The Dauphin Island Aquarium, officially known as the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, is a must-visit.
Dauphin Island Aquarium
The Alabama Aquarium was recently updated to include even more amazing displays. Formerly named the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium this Dauphin Island attraction is truly amazing.
The public aquarium focuses on four key habitats of Coastal Alabama - The Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
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Make sure to plan time to explore this aquarium. There is a 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, and the living marsh boardwalk.
Over 100 species of marine life are common to the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Alabama's Watershed at the aquarium.
What looks like a smaller building from the outside is packed with unbelievable information. I found myself slowly walking around the aquarium reading all of the interpretive displays.
They are educational without being overwhelming. I learned a ton about the coast of Alabama and the marine life and marine habitats found in the area.
Moving from the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast of Alabama is a definite change in wildlife and habitats.
The beautiful visual exhibits make it easy to learn about the ecosystems and not be overwhelmed.
The aquarium does a great job of showing how the waterways in north-central Alabama tie to the Gulf of Mexico and the importance of these waterways and natural resources.
Locals and visitors to the area will enjoy learning about the fourth-largest estuary system in the United States.
This popular attraction on Dauphin Island is well worth visiting! I would happily return over and over again to watch the marine life and learn more about the local marine life.
Rays of the Bay Exhibit
Plan time to stare in awe at the Rays of the Bay exhibit. You can see Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingrays, and Cownose Rays along with Permit, Mojarra, and White Mullet.
During my visit, there was also a small shark, which was so cool to see. The 7,000-gallon sting ray touch pool is a must-visit!
The exhibit is outside, next to the aquarium. If you are visiting in the summer, there is a shade structure, but it can be really hot with the humidity.
I found myself going inside to cool off and then heading back out to watch the rays for a while longer.
Lined Seahorses
This was my favorite exhibit other than the Rays of the Bay touch tank. The seahorses were amazing.
I am going to admit that I didn't realize that seahorses were found in this part of the world. The Lined Seahorse is commonly found in the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a fantastic educational panel about the importance of seagrasses and the work being done to protect them.
Why you will love Alabama Aquarium on Dauphin Island
- Family-friendly attraction
- Interactive Exhibits
- Open daily
- Unique educational experience that is fun
- Learn about the marine research being done at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Education Opportunities
Boardwalk Talks - Learn about current DISL projects and community awareness. These informal chats are a lot of fun.
Excursions - Join the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on an excursion out into the habitats studied by the marine scientists and researchers. Excursion include:
- Salt Marsh Excursions
- Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursions
- R/V Alabama Discovery Excursion
- DISL Research Lab Guided Tour
Make sure to check what proper footwear should be warn, bring your camera, binoculars, water bottle, and sunscreen.
Reservations need to be made ahead of time to guarantee participation.
Things to know when planning a visit
Entrance Tickets - Tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit or at the front desk of the aquarium.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Address - 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
We like to take the Dauphin Island Ferry from Fort Morgan and spend the day exploring the 17 miles of fun on Dauphin Island.
If you are coming from Mobile or I-10 you can take exit 17A to Dauphin Island and enjoy a gorgeous drive to the island.
Phone - (251) 861-2141
Hours - Winter hours of operation: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Summer hours of operation: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Make sure to double-check the hours to ensure they have not changed.
Closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Years Day, and Thanksgiving Day.
Accessibility - There is a ramp leading up to the aquarium and space within the aquarium.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual. If you have kids with you and plan to enjoy the touch tank you may want to pack a 2nd set of clothes in case they get super excited and splash a ton.
I know they will dry off but depending on your plans a dry set of clothes can make life a little easier.
Pets - No pets are allowed in the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Parking - There is a nice size parking area near the main entrance to the aquarium. Parking is Free.
Snack Shop - There is a snack shop next to the Alabama Aquarium that sells hand dipped ice cream and snacks.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab facility was funded in 1971 by the Alabama legislature to provide marine science programs for many of the state's four-year colleges and universities.
The Alabama Aquarium underwent renovations and re-opened in the summer of 2023.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Fort Gaines Historic Fort - Explore an amazing Civil War fort. You can walk all over this fort including on top to see the epic views of Mobile Bay.
Things to do in Dauphin Island - Don't miss all of the fun adventures available near the aquarium.
Restaurants in Dauphin Island - Coming Soon
Mobile Bay Ferry - Hop on the ferry to Dauphin Island near the entrance to Historic Fort Morgan.
Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary - explore over 3 miles of trails through different ecosystems.
Reel Deal BBQ & Seafood - BBQ restaurant close to the beach and main road.
Dauphin Island Hotels and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Historic Fort Morgan - Explore a Civil War era fort and learn more about Alabama history.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Another great bird watching spot just down the road.
Gulf State Park - Hiking, Biking, and so much fun can be had at the park.
Things to do in Fort Morgan, Alabama - All of the fun things to do and see while visiting Fort Morgan.
Best free things to do in Gulf Shores - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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