Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise in Orange Beach, Alabama, guarantees you will see dolphins on your tour!
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Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise
If you are looking for a leisurely Orange Beach dolphin tour that is great for the whole family, this is a really good option.
The tour starts with a safety briefing from the captain explaining where things are on the boat. Kids under a certain age need to wear life jackets when out on the open deck. The crew will help you get the right size life jacket for each child.
The Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises depart next to Tacky Jacks Orange Beach, heading past the Orange Beach Islands and down Bayou Saint John.
One thing the captain stressed is there can be dolphins in the first ten minutes or they may show up at the end of the tour. It really depends on the day and where the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are hanging out.
On our last cruise we spent about an hour cruising down Bayou Saint John, around Bear Point towards Bay La Launch before we saw the first pod of dolphins.
Once we saw the dolphins the boat stopped so everyone had the opportunity to get photos and videos.
After a while we headed back towards Bayou Saint John and ended up seeing another set of dolphins near Ono Island and Cobalt Restaurant.
Both sets of dolphins were pretty active giving us a great show of them hunting for food and playing together.
Book tickets here
Southern Rose Boat Amenities
- Onboard Snack bar with soft drinks, tropical drinks, beer, and sweet/salty treats.
- Two levels of indoor and outdoor seating
- Restrooms on board
- Professional tour guides
One thing to know about the snack bar is there is a $2 charge for running your credit card for a purchase. You can set up a tab so you only have to pay this fee once.
Book tickets here
The indoor seating on the main level of the ship near the snack bar includes tables and chairs along with a padded bench.
There are windows around the entire indoor seating area if you want to look for dolphins but not be out in the wind and sun.
The 2nd level seating is air conditioned and you can easily hear the captain providing commentary on the area and dolphins. They also play fun beach music while cruising so you can enjoy an unforgettable day seeing the best view of Orange Beach from the water.
In order to reach the 2nd level seating there are stairs at the back of the boat.
The main level of the boat has a bench that runs along the side of it great for watching dolphins and enjoying the breeze off of the Gulf.
There is also a bench that runs along the front of the boat with most of these seats being in the direct sun.
The 2nd level of the boat has outdoor seating at the front of the boat. In order to reach this area you will need to walk up a small spiral staircase. The stairs are tight so you want to make sure you are able to comfortably climb stairs while curving up or down the stairwell.
A specific number of guests is available on the 2nd level. There is bench seating built into the viewing area providing a great view of the area.
Why you will love Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises
- Guaranteed dolphin sightings on every tour
- Narrated cruise of local waterways
- Family Friendly thing to do in Orange Beach
- Best Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
- See playful dolphins in their natural habitat up close
- Scenic views of Orange Beach, ONO Island, and more
- Orange Beach Vacation Fun
- Great for locals and visitors
What to bring with you
Sunscreen - Please make sure you are prepared for the hot Alabama Gulf Coast sun! Even living here we are amazed at how hot it is some days.
Camera - Bring your best camera to get epic dolphin and marine life photos!
Sunglasses - These will help keep the glare down and make it easier to see the dolphins.
Non-alcoholic drinks - You can bring water, soda, or your favorite drink onboard with you. Just make sure they are all non-alcoholic.
Things to know when planning a visit to Southern Rose Dolphin Tours
Book tickets here Reservations are highly recommended!
Address - Happy Harbor Marina 27212 Marina Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Near Tacky Jacks Orange Beach.
This is also the location of Happy Harbor Marina Pontoon Boat Rentals, Top Tier Watersports which offers an Orange Beach parasailing excursion.
They also have jet ski rentals along with guided tours. You can also rent single or tandem kayaks along with paddleboard rentals.
Phone - 251-303-8524
Hours - Tours are offered daily
Length of Tour - Dolphin tours last 90-minute up to a two-hour ride.
Accessibility - The boat tour is not wheelchair accessible. There are a couple of steps to get down onto the boat.
If you have mobility restrictions I would stick to the main level of the boat. There is a small step over to get into the indoor seating on the main level. The top levels both have staircases including a spiral staircase to the seating area on the top level.
Plus Size Seating - The bench seating that runs around the main level of the boat is comfortable. There is shaded and open sun areas.
The first level indoor seating has chairs that are nice and sturdy. The second level has some folding chairs so those will depend on your comfort level.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, weather appropriate
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the boat.
Parking - There is designated parking in the marina parking area. Follow the signs for the dolphin tour parking. It is a gravel lot.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Carver's Steakhouse - One of the best steak restaurants in Orange Beach.
GT's on the Bay - This epic coastal restaurant has an aquarium in the dining room. The entire family will love watching the large fish swim by or looking for dolphins in the Intercoastal Waterway.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - Check out this gorgeous public beach access in Orange Beach.
The Wharf - One of the top attractions in Orange Beach is located just down the street from GTs. Enjoy amazing shopping, live music, and a huge Wharf Ferris wheel.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park - This great Orange Beach Park is open year-round with picnic shelters, barbecue grills, two restrooms, kids' park, and a fishing pier.
Luna's Eat & Drink - Great coastal southern food plus traditional favorites! Don't miss their meat and 3 lunch special.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
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
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Orange Beach Restaurants on the Beach - The best restaurants in Orange Beach for gorgeous water views!
Best Breakfast in Orange Beach - These are our favorite spots for breakfast in Orange Beach!
Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
Things to do in Orange Beach when it Rains - Don't let rain stop you from having a great time! There are still so many great things to do.
Best Burgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Check out the best burgers you can enjoy along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
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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