Turtle Key Drive on Ono Island: North-East, Off Sandpiper Drive

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

Street Guide: Turtle Key Drive

Turtle Key Drive sits on the north-east side of Ono Island in Orange Beach, accessed from Sandpiper Drive. It is not near the island’s entrance/gate. The street blends canal-front parcels with true “big-water” homes fronting Bayou St. John/Old River or the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a mix of protected-water serenity and wide-view waterfront living.

Waterfront Setting

Big water: A portion of Turtle Key Drive faces Bayou St. John, Old River, or the Intracoastal Waterway, offering broad views, sandy beach sections on select parcels, and ample room for larger docks and lifts.
Canal frontage: Interior segments sit on a ~40-ft-wide canal (per historical listings) with bridges to the east and west reported around ~7 ft clearance. That favors lower-profile center consoles/inshore boats and naturally limits wake and tall-boat traffic.
Docks & lifts: Most waterfront homes along Turtle Key Drive (both big-water and canal) advertise private docks and many include boat lifts or boathouses, subject to Architectural Control Committee (ACC) and agency approvals.

What Recent and Past Sales Indicate

(Summarized from historical MLS data for Turtle Key Drive; figures are illustrative and not guarantees.)

Home sales (RE): Typical closing prices have ranged up to $2,999,000, A majority of recorded home sales on this street were on big water, with a smaller subset on canals.
Land sales (LD): Canal and big-water lots have sold up to roughly $725,000, depending on frontage, view, and improvements.
Frontage hints: Canal lots commonly note approximately 145'–159' of water frontage; big-water parcels often show 90'–150'+ with occasional sandy beach segments and expansive view corridors.
Boating notes: Canal bridges around ~7' clearance help keep wakes low and can reduce tall-vessel noise; big-water sites trade that shelter for panoramic views and more open-water feel.

Architecture and Lot Use

Styles: Coastal-contemporary and Mediterranean hybrids with open floor plans, large sliders, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Outdoor rooms: Screened porches, summer kitchens, and shaded patios are common, taking advantage of breezes and water orientation.
Site planning: Many parcels allow for side-entry garages, courtyards, small plunge pools, and landscape buffers (confirm specifics with ACC guidelines).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turtle Key Drive on “big water”?

Partly, yes. Segments of Turtle Key Drive face Bayou St. John or the Intracoastal Waterway. Other segments are canal-front with protected water and bridge height limitations.

Do most properties have private boat docks?

Most waterfront homes here do. Canal and big-water properties typically feature docks, often with lifts or boathouses. Approvals (ACC/permits) and specifications vary—verify during due diligence.

Advantages of canal vs. big water?

Canal: More sheltered, reduced wake, easier paddle sports and swim platforms
Big water: Panoramic views, sandy beach sections on some parcels, broader channel access, room for larger docks/lifts (conditions permitting).

What do neighbors say about Turtle Key Drive?

Owners often cite the quiet, residential feel, the blend of protected and open-water options, and the consistency of well-kept homes. Canal-front owners appreciate calmer water for kids and paddle boards; big-water owners point to dawn and sunset views as daily highlights.

HOA, Use Rules, and Rentals

Short-term rentals: Not permitted on Ono Island; long-term minimums apply.
POA and fees: Expect Property Owners Association dues and a one-time transfer fee. Verify current figures and inclusions before contract.
ACC approvals: Setbacks, height, materials, fencing, generators, lighting, pavers, pools, and any waterfront structures require review. Early concept checks save time.

Buyer Tips for Turtle Key Drive

Confirm dock depth, lift capacity, and shoreline condition with vendor evaluations if needed.
Review potential bridge clearances (~7') and boat dimensions if canal-front; check route planning to open water.
Prioritize outdoor living (screens, shade, wind orientation) in your plan set.
Secure flood and homeowners insurance quotes during the inspection period.
Align any waterfront improvements (pier/boathouse) with ACC and permitting requirements early.

Map: Turtle Key Drive

Meredith Amon is an expert real estate advisor on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama. If you would like an on-market and coming-soon snapshot for Turtle Key Drive plus example floor plans and vetted local vendors, I can coordinate options and introductions.

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

Turtle Key Drive Ono Island