Perdido Pass, Orange Beach AL: Coastal Birds & Bridge Photo

PERDIDO PASS IN LATE SEPTEMBER: “THE WATCHERS ON THE WALL”

By Meredith Folger Amon — Orange Beach, Alabama

I made this photograph at the end of September, standing along the seawall at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama. The day had that clean, post-summer light I love on the Gulf—blue on blue—and a soft northeast breeze that kept the surface groomed. Fishing boats and a few yachts slid in and out of the pass beyond the frame. To my left, the white umbrellas and palms of The Gulf restaurant fluttered like little signals of shore life; ahead, the Perdido Pass Bridge arced across the water, carrying the day’s traffic toward Ono Island and back again.

But the subject here isn’t the bridge, the boats, or the restaurant. It’s the coastal birds…

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Perdido Pass, Orange Beach: Conditions, Sandbar Shifts & Small vs. Deep-Draft Boats | Meredith Folger Amon

Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama: Pass Conditions, Sandbar Shifts & What It Means for Small vs. Deep-Draft Boats

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.

Perdido Pass is the gateway between our back bays and the Gulf. Living and working in Orange Beach and around Ono Island, I run this pass often and help clients plan for its changing conditions. Channels are marked, but bars and shoals migrate—especially after strong fronts or tropical systems. Below is a practical, boat-owner’s guide to what typically shifts, how storms reshape things, and how small craft versus deeper-draft boats and yachts can plan a safer, smoother run.

For…

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Navigating Boats Around Orange Beach & Perdido Pass: A Local Guide

NAVIGATING BOATS AROUND ORANGE BEACH & PERDIDO PASS: A LOCAL GUIDE

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.

I run these waters constantly—Orange Beach, Ono Island, Perdido Pass, and the back bays—and I keep a running list of notes to help friends and clients make confident, courteous runs. Below is my first-person guide to reading the water, understanding markers and wake zones, and knowing where extra caution pays off across Perdido Pass, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Ole River, Bayou St. John, Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou, the canals, and the open Gulf.

Heads-up: Conditions change with tide, wind, and storms. This guidance is local…

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Orange Beach Sportfishing Life at Perdido Pass | Meredith Amon

Orange Beach Sportfishing Life at Perdido Pass | Meredith Amon

Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

I took this photo along the channel where boats slip past the jetties and out toward the Gulf, one of my favorite vantage points in Orange Beach. The sportfisher eased by with outriggers set like wings, hull barely kissing the water. From the shoreline you can feel the quiet urgency of mornings like this—an open weather window, clean tide lines, and a crew that knows exactly where they’re headed.

Friends and neighbors who keep their boats at Orange Beach Marina talk about this moment as the reset before a long run. Coffee in one hand, radio checks in the other,…

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Does Ono Island Have Beach Access? Clearing Up a Common Misconception

Does Ono Island Have Beach Access? Clearing Up a Common Misconception

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I’m often asked: “Does Ono Island have its own private beach?”

It’s a very common misconception. The answer is no—Ono Island does not have a private or community beach access. This guard-gated island was created to offer privacy, security, and a boating lifestyle, but it is not a Gulf-front beach community.

Where to Find the Closest Beaches

While a few individual homeowners may have small sandy stretches on their own property, these are private and not available to all residents.…

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Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon | SearchTheGulf.com

There's something unforgettable about spotting a custom-built sportfishing yacht gliding through the pass in Orange Beach. And on this particular day, "Homemade" turned heads for all the right reasons.

This stunning vessel, captured as it cruised out of Perdido Pass, represents everything we love about life on the Gulf Coast—freedom, craftsmanship, and the call of open water.

Built for Adventure—and Admiration

From her polished lines to the commanding tuna tower, “Homemade” exudes the kind of tailored precision that boaters and sportfishing enthusiasts instantly recognize. These aren’t just weekend cruisers—they’re…

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Caribe Resort in Orange Beach: A Boater's Paradise with Luxury Condo Living

Caribe Resort in Orange Beach: A Boater's Paradise with Luxury Condo Living

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you’re searching for a condo that offers both resort-style luxury and direct boating access on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Caribe Resort in Orange Beach is one of the top destinations to consider. Perfectly positioned at Perdido Pass, this highly sought-after development is known for its panoramic water views, top-tier amenities, and one of the most boater-friendly lifestyles along the coast.

What Makes Caribe Resort Unique?

Caribe is more than just a beachfront getaway—it’s a boating and lifestyle hub, offering a rare combination of waterfront luxury and full-service marina access.

Located minutes from the…

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Virtual Tour at Mariner Pass: A Boater’s Paradise on Cotton Bayou

Virtual Tour at Mariner Pass: A Boater’s Paradise on Cotton Bayou

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Explore current listings at Mariner Pass and across the Gulf Coast on www.searchthegulf.com

I recently hosted a virtual showing at Mariner Pass Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama for a couple who live out of state and were interested in finding a low-maintenance, boater-friendly property here on the Gulf Coast. We connected over FaceTime, and I walked them through the condo and the entire complex, giving them a real-time feel for the space, the views, and the amenities.

Mariner Pass is tucked along Cotton Bayou, just before Perdido Pass, which makes it incredibly convenient for anyone who loves to be out on the water. The Gulf…

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Navigating Hidden Dangers of Boating Through Perdido Pass: Insider Orange Beach Tips

Navigating Hidden Dangers of Boating Through Perdido Pass: Insider Orange Beach Tips

By Meredith Amon

Hello, I’m Meredith Amon—real estate advisor and proud homeowner here in Orange Beach, Alabama. Today, I’d like to share some personal insights about navigating one of our most beautiful yet challenging local waterways: Perdido Pass. While I don’t own a boat myself, I frequently head out on family and friends’ boats, and over the years, I’ve observed firsthand some of the hidden dangers that can make boating through Perdido Pass a challenge. This is not only important for safe boating but also valuable information for anyone considering the coastal lifestyle in our area.

My Experiences on the Water

Even though I don’t own a boat, I…

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Explore Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama: Waterfront Living and Dining at Its Finest

Explore Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama: Waterfront Living and Dining at Its Finest

Welcome to Caribe Resort 

When you think of the best spots in Orange Beach, Alabama, Caribe Resort is undoubtedly one of the top picks. With its picturesque marina, luxurious amenities, and proximity to Cobalt Restaurant, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or considering owning a piece of paradise, Caribe Resort is worth your attention.

What Makes Caribe Resort Special?

 Unbeatable Location
Caribe Resort sits at the gateway to Perdido Pass, offering unparalleled water views and easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the bay. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how serene and…

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