Blessed with access to stunning lakes, rivers, and the legendary Gulf of Mexico, Alabama coastline is a boater’s dream. Noted for its exceptional waterways and distinctive landscapes, the southern state truly has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to weekend warriors
Although east-coast states like Maine are widely recognized for their marine industry, Alabama has a rich boatbuilding industry, with major players like Austal, Alabama Shipyard, and Blakely BoatWorks making their home in Mobile, an unsung but vital port. Alabama’s array of offshore and freshwater adventures are as diverse as the state’s own coastline. It is little wonder, then, that the state boasts 8.3 boats per 100 residents, with over 400,000 registered vessels: whether you seek a calm, scenic canoe ride or a heart-pumping, fish-fighting tournament, Alabama has it all.
Celebrated by anglers for its incredible biodiversity, the Tennessee River – which traverses Mississippi, Kentucky, and its namesake, Tennessee – winds its way across northern Alabama, where hundreds of species of fish, including the formidable largemouth bass, make their home. Each year, visitors flock to the Alabama Bass Trail, a series of 13 lakes fed by the river. While charter boats are a popular option, there are plenty of boat ramps for owner-operators to launch their own vessels.
One of the jewels in Alabama’s crown, Lake Martin is perhaps the most popular body of water in the state. Located in east central Alabama, this enormous reservoir extends over 750 miles, spanning three entire counties. Pineywood Island, accessible via the public Elkahatchee Boat Ramp, is one of the lake’s best-kept secrets and a favorite among Tallapoosa County locals, who gather there in the summer months to fish, birdwatch and picnic.
For something more adventurous, head over to Alabama’s small but mighty shoreline, which spans about 50 spectacular, action-packed miles along the Gulf Coast. This is prime deep-sea fishing territory, famous for its red snapper season, which typically begins at the end of May – a perfect way to ring in your summer. Top sites for angling include the bustling Gulf Shores and the more laid-back Orange Beach. Located less than 10 miles apart along Route 182, visitors can easily hit up both spots over the course of a weekend, with over 10 public access points and 5 public boat launches combined, although the impressive Intracoastal Waterway (which runs all the way to Texas) is an even more popular choice launching your boat.
Popular nearby boat launches include Cotton Bayou and Boggy Point along Orange Beach, although many prefer the large Orange Beach Marina, which features 161 in-water slips, fueling stations, and repair shops, and other amenities, not to mention a range of exceptional dining options, such as Shipp’s Dockside Grill, a family-owned establishment with some of the best seafood in the region.
Since 1964, SI Yachts has been helping our clients through the processes of buying and selling boats, many times it's their 10th or more boat sale with us. We take service very seriously and we are able to retain some of the best service talent in the industry giving us an incredible advantage when it comes making sure our customers enjoy their boating lifestyle. When you buy a yacht from us, our industry-leading mobile service team is just a phone call away. With a service facility located in Staten Island and mobile service throughout the Northeast and South Florida, SI Yachts has a true north-to-south connection for our seasonal cruising clients.
