Boating the Gulf Corridor: Orange Beach, Perdido Key & Ono Island
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On the Gulf Coast, our lives follow the tides. From Orange Beach to Ono Island and east to Perdido Key, I match buyers with the right home and the right water. Depths and drafts matter as much as porches and views—because your dock is your front door to adventure.
The Waterways That Shape Our Days
Bayou St. John
Broad, protected water on the north side of the corridor. Steady depths and a forgiving lee make it ideal for year-round moorage and family cruising.
Old River
The south ribbon between Ono Island and Perdido Key. A scenic, reliable channel with sandbars along the inside (south) curve—great for a summer swim and an easy idle at sunset.
Terry Cove & Cotton Bayou
Calm, social water with quick access to marinas and restaurants. Robinson and Bird Islands create a natural breakwater and beloved sandbar scene.
Perdido Pass (Gulf Access)
Our deep-water doorway to the Gulf of Mexico. Follow the markers, time your tide window, and enjoy offshore freedom minutes from the dock.
Depth & Vessel Compatibility
| Waterway | Avg. Depth (ft / m) | Recommended Max Draft | Typical Boats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayou St. John | 6–9 ft (1.8–2.7 m) | ≤ 4 ft (1.2 m) | Grady-White Canyon 336, Scout 235 XSF, dual consoles | Steady depth; excellent for docking and all-season cruising. |
| Old River | 7–12 ft (2.1–3.7 m) | ≤ 4.5 ft (1.4 m) | Invincible 33 Catamaran, Regulator 34SS, Viking 48C | Deep channel; sandbars along south edge near Perdido Key. |
| Terry Cove | 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) | ≤ 3.5 ft (1.1 m) | Sea Hunt Ultra 255 SE, Cobia 240 CC, tri-toons | Protected anchorage; popular around Robinson/Bird Islands. |
| Cotton Bayou | 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m) | ≤ 3 ft (0.9 m) | Bennington 27 QX Sport, Barletta Lusso 25UC, Harris Crown SL 270 | Family-friendly; easy public launch access; low wake etiquette. |
| Canal Systems (Ono & Orange Beach) | 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) | ≤ 3 ft (0.9 m) | Pathfinder 2300 HPS (light draft), Maverick HPX-V 18, pontoons | No-wake zones; calm moorage; confirm depth at your lift on MLW. |
| Perdido Pass / Alabama Point | 18–40 ft (5.5–12 m) | ≤ 5 ft (1.5 m) | Viking sportfish, offshore CCs, catamarans | Strong tidal current; follow channel markers; time your tide. |
Bridge, Breezes & Sandbars
- Ono Island Bridge: ~24 ft (7.3 m) at high tide; ~28 ft (8.5 m) at low—towered boats plan accordingly.
- Summer breeze / Winter warmth: Old River’s south exposure brings a cooling summer breeze and slightly warmer winter feel along the shoreline.
- Sandbars: Inside edges of Old River and around Robinson/Bird Islands (2–4 ft / 0.6–1.2 m). Idle in, anchor gently, mind the tide swing (~1–1.5 ft / 0.3–0.45 m).
Interactive Map: The Full Boating Corridor
Explore the continuous corridor from Bayou St. John through Terry Cove and Cotton Bayou to Old River and Perdido Pass—connecting Alabama and Florida waters.
Finding Your Waterfront Match
Whether it’s a lift-ready home on Shoalwater Drive, a deep-water perch off Marlin Key Drive, or a canal-front retreat perfect for a Grady-White, Regulator, Invincible, Pathfinder, Cobia, Scout, or a luxe tri-toon, I’d love to help you pair the right property with your boating life. Start your search on www.searchthegulf.com—the Gulf Coast’s premier website for exploring every listing on the coast.
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Building a Boathouse on Ono Island: My Owner’s Guide to “Big Water” vs. Canal Rules
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Ono Island Boathouses: Old River & Bayou St. John vs. Canal Rules | Meredith Folger
I’m Meredith Amon, a homeowner on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ and a Gulf Coast real estate advisor licensed in Alabama and Florida. I work with owners, architects, and builders to design…
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