Shoalwater Drive | Ono Island homes for Sale in Orange Beach, ALabama
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Shoalwater Drive: One of Ono Island’s Best Streets for Boaters
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
When I think about the very best streets on Ono Island for boaters, Shoalwater Drive is always at the top of the list. This street is one of the most desirable for waterfront living, and it’s not hard to see why—deep-water access, wide canal, and an easy run to Perdido Pass without a single bridge to navigate.
I’m often asked about Shoalwater Drive because it blends true bayfront living with a clean, polished streetscape. Shoalwater lines the north edge of Ono Island in Orange Beach, where homes open toward wide water and evening sunsets across Bayou St. John. From the porches, you feel the open horizon and watch boats glide by on calm days.
“Shoalwater Drive is where I take buyers who want a postcard bay view and a practical place to keep a boat.” — Meredith
Nearby water and canals
Just south of Shoalwater, a meandering canal system ties back toward River Road. It’s great for small-craft exploring and gives the neighborhood an intimate water feel even away from the main shoreline. On the north side, Shoalwater’s bay exposure is all about big water and sunset color.
Adjacent streets and connections
Shoalwater sits between Dolphin Drive to the west and River Cove Drive toward the east bend, with quick access to River Road for island-wide travel and off-island errands. It’s simple to reach the bridge, marinas, and the coastal amenities of Orange Beach.
Homes and property style
This street showcases a range of coastal architecture—from classic elevated homes with deep porches to newer luxury builds with window walls and outdoor rooms. Yards typically stretch from the house to long private piers, and many properties add pools, summer kitchens, and shaded seating to enjoy the breeze. Covered boat houses and lifts are common, reflecting the way owners use the water every week.
Boating life and access
From a Shoalwater pier, it’s an easy run across Bayou St. John to the Intracoastal Waterway. Owners head west or east for bay cruising, then continue toward the Gulf or slip into protected routes when the wind is up. For paddlers, the interior canals provide quiet water, and for anglers, mornings often start with a short ride to productive inshore spots before the day warms.
“If dockage and a straight shot to open bay water are top priorities, Shoalwater stays at the top of the list.” — Meredith
Who loves Shoalwater Drive
Buyers who want wide-water scenery, long private piers, and a refined bayfront setting consistently shortlist this street. If you’re deciding between bayfront and canal addresses, I’ll help you compare wind exposure, typical water depth at low tide, and lift options so your boat setup matches how you plan to use it. If a custom build is on your mind, we can also explore new construction on Ono Island and walk through ACC guidelines together.
Street Overview & Lot Sizes
Shoalwater Drive is located on the north side of Ono Island, fronting one of the island’s wider and deeper canals. Many lots here have impressive widths—often ranging from about 59 feet to over 175 feet of frontage—with depths extending 200 to nearly 370 feet. Several are highly elevated, which can help reduce flood risk and open the door to more flexible building designs.
Boating Access & Water Depth
This street is known for its exceptional boating amenities:
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Deep Water: The canal along Shoalwater Drive averages 6+ feet at mean low tide, making it ideal for large center consoles, sportfishers, and even some yachts.
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No Bridge Lock: You can navigate directly to Bayou St. John and Perdido Pass without worrying about clearance restrictions.
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Quick Gulf Access: From Shoalwater, you’re only a few minutes’ idle to Bayou St. John and then about 500 yards from the Gulf of Mexico’s western entrance.
I often see boats in the 35–50 foot range docked along this street, with some slips and lifts that can handle vessels exceeding 26,000 pounds. Jet skis, bay boats, and flats boats are equally at home here thanks to the protected canal setting.
Piers, Boathouses & Lifts
Ono Island’s ACC requires permitting for all docks, boathouses, and lifts, but Shoalwater properties often maximize these allowances. Many homes feature:
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Covered boathouses with lifts sized for 10,000–26,000+ lbs
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Expansive piers with multiple slips
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Space for additional watercraft storage, including kayaks and paddleboards
Flood Zones & Elevation
Several Shoalwater Drive lots are highly elevated, which can result in favorable flood zone placement. While waterfront homes here will almost always require flood insurance, elevation can help reduce premiums and provide peace of mind during storm season.
Why I Love Shoalwater Drive
This street is built for boaters who want it all.
“I can keep my sportfisher in the water and be offshore in under 15 minutes. That’s why I bought here.”
“We wanted deep water, elevation, and privacy. Shoalwater had it all.”
For me, Shoalwater Drive represents the best combination of premium boating access, large lots, and long-term value on Ono Island.
Thinking of Buying on Shoalwater Drive?
If you’re a serious boater or just want the peace of mind that comes with wide canals and deep water, Shoalwater Drive deserves a place at the top of your list. I’d be happy to share available listings, upcoming opportunities, and my insider knowledge of the street and surrounding waters.
Explore Ono Island listings: www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island
Read more Ono Island insights: searchthegulf.com/blog/category/ono-island
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Discover Ono Island homes and real estate listings for sale. The Amon Team