Did you know that there is a Fort Morgan ferry landing just steps from the Fort Morgan State Historic Site and Museum in Gulf Shores? The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island, and allows visitors to travel with ease from one great site to another. The next time you stay with us, consider riding the Fort Morgan ferry for a safe and scenic experience your family will love!
The Fort Morgan ferry is just one great thing to do on a Gulf Shores, AL, vacation! Request a copy of our FREE Travel Guide for more information about other outdoor activities, plus dining, restaurants, and attractions in the area!
4 Reasons Why You Should Ride the Fort Morgan Ferry
There are so many great reasons to enjoy a ferry ride on the bay during a Gulf Shores vacation with your family! Here are just a few of them:
1. It is a Quick Trip Across Mobile Bay
Traveling from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island is a great excursion your family can enjoy together. The Mobile Bay Ferry is a quick 40-minute ride across the water to a new and interesting destination, making it an excellent day trip when you want to explore beyond Gulf Shores.
2. Catching a Ride is Easy
One of the best things about the Mobile Bay Ferry is that it operates at regular intervals throughout the day, which makes planning your trip easy. While you should always check the ferry schedule before your trip, it typically runs from early morning to sunset each day. Hours vary by season, but the boat leaves from the tip of Fort Morgan and goes back and forth to Dauphin Island every 1.5 hours approximately.
3. There are Unique Things to See On the Way
Even the most fidgety of children will be at ease aboard the Mobile Bay Ferry. If you bring your car on the ferry, you can get out and walk around the boat once onboard. The ride offers a variety of great things to see. Along the ride to Dauphin Island, you'll see huge gas rigs in the distance, birds flying overhead, and wonderful scenery all around you. And sometimes, the seagulls will hop aboard and cruise across the bay, too!
4. Dauphin Island Offers Unique Entertainment Once Your Arrive
After you cross the bay, you will arrive on Dauphin Island, one of the most scenic and beautiful places in the area. The island is filled with plenty of things to do, so there are Dauphin Island attractions for everyone in your group.
History buffs will enjoy learning more about regional Civil War history at Fort Gaines, while nature-lovers will enjoy the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary. In addition, you'll find the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. The estuarium is an educational public aquarium that highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama.
What You Need to Know About the Ferry
Before you plan your trip across Mobile Bay, there are a few tidbits of information that might be helpful. For example, note that the ferry operates on a first come, first served basis and does not take reservations. Because of this, ferry operators recommend that travelers arrive at the dock 30-minutes to 1-hour prior to departure, especially during the summer months. Ensure that it is smooth sailing for your group by building enough time into your schedule for purchasing tickets and boarding.
On foggy, stormy, or windy days, the ferry may not run. So, be sure to check the Mobile Bay Ferry Facebook page before your ride. It is updated with current schedules, conditions on the water, and availability each day.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Next Big Adventure!
Taking the Fort Morgan ferry and exploring Dauphin Island for the day is just one great way to spend time with your family on a Gulf Shores, AL, vacation! You'll also find a variety of other outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more.
Not only is finding things to do with your group easy in Gulf Shores, so it finding the perfect vacation home to house everyone under one roof! Even the largest of family reunions, youth retreats, or groups of friends will find spacious vacation rentals with us!
At Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, we offer a wide selection of large, luxury vacation homes. They feature all the comforts of home, plus private pools, oceanfront views, high-end furnishing and decor, handicap accessible elevators, and more. You'll find homes stocked with the best beach-day essentials, modern kitchens, and expansive outdoor areas. Browse our vacation rentals to find the perfect fit for your group. Then, contact us! We'd love to help you plan the ultimate Gulf Shores, AL, vacation!
See you soon in Gulf Shores,
Susan & Geoff Gaberino
Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
Photo credit: Getty Images / noblige
