WHAT MAKES ONO ISLAND A BOATER’S PARADISE?
As a real estate advisor living and working in Orange Beach, Alabama, and Ono Island, I often get asked: “Is Ono Island boater-friendly?” The answer is a resounding yes. Ono Island is truly a boater’s paradise, offering diverse waterfront properties and unique boating amenities tailored to the needs of boating enthusiasts. Allow me to share my insights, personal experiences, and some favorite features my clients have come to love about living here.
Diverse Waterfront Opportunities
The beauty of Ono Island is its variety of waterfront options. Homes on streets like Peninsula Drive, Harbour Drive, St. John Drive, Heron Court, Ono Boulevard, Shoal Water, Dolphin Drive, Marlin Key, and Turtle Key offer unparalleled access to water. Whether you’re navigating the deep waters of Bayou St. John and the Intracoastal Waterway on the north side or enjoying the serene waters of Ole River on the south, there’s something for everyone.
Many residences feature private docks, piers, and boathouses equipped with lifts, fish stations, storage, and observation decks. One of my favorite homes on Marlin Key has 10–12 feet of water depth and a custom seawall with an inlet, making it perfect for larger boats.
Sheltered Canal Properties
For those seeking protection for smaller boats, canal-front homes are an excellent option. Some properties on streets like Dolphin Drive and Heron Court offer sheltered docking with quick access to open water. A standout property on Dolphin Drive features a 68-foot boat slip, deep water, and stunning views of Bayou St. John. The quiet, secluded nature of this street—ending in a cul-de-sac—makes it a hidden gem for boaters.
In addition, the Alabama Water Watch program ensures that the canals’ water quality is tested regularly, maintaining a pristine boating environment.
Special Dual-Waterfront Properties
Some homes take the boater-friendly experience to another level. On Peninsula Drive and Harbour Drive, you’ll find properties with docks on both the north and south sides, allowing access to big water views and sunsets to the north, while housing boats in the protected waters of Ono Harbor on the south.
Some properties on Harbour Drive is situated on a 60-foot canal, offering both protection and immediate access to the open water. These unique setups are perfect for larger boats on one side and smaller vessels or jet skis on the other.
Ono Island Common Boat Ramp
One of the standout amenities on Ono Island is the community boat ramp, featuring two well-maintained ramps and plenty of parking. This shared facility is a convenient option for residents who may not have direct water access from their property but still want to enjoy the island’s unparalleled boating opportunities. The ramps are spacious and easy to navigate, making them suitable for boats of various sizes.
What truly sets this boat ramp apart is its prime location near the Intracoastal Waterway, offering residents quick and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. Whether heading out for a day of fishing, cruising to nearby islands, or simply enjoying the open water, the ramp’s proximity saves valuable time. With ample parking available, boaters can focus on their adventures without worrying about logistics, making this a treasured resource for the Ono Island boating community.
Navigational Considerations
The Ono Island Bridge has a clearance of approximately 23 feet, which is an important detail for anyone with a taller vessel. For larger boats with sport fishing towers, properties on Ono Boulevard near Perdido Pass are particularly appealing. One home I admire has a 75-foot slip in a no-wake zone, ideal for accommodating large sport fishing boats.
Client Favorites
Homeowners often rave about the versatility and convenience of Ono Island’s boating options. One family loves their home on Heron Court for its location at the end of the canal, which allows them to dock their smaller boat while having swift access to Bayou St. John. Another resident on Hatteras Cove is thrilled with their 11-foot-deep water dock, ideal for mooring their 30-foot cruiser.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting to explore the boating lifestyle, Ono Island offers something for everyone. Its variety of waterfront properties, deep-water docks, protected canals, and convenient community amenities make it a premier destination for boaters along the Gulf Coast.
For those looking to buy or sell a boater-friendly home, Meredith is here to help. Allow her to show you the hidden gems Ono Island has to offer and help you navigate your real estate journey.
Meredith Amon is an expert real estate advisor on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Explore more about Ono Island here: Ono Island Real Estate
Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
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Boater’s Field Manual to Ono Island Canals — Bayou St. John Access, Depths & Dock Design
THE BOATER’S FIELD MANUAL TO ONO ISLAND’S SIX CANALS
How boats actually reach these canals
If your dock is on the north side of Ono Island, your boat lives on water that empties directly into Bayou St. John. From there you run east or west—Perdido Pass, Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou, and the Perdido…
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