Perdido Key - Gulf Beach Bridge - Click for Chartview

The height of this bridge has elicited numerous comments and concerns as to its vertical clearance which is charted at 73ft. See link below for more comments.

Been under that bridge numerous times with a 62′ mast.
R. Holiman

Click Here To Read Earlier Comments on Perdido Key Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Perdido Key – Gulf Beach Bridge

Just a short word to let everyone know the Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama came through the storm with no damage. Although the surge level was significant, our Technomarine floating docks simply rose with the tide. The marina was full to capacity with boats seeking safe harbor and all fared well.
We are eagerly awaiting the fall . . . season with many new amenities for this year including sparkling nautical styled marina showers and laundry and several exciting new restaurants on property. The Wharf. The Gulf Coast’s Best Kept Boating Secret.
Beverly Morgan

Yikes! Watch out on the waters from Mobil Bay, moving east to Perdido Key

Cruising News:
Mariners be advised that multijurisdictional boardings and vessel searches are being conducted AT DOCKS IN PRIVATE MARINAS in the area extending from Ingram Bayou/Orange Beach to marinas on Mobile Bay. Cruisers report first contact by Homeland Security vessels with alongside questioning at the entrance/exit of Bon Secour Bay. US Coast Guard, local police, drug dog, Alabama Marine Police, and Border Patrol/customs officers are seeking documentation info and ID of captains and crews but do not appear interested in safety or sanitation inspections. We would advise our fellow boaters to be on guard and be prepared. Even if permission is not given, boaters are being informed that the officers are going to “search your boat anyway.” Have all information in order related to liquor carried aboard as well as a ship’s log and other proof of where you have been and where you are going. It was repeatedly asserted to us that we had been in the Bahamas when in fact we had not, and the origin of a bottle of liqueur was closely questioned because it was named “Nassau Royale” even though in fact this product is widely available in the US and is manufactured in Puerto Rico.
Remember that the officers are authorized to LIE in order to gain information and in severe cases of unreasonable search & seizure without permission, be prepared to request an attorney before answering ANY questions.
Scott & Cyndi Perkins

In a country that always trumpets its self designated superiority because it ‘follows the rule of law’ your government doesn’t seem to recognize any Constitutional limits. Rule of law for the proles but for the rich and their badged minions not so much.
Bosunj

WE just came through this area and wasn’t boarded, however, we did see a USCG RIB stopping fishing boats and spending a lot of time with them.
James Angel

We received the following inquiry from Captain Steve:

I question the bridge clearence stated. I have seen a clearence of 65′ published in several other areas. 73 feet is wonderful but I have yet to see any sailboat even close to 40′ in the perdido area. The height needs to be officially confirmed.
Steve

While I agree that this is an unusual amount of vertical clearance for a Northern Gulf ICW fixed span, a check of the latest NOAA chart confirms these specs. Check out:

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Perdido Key – Gulf Beach Bridge

Been under that bridge with a 55 ft mast and we weren’t even close. Looked to clear by at least 10 to 15 ft.
Bill Lloyd

To find your way to Orange Beach Marina, you must depart the Northern Gulf ICW by way of St. Johns Bayou, then traverse the channel from Perdido Pass to Terry Cove. Then, turn to the west and hug the southern banks. A marked channel will lead to the marina.

I spent the last two winter seasons at Orange Beach Marina and really enjoyed it. There are 2 restaurants on the property and Tacky Jacks across the street. They have two SUV’s for loaner cars and are very nice people. There is a boatyard and haul out facility on property with very clean restrooms and showers. All slips are covered and you are only ten minutes from Perdido Cut. Everything you need is very close.
Charlie
Slow Flight

The message below was copied from the AGLCA mail list, and is in response to a request for marina recommendation along the Northern Gulf coastline.
The Wharf at Orange Beach Marina is located directly on the canal-like portion of the Northern Gulf ICW that runs between Mobile Bay and Pensacola, near Statute Mile 159.

