Where to Go With a Rental Boat

Before heading out, check the weather and water conditions and familiarize yourself with the best boating safety tips. Most outfitters set boundaries for renters, so it’s best to plan your route in advance. Inland waters, including bays, rivers, and canals, are ideal waterways for rentals. Venturing into open Gulf waters is not allowed for rentals and not recommended for first-time boaters. Be aware of no-wake zones and always follow your rental company's guidelines. The marina will show you how to operate the vessel before you take off.

For boat owners, map out local marinas, where you can refuel or dock if needed, and always check the weather conditions before going offshore. 

30 yards away from Robinson Island sits Bird Island, another excellent, and very accessible, place to visit by boat in Orange Beach. In addition to its comfortable waters, the island is a hot spot for a variety of coastal birds, hence its name. As you explore the sandbar or wade in the water, keep an eye out for egrets and herons. Robinson and Bird Islands are protected nesting shorebird sites, and entering the interiors of both is prohibited.

For a scenic sightseeing cruise, plan to take your Orange Beach boat rental past Robinson and Bird Islands into Bayou Saint John towards Ono Island. Slowly cruise around the display of jaw-dropping homes and yachts that line the private island. Circle around the island and cruise down Old River to see the other side.

A legendary dive bar known for its burgers and bushwackers, Pirate’s Cove in nearby Josephine is a must-visit place to visit by boat. This iconic, pirate-themed restaurant has a dog-friendly beach that attracts boaters from all around the area. Docking here is easy for first-time boaters or those with a rental.

Another Orange Beach restaurant that allows boaters to pull up into the sand is Avenue Pub. This casual restaurant is shaped like a ship and has open-air dining overlooking the water. The kiddos will love playing at Avenue Pub’s bayfront beach while the adults savor handcrafted dishes and vanilla bushwackers.

While cruising through the waterways on Alabama’s Beaches, boaters often spot local coastal wildlife, as our area is home to many distinct marine creatures, including dolphins. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed while out on the water, but there are a few spots where they are more active, such as calm bays. If you do spot dolphins or other marine life during your boat outing, please view from a distance and do not disturb or feed them. Boats must remain at least 50 yards away from dolphins to avoid injuring them.

Wolf Bay and its surrounding back bays are prime for dolphin sightings. The tranquil waters and frequent marine activity of this area attract these friendly creatures. Spotting wildlife is ideal given the slower pace of boat traffic.