Sandpiper Drive – Canal-Front Living on Ono Island

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

Ono Island has many canal-front streets, but Sandpiper Drive stands out for its generous lot sizes, calm protected waters, and convenient access to Bayou St. John and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Lot Sizes & Elevation

Sandpiper’s parcels are larger than many canal lots on the island—often 80 to 120 feet of frontage and lot depths between 172 and over 300 feet. Some properties sit at slightly higher elevations, which can be advantageous for flood insurance rates and meeting finished-floor requirements.

Water Depths & Boating Amenities

The canal here typically averages 4–5 feet of depth at mean low tide, accommodating bay boats, pontoon boats, flats boats, and smaller center consoles comfortably. Most properties feature private piers, boat lifts, and boathouses, with lift capacities commonly ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds. Dual jet ski lifts and covered slips are also found along the canal.

Gulf Access

From Sandpiper, boaters can navigate into Bayou St. John within minutes and head east or west along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a short run to Perdido Pass, which opens directly into the Gulf of Mexico, making this a great location for both fishing and leisure boating.

Flood Zones & Building Guidelines

Most of Sandpiper Drive is in an AE flood zone. New construction must comply with Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC) regulations, which address pier and boathouse placement, setbacks, and lift size. The protected canal location generally means less wake action than open-water lots, offering calmer docking conditions.

The Lifestyle on Sandpiper

Sandpiper Drive has a peaceful, cul-de-sac-style layout, so there’s minimal through traffic. The calm waterway is ideal for relaxed docking, and the location offers a sense of privacy while still being minutes from Ono’s central amenities. One neighbor told me, “It’s the perfect blend of easy boating access and a quiet, tucked-away feel.”

A Note on Bridge Clearance

While most properties on Sandpiper enjoy unrestricted access, a few lots are bridgelocked, meaning larger vessels with tall towers or flybridges may not clear the fixed bridge along the canal route. For most boats commonly kept here—bay boats, pontoons, and smaller center consoles—clearance is not an issue.

Final Take
If you’re looking for a spacious canal-front property on Ono Island with calm water, quality Gulf access, and a private neighborhood feel, Sandpiper Drive offers an excellent mix of lot size, boating convenience, and island charm.

See all Ono Island listings here.

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