You will certainly get plenty of recommendations but I would offer the Wharf at Orange Beach. It has the village environment you mentioned and is relatively safe from storms. Bay Point Marina in Panama City is the second choice only because it is a little further away from things and its village is more limited. Both marinas are offering the same fantastic rates to AGLCA members. Neither marina will do your yard work, Saunders in Orange Beach is good and the nearest place to the Wharf unless you want to go back to Mobile Bay where you have several good choices.
Stay safe,
Tom

Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, AL is continuing their winter special this year…$525 a month for under cover in a fully protected marina with two restaurants, two transient cars, an on-site boatyard (Saunders) and tons of amenities off-site, including great shopping, condos, bike and walking trails, public workout facilities (not for free, though) and super weather. Call Jimmy or Donna at 251 981 4207 for the particulars and to make reservations.
Cyndi and I are going when we finalize our “new” boat purchase, so we’ll see y’all down there. We had a wonderful winter last year. No…we don’t work for Orange Beach Marina…just spreading the joy.
Jim and Cyndi McKay

Wow, what a great review of this facility. Note that this message was copied off the AGLCA mail list.

Hi, everyone. Hope y’all are safe.
I’ve told y’all about Orange Beach Marina and what a wonderful marina it is…they are especially kind to Loopers and fly the Looper flag proudly. They have a VERY SPECIAL winter rate to May 1…$525/month regardless of size. Power is extra, but my bill runs just a tad under $25.
They are in a lush, tropical setting with excellent security, new docks and in a quiet residential neighborhood. The transient vehicle is a late model Yukon Suburban. Close showers and a laundry on site next to the transient dock. Two on-site restaurants and two others (expecially Tacky Jacks) a short walk away. The beach, renowned for its sugary sand, is only 2.3 miles away.. A huge, respected boatyard (Saunders Yachtworks).
And there’s more: Covered barbecue and picnic areas, boat washing and detail service on site, upscale dock store, taxi service, the best, friendliest service help around.
Both Orange Beach are minutes from each other and both offer libraries, indoor pools, exercise areas, a great wildlife area well within walking distance (deer and other wildlife abound), golf courses, great shopping. In short, it is a paradise!
And Pensacola Naval Air Station’s world famous air and space museam is really close by.
Free first night dockage with fill up of 300 gallons or more attract lots of folks…and its just for us Loopers.
I hate to sound like a shill for the marina, but it is a superb overnight or long-term place to be.
Just ask for Jimmy at 251 981 4207.

Ingram Bayou lies off the northern flank of the ICW, west of the Waterway’s with St. Johns Bayou and Perdido Pass. This is one of my favorite anchorages of all time. It just doesn’t get better than this gang – plenty of depth, good shelter, wonderfully natural shores and ample swing room! See you there!

Ingrams Bayou anchorage MM164.0 is wonderful. Go all the way in to the charted six foot pool at the back. We found minimum seven feet in the entire pool, except for one short six foot section at the very opening of this pool. Protection is great from all sides, and plenty of swinging room. Several places on shore to land a dog. I suggest getting there early. We arrived about 1500 to find one boat in the back pool. By 1600 we had been joined by five more sailboats.
Bill Root

The charted shoal referred to below by Captain Root lies just east of Bear Point Marina, and south of the ICW channel. A quiick look at chart 11378 will show these shallows quickly, and apprently they are building to the north. Sounds like good advice to favor the northern or red side of the Waterway passage.

For those behind us, be aware that the marked shoal on the green side of the channel, just past the marina east of MM 165, extends farther out than charted. I suggest favoring the reds MM 165 to MM 167.
Bill Root

Homeport Marina, home of Lulu’s Restaurant, is located along the northerly shores of the Northern Gulf ICW’s run through a man-made canal, east of Mobile Bay. It lies just a stone’s throw east of the high-rise Gulf Shores – Highway 59 bridge.

Subject: Lulu’s at Homeport Marina Gulf Shores AL
Cruising News: Lulu’s was a great stop on Halloween. The local high school created a haunted house in the pavilion with $5 entrance donation going back to the school group. A costume contest topped off the evening. This restaurant and “play area” at Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores AL, is one of our favorite stops when delivering a boat to Mobile or west. The “beach”, pavilion and large outdoor restaurant host music and kid/family-friendly activities every day. Don’t pass up the gift shop for your Lucy Buffett souvenir.
Capt. Wendy Young
Punta Gorda FL

It seems as if there is a whole collection of new marinas sprouting up along the ICW, between Pensacola and Mobile Bay. GOOD NEWS for cruisers! 

Subject: Barber Marina
Cruising News: A beautiful new marina has just opened at ICW  MM 161 which is just east of the entrance into the Alabama Canal.  http://barbermarina.com/  Together with The Wharf and Lulu's HomePort marinas this stretch of the ICW offers transient more first rate docking opportunities than any other stretch of the Northern Gulf.  Bob Riggs
Bob Riggs