Waterfront Properties on Old River, Ono Island
_(800_x_150_px)_(2).gif)
Life Along Old River: The Southern Edge of Ono Island
As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/, I’ve always been drawn to the quiet beauty and rhythm of Old River, the stretch of water that defines the island’s southern edge. Facing the Gulf of Mexico, this side of Ono Island offers something truly special — a landscape shaped by tides, breezes, and open water views that stretch toward the horizon.
Homes and vacant lots on Old River are located along Ono Boulevard and River Road, both of which trace the shoreline and provide residents with direct access to boating, fishing, and waterfront living. The southern exposure brings a steady summer breeze across the water, keeping things cooler during warmer months, while in winter, this side of the island tends to feel a few degrees warmer than the north shore — a subtle but welcome advantage on crisp mornings.
Water Depths and Boating Amenities
The Old River channel runs parallel to the Gulf, averaging 7–12 feet (2.1–3.7 meters) in depth through the main navigation corridor, with pockets up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) near Perdido Pass to the west. Closer to shore and docks, depths typically range from 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 meters), allowing for a wide variety of vessels.
Many Old River homes feature deep-water docks capable of accommodating center consoles, dual consoles, and offshore boats up to 45–50 feet (13.7–15.2 meters). Popular boats I often see moored along this section include:
-
Grady-White Canyon 336 – an ideal blend of family comfort and offshore performance (draft ~24 in / 0.61 m)
-
Invincible 33 Catamaran – stable and shallow enough for the bay yet capable offshore (draft ~18 in / 0.46 m)
-
Viking 48 Convertible – for the avid sportfisherman with deeper draft (~4’4” / 1.32 m)
-
Pursuit S 328 or Regulator 34SS – excellent dual-purpose boats frequently docked here
Docks along Old River are typically equipped with lifts rated between 10,000–30,000 pounds, water and electric service, and in many cases, covered slips or boathouses. Certain stretches are located within no-wake zones, providing a calmer setting for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
Navigation and Access Points
To the east, Old River connects directly with the Intracoastal Waterway, making it easy to cruise toward Pensacola, Perdido Bay, or Big Lagoon. To the west, boaters can reach Perdido Pass within minutes — the primary deep-water inlet leading straight into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Ono Island Bridge, located on the island’s west end, provides both vehicle access and a navigational marker. The bridge clearance averages 24 feet (7.3 meters) at high tide and 28 feet (8.5 meters) at low tide. Most boats, including those with T-tops or dual consoles, easily pass beneath; larger vessels with towers typically navigate under at low tide or launch from marinas beyond the bridge.
Scenery and Lifestyle
From an Old River dock, the view is captivating — you can watch dolphins cresting in the morning light, the soft silhouettes of Perdido Key to the south, and glowing sunsets over the water in the evening. To the north lies the lush greenery of Ono Island, framed by native pines and coastal homes with metal roofs that glint in the late-afternoon sun.
On calm days, the sandbars along the inner curve of Old River emerge as favorite gathering spots. Locals often anchor in waist-deep water to enjoy a relaxed afternoon swim, while anglers cast for speckled trout or redfish near the deeper channel.
Advantages of Living on Old River
1. Year-Round Comfort
The southern orientation means breezier, cooler summers and milder winters compared to the north side of the island.
2. Gulf-Facing Views
Homes overlook the Gulf’s horizon and often capture the sparkle of open water light unique to this side of Ono Island.
3. Boater’s Convenience
Quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Perdido Pass, and deep channels without needing to traverse narrow canals or bridges.
4. Scenic Privacy
Old River feels slightly removed from the more trafficked north shore — ideal for those who value privacy with a view.
Current Opportunities
Properties on this side of the island range from expansive estate homes with multiple boat lifts and covered slips to vacant lots offering the chance to design your dream waterfront retreat. Whether you prefer a sleek modern build with clean coastal lines or a timeless raised cottage with a wraparound porch, the Old River frontage offers unparalleled positioning and depth for boating.
For current listings and available properties:
Ono Island – https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/
Boating Accommodations – https://www.searchthegulf.com/boating-accommodations-on-the-gulf-coast/
| Section | Average Depth (ft / m) | Suitable Vessel Draft | Typical Boat Types | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West End (Near Perdido Pass) | 12–18 ft (3.7–5.5 m) | Up to 4.5 ft (1.37 m) | Sportfishing yachts, Invincible 37, Viking 48, Pursuit 385 | Deepest water on Old River; quick Gulf access via Perdido Pass; light current shift near sandbar shoal to south. |
| Ono Boulevard (Mid-Island) | 7–10 ft (2.1–3.0 m) | Up to 3.5 ft (1.07 m) | Grady-White Canyon 336, Regulator 31, dual consoles, 26–36 ft center consoles | Excellent year-round navigation; portions near Ono Park are in a no-wake zone ideal for paddleboards and skiffs. |
| River Road (Central & East) | 6–9 ft (1.8–2.7 m) | Up to 3 ft (0.9 m) | Bay boats, pontoons, deck boats up to 28 ft, Invincible 33 Catamaran | Steady depth and good bottom composition for boat lifts; sandbars form along inner curve near Rabbit Island. |
| East End (Toward Intracoastal) | 8–12 ft (2.4–3.7 m) | Up to 4 ft (1.22 m) | Boston Whaler 330 Outrage, Pursuit S328, smaller cruisers | Close proximity to Intracoastal Waterway and Alabama–Florida line; moderate currents and great eastward navigation options. |
| Sandbar & Shoal Areas (South Side) | 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m) | Shallow draft ≤2 ft (0.61 m) | Flats skiffs, jet boats, PWCs | Watch for tide changes and sandbar shifts; popular anchor spot for summer gatherings; excellent clarity on calm days. |
Final Thoughts
Old River represents the very essence of waterfront living on Ono Island — deep water, wide views, and a lifestyle shaped by the rhythms of the tide. As someone who calls this island home, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the boathouses as the evening breeze drifts off the Gulf.
If you’re considering purchasing a home or building along Old River, I’d love to share my local expertise — from dock design and lift planning to the subtleties of boating depths and shoreline orientation.
#searchthegulf #meredithfolger #becausewelivehere
Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
.gif){kind=logo}
Ono Island Boathouses: Old River & Bayou St. John vs. Canal Rules | Meredith Folger
Building a Boathouse on Ono Island: My Owner’s Guide to “Big Water” vs. Canal Rules
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…
Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.