center consoles, dual consoles, and sportfishing boats.

Many homeowners here keep 30–40-foot offshore boats ready to go at a moment’s notice — a sunrise run through Perdido Pass can have you trolling for tuna before breakfast. This is where you’ll see towering boathouses and boat lifts built for serious fishing rigs. For avid anglers, this stretch of the island is a dream come true.

Bayou St. John: Deep Water, Smooth Cruising

The north shore, fronting Bayou St. John, offers a more protected environment with depths of 10–12 feet — ideal for large yachts, sailboats, and flybridge cruisers. Streets like St. John Drive and Peninsula Drive boast homes with serene bay views and dockage that rivals private marinas.

Private Canals & Ono Harbour

Branching off the main waterways, Ono Island’s interior canals and Ono Harbour offer ultra-protected, calm-water dockage. Depths typically run 3–5 feet, ideal for bay boats, pontoons, and shallow-draft center consoles.

These canals are peaceful — no wakes, minimal current — and many include covered boathouses and high-speed lifts. It’s a haven for those who prefer tranquility over traffic.

The Ono Harbour community, in particular, is popular among multi-boat families who enjoy the dual advantage of bay-front homes/canal-front homes and slips in the private marina.

Bridge Clearances & “Bridge-Locked” Canals

Ono Island’s main access bridge sits on the west end, with roughly 24 feet of vertical clearance at high tide. Most center consoles, pontoons, and express cruisers will fit easily beneath it — but taller yachts and sailboats with masts may need to stay on the west or north sides of the island.

A few interior streets, like Sandpiper, feature low bridges over their canals. Homes behind these are affectionately known as “bridge-locked” — perfect for pontoons, flats boats, or jet skis but not for large sportfishers. The tradeoff? Absolute stillness and some of the most peaceful waterfront living you can imagine.

Depths, Drafts & Choosing the Right Boat

• Bayou St. John / ICW: 10–12 ft average — excellent for yachts, sailboats, and deep-draft vessels.

• Old River: 7–8 ft mid-channel, 5–6 ft near shore — perfect for center consoles, dual consoles, and offshore boats.

• Canals: 3–5 ft, depending on maintenance — ideal for bay boats, pontoons, and skiffs.

I advise buyers to match the draft of their vessel with their dock depth at low tide — and to plan for a one-foot safety buffer. The good news? Our tides are modest (usually less than a foot swing), and even during “wind tides,” depth variations are manageable.

Best Boating Streets on Ono Island

• River Road & Ono Boulevard: Deep-water docks, big-water views, no bridge restrictions — great for sportfishers and offshore boats.

• St. John Drive & Peninsula Drive: Deep bayfront waters for yachts and cruisers, many with dual frontage on Ono Harbour or canal.

• Harbour & Peninsula Drive: Protected marina setting with deeded slips — great for multi-boat owners.

• Marlin Key, Turtle Key, and Sandy Key Drives:  Deep-water docks, big-water views, no bridge restrictions — great for sportfishers and offshore boats

• Perdido Pass Drive: Closest to the Gulf with deep water and unobstructed pass access — highly coveted by serious anglers.

The Boating Lifestyle & Island Camaraderie

Ono Island may be private, but its community spirit is wide open. Life here revolves around the water — dockside gatherings, impromptu sandbar meetups, and sunset cruises that turn strangers into lifelong friends.

Boating is our common language. We wave when we pass, lend hands at the boat ramp, and share fishing intel like family secrets. Many neighbors gather at Robinson Island, Bird Island, or the sandbar near the Ono bridge — a floating social club where good music, good company, and good Gulf breezes come together naturally.

The island’s Property Owners Association (POA) hosts annual events, and the Men’s and Women’s Clubs often organize social outings by boat. The lifestyle here is laid-back, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in Southern hospitality. It’s as easy to make friends at the dock as it is at the dinner table.

My Top 10 Favorite Boats for Ono Island Homeowners

1. Invincible 37 Catamaran – unmatched offshore performance and stability.

2. Yamaha 255XD – perfect for family fun, tubing, and sandbar days.

3. Sportsman Open 212 – inshore and nearshore versatility at its best.

4. Jeanneau Cap Camarat 9.0 WA – European elegance for weekend cruisers.

5. Freeman 42LR – tournament-level offshore capability.

6. HCB Estrella 65 – the ultimate luxury center console.

7. Viking 68 Convertible – the gold standard for serious sportfishing.

8. Prestige 590 Flybridge – ideal for cruising in comfort and style.

9. Bennington 25 Tritoon – effortless island hopping and entertaining.

10. Hewes 18 Redfisher – shallow-water precision for back-bay adventures.

Each of these boats has a place on Ono Island, depending on how you like to spend your time — chasing marlin, sipping wine, or drifting through glassy canals at sunset.

Final Thoughts: Living on “Island Time”

As I sit on the dock watching the colors shift over Bayou St. John, I’m reminded that life here moves with the tide. The laughter from a passing cataraman, the smell of someone’s grill, the low hum of an outboard easing home at dusk — that’s the rhythm of Ono Island.

If you’re a boater searching for your next home — or your next adventure — Ono Island offers the best of both. Deep-water access, calm canals, protected marinas, and a welcoming community of water lovers.

Your dock won’t just hold a boat here. It’ll hold memories, friendships, and sunsets you’ll never forget.

So when you’re ready to live where every day feels like a boating holiday, reach out. I’d be honored to help you find your perfect home on Ono Island — where the tides set the schedule and neighbors become lifelong friends.