Welcome to Dauphin Island, AL!

Come and enjoy our little piece of paradise, dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico waters, get sand between your toes and just RELAX on Dauphin Island, AL.

Come stroll some of our beaches, charter a boat to fish or to cruise, dine in our special eateries and visit gift shops and boutiques for that special item or gift. In our busy world, we plan for tomorrow, but can’t live it until it arrives. We invite you to come enjoy Dauphin Island – TODAY.

Standing guard between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a true barrier island – complete with dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal flats and two freshwater lakes.

Named “barrier” for their role in protection of the mainland from nature’s fury of storm waves, barrier islands also prevent the inflow of salt water from the Gulf into the bays and sounds by forming a physical barrier. This process is essential to maintaining the nursery characteristics of the estuarine ecosystem.

Entry to the island is made by crossing a three-mile long high-rise bridge, which was opened in July 1982 after the original drawbridge was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979. An automobile ferry from the eastern shore also offers an entry point on the eastern end of the island. The island is approximately 14 miles long and 1 3/4 miles wide at the widest point. The eastern six miles are inhabited while the western 8 miles are undeveloped and privately owned. It is estimated that 1300 permanent residents call Dauphin Island home. The number of residents soars during vacation and holiday times. The entire island has been designated as a bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors come to experience the annual migrations.

Visit www.dauphinislandchamber.com or call 877-532-8744 for details and plan your next getaway to Dauphin Island, Alabama. ¤