Location: Dauphin Island
Top Things to do in Dauphin Island
Countries
The 5 Best Nature & Parks in Dauphin Island, Alabama (AL)
Dauphin Island is a town in Mobile County, Alabama, United States, on a barrier island of the same name (split by the Katrina Cut), at the Gulf of Mexico. It incorporated in 1988. The population was 1,238 at the 2010 census. The town is included in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area. The island (originally named "Massacre Island") was renamed for Louis XIV of France's great-grandson and heir, the dauphin, the future Louis XV of France. The name of the island is often mistaken as "Dolphin Island"; dauphin is "dolphin" in the French language.
Restaurants in Dauphin Island
1. Dauphin Island Marina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By 777janellc - Tuscaloosa, United States
A perfect afternoon trip! We booked the dolphin/shrimping tour! I had two pre teen boys and my adult daughter, her husband, myself and my husband. My boys enjoyed the shrimping so much! My daughter was really wanting to see dolphins and Capt. John and Capt. Brian searched and helped locate dolphins. The boys enjoyed getting to see all the sea life pulled up and both Captains explained what type of fish were in the live well. It was my first charter and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it exceeded my expectations. The Duke is a great boat and having the cover over the boat kept the heat of the sun at bay! No sunburns! I just can't say enough about the Marina and the Captains. You have got to go do this! Thanks for the fun afternoon, answering all the boys questions and making it a memorable experience! You have to do this while in Dauphin Island!
2. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
The Estuarium is an exciting educational public aquarium highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility has 31 aquariums totaling over 30,000 gallons with more than 100 species on display. The Estuarium showcases the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Estuarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. Due to COVID-19 tickets are available online at: https://disl.yapsody.com/ All visitors are required to wear a mask when touring the Aquarium. The CDC recommendation is for 2 years old and up to wear a mask.
Reviewed By ChristmasYooper - Duluth, United States
We have visited the Estuarium for several years. We typically take the Mobile Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island and back. The Estuarium is within walking distance of the Ferry landing. The Estuarium also has ample free parking. A boardwalk with information about area flowers, foliage, birds and sea life winds it’s way to the Estuarium from the parking lot and includes benches for those who like to take time to enjoy the outdoors. There is a reasonable entrance fee to enter. There is a small theater on the right with brief movies of the sea life of the area. A door to the left leads to a pool of rays that are both entertaining and open to letting people touch them. Back inside are several large rooms with well labeled aquariums displaying different types of sea life of the area. There are several areas specifically designed to interest children and to teach them about sea life at their level of understanding. There is a large, staffed display of bones, fossils, etc of creatures of the area. Staff are engaging and willing to answer questions about the display. Further on, there is a staffed display of a couple of living sea creatures such as a crab or turtle. Staff share information about the creatures and show how they are fed. The last aquarium includes large lion fish that are fascinating to watch. The final stop is the gift shop for a T-shirt or a sea related souvenir. The Estuarium is always one of our favorite vacation stops and we plan to visit again next year.
3. Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By NashLange - Franklin, United States
While camping nearby, we walked into the sanctuary dozens of times from sunrise to sunset. We have younger children, so our experience changed whether our kids were with us. - The kids enjoyed searching for the alligator at the lake pier and quick walks. The heat of the midday June weather was a little much for them to stay out long. - Sunrise & sunset were amazing times in the sanctuary and offered cooler weather and breezes. - The lake pier was by far our favorite spot. Other visitors will visit this spot too - everyone was very respectful and whispered. From the pier you'll likely spot one of the alligators and dozens of turtles. We could hear the beach beyond the dunes. The amount and variety of birds spotted from this spot kept us busy too! Our favorite was the Green Heron and their fledglings. Enjoy this wilderness park and please leave no trace!
4. Dauphin Island Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Flyer47608244670
What a beautiful natural beach to visit and sit and watch all the wildlife and waves roll in. If you go take the Ferry to Gulf Shores to see more beautiful beaches and tourist sites.
5. Indian Shell Mound Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Carlyke - Dauphin Island, United States
This park is located on and around a mound of, mainly oyster, shells that have been there for thousands of years. The site of native American settlements, it is a forested quiet walk through natural surroundings. On a quiet day, you almost forget that there is an island full of activity surrounding you. A great walk for nature and history lovers.
