The Dauphin Island Ferry, also known as the Mobile Bay Ferry, takes passengers from Fort Morgan, Alabama, to Dauphin Island and back.
Dauphin Island Ferry
The Mobile Bay Ferry has been called the Gulf Coast's Most Scenic Drive! It is a super relaxing ride with epic views, and you don't have to stress about traffic on I-10.
You will see the ferry listed a few ways, including the Fort Morgan Ferry, Dauphin Island Ferry, and the Mobile Bay Ferry.
When we first moved to Gulf Shores, I was super confused trying to plan a trip to Dauphin Island for the first time. I kept reading the different names for the ferry service and thought it was three different routes instead of just different names.
No matter what name you call it, the Mobile Bay ferry crosses the mouth of Mobile Bay and offers the opportunity to enjoy a gorgeous ferry ride.
Ride Time - 40 minutes across beautiful Mobile Bay
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Mobile Bay Ferry Schedule Info
Reservations: The ferry does not take reservations! They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Make sure to check the ferry's Facebook page for any schedule updates.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before departure. During the busy summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) and holidays including Spring Break, build extra time in your schedule to ensure you don't have to wait for a while.
The ferry runs 7 days a week, weather permitting, except for holiday closures.
The 6:30 PM trip from Dauphin Island or the 7:15 PM trip from Fort Morgan is only run during Daylight Savings Time.
Holiday closures - The ferry is closed and does not run on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
When you load the ferry in Fort Morgan you will drive over a small bridge onto the ferry boat. A ferry employee will guide you to the place they want you to park.
They are going to have you park close to the car in front of you to make room for as many vehicles as they can safely load onto the ferry.
There is no guarantee where you will park once you drive onto the Mobile Bay Ferry. During our last ferry ride they lined all of the cars up in the middle lane to keep everything balanced.
Once you reach Fort Morgan or Dauphin Island you will drive slowly off the front of the ferry. Make sure to watch for the signal from the ferry attendant to know when it is safe to move.
On the Dauphin Island Side, you will line up in designated lanes in the middle of the road.
Ferry Boat Info
At least one ferry operates year-round with both ferries normally in service during the summer months.
If you are driving a motorhome, campers, boats, or have a trailer make sure to check the tide chart and plan to ride the ferry at high tide.
There can be clearance issues at low tides for some makes and models of vehicles.
Marissa Mae Nicole Ferry Boat
Marissa Mae Nicole cannot accommodate any trailers, RVs/motor homes, campers, boats etc. in excess of 10 feet.
Fort Morgan Ferry Boat
Ft. Morgan maximum overall weight per vehicle is 50,000 pounds. Any vehicle over 21 feet in length, please call ahead.
One fun thing about riding the Fort Morgan Ferry Boat is there are two viewing platforms passengers can use to look out at the water.
The steps up to the viewing platforms are short but steep. Make sure to use the handrails going up and down the stairs.
We saw dolphins playing near the boat during our last ferry ride a couple of weeks ago. It was amazing being able to get out of the car and look around the ferry.
Why you will love Dauphin Island Ferry
- Nature-lovers will love the Dolphin, Wildlife, and Bird watching from the Ferry
- Wonderful views of Fort Gaines as you approach Dauphin Island
- Fun Gulf Coast Vacation adventure
- Great adventure for the whole family.
- Sightseeing near the Gulf of Mexico
Things to know when planning a visit to Dauphin Island Ferry
Cost - The cost is per person, plus vehicle or motorcycle.
There is no round trip ticket option but they do offer a discount on same day returns.
Dauphin Island Loading Dock - 112 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Fort Morgan Loading Dock - 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 at Mobile Point
Phone - (251) 861-3000
Accessibility - Passengers with disabilities or special needs, should please contact the ferry in advance so vessel-parking accommodations can be made.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are allowed on the ferry. If your pet is outside of the vehicle they must be on a leash. There is no charge for pets to ride the ferry.
Parking - There is parking near the Fort Morgan loading area if you want to walk onto the ferry.
On the Dauphin Island side there is a smaller amount of parking.
The Mobile Bay Ferry/Dauphin Island Ferry is managed by Hornblower.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Dauphin Island Aquarium - Learn about the sea life that can be found in Mobile Bay and along the Gulf Coast while visiting the aquarium. Wait until you see the touch tank! It is so much fun! Also called the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. Great way to learn about the key habitats of Coastal Alabama.
Fort Gaines Civil War 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. Learn more about the battle of Mobile Bay
Fort Morgan - This is one of the great historic forts you can visit while riding the ferry.
Best Things to do on Dauphin Island - All of the best things not to miss on Dauphin Island including the Beach.
Best Things to do in Fort Morgan, AL - The top things to do in Fort Morgan, Al including attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, and so much more!
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 Alabama Gulf Coast Articles
Bayou La Batre - Located near Dauphin Island this Alabama coastal town is known for fresh seafood and being part of the inspiration for Forrest Gump.
Best Sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters! This little zoo is packed with fun.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel - One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Check out all of the fun shopping, restaurants, and things to do at the Wharf
Things to do in Foley, AL - Don't miss all of the fun to be had in nearby Foley including the amazing Homes Medical Museum and the Railroad Museum.
Things to do in Fairhope, AL - The top things to do in Fairhope, Alabama, include attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, nature preserves, 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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