The undiscovered crown jewel of the Alabama Gulf Coast is beautiful Dauphin Island, a true barrier island located three miles south of the mouth of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico, 33 miles from Mobile, AL and 130 miles to the east of New Orleans, LA. It was named after Louis XIV’s great-grandson and heir, the Dauphin. The island is approximately 14 miles long and 1-3/4 miles wide at its widest point. The eastern six miles are inhabited while the western eight miles are undeveloped and privately owned.
This family-oriented community is more than just sugar-white beaches. Here you’ll find a serene, quiet laid-back life style with lots of activities—world-class deep sea fishing, a historic Civil War fort to explore, Indian shell mounds, shelling on the beach, a bird watching sanctuary, arts and crafts in Island shops, camping, pier fishing, tennis, swimming and dining.
Golf is anytime on the 18-hole public course with each hole offering a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. This scenic island course is perfect for the duffer or pro; and the exclusivity of Isle Dauphine keeps the greens uncrowded and the pace relaxed.
Entry to the island is made by crossing a three-mile-long high-rise bridge, or a nearby ferry in Gulf Shores brings both vehicles and pedestrians to the eastern end of the island. One of the closest attractions to the ferry dock is The Estuarium. This fresh and saltwater aquarium highlights native species and the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. Mobile Bay is the fourth largest estuary system in the United States, and this exciting educational facility is a showcase of the plants, animals and other natural resources found in the estuary and its surrounding marine habitats.
In August 1864 just a few hundred yards from Dauphin Island's shore, Admiral David Farragut endured a deadly crossfire of cannons and uttered the much-repeated phrase, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Farragut successfully led some eighteen Union ships between a passage protected by Forts Morgan and Gaines and secured Mobile Bay by forcing the surrender of the Confederate Naval forces.
The entire island has been designated as a bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors come to experience the annual migrations. Dauphin Island is the first landfall encountered by many birds as they migrate north from South America, and as a consequence many species can be found resting on the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary before continuing their journey.
It is estimated that 1,300 permanent residents call Dauphin Island home. If you want to lose yourself in the charm of Dauphin Island, where "dolphins play," contact us today for a piece of Alabama Real Estate.
