Mobile Bay - Docking

Mobile Bay is a massive inlet and estuary at the mouth of at least two major rivers (Mobile River and Tensaw River) and many smaller rivers with their own much smaller inlets.

The tidal area, which is the main area of the bay, is 31 miles long and 24 miles wide. Regardless of the massive area, the average depth is only around 10 feet deep. Cruising yachts still must use the main channels. Anywhere outside the marked channels may be subject to fishing traps, floats, fishing reefs, or other underwater obstructions, most of which are not marked on any charts. Yachts with more than 3ft draught should not attempt to navigate outside the channels.

There are numerous marinas around the perimeter of the bay. Some of the marinas are out on the barrier islands. Another cluster of marinas is located on the Dog River on the western coast of the bay. No cruising marinas exist in the city of Mobile, nor are there any anchorages, but there is a convention center with a dock for short stays.

There are also marinas along the ICW eastward toward Perdido and Orange Beach. Some of the marinas are more convenient than those in Mobile Bay due to their proximity to the Gulf. This listing will only include marinas in Alabama, which the Perdido River is the state line.

Anchorages

There are many anchorages in Mobile Bay. The primary area for anchoring is around Dauphin Island in the southwest corner of Mobile Bay.

To the west side of the bay, the Dog River is somewhat shallow and is often busy with local watercraft.

In the southeast corner of Mobile Bay, just off the ICW, there is an inlet near the town of Bon Secour with possible anchorages.

Last updated July 2017