ORANGE BEACH

• USOBC
• Latitude: 30.2838
• Longitude: -87.5637
• Gulf of Mexico
• Marina in US

Location: US

Orange Beach, located in Alabama, USA, is a popular coastal destination known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and vibrant marine activities. However, it is not typically known for a major commercial marine port but rather for its recreational boating and fishing. Here's a detailed description and specifications of the boating and marina facilities in Orange Beach:

General Description:

Location: Orange Beach is situated in Baldwin County on the Gulf of Mexico, bordered by the cities of Gulf Shores to the west and Perdido Key, Florida, to the east. The area is accessible via Highway 59 and the Foley Beach Express.

Function: Predominantly a recreational boating area. Orange Beach features numerous marinas catering to private boat owners, fishing charters, and tourism-related marine activities.

Marinas in Orange Beach:

The Wharf Marina:

• Location: At The Wharf complex on the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Amenities:
  • 208 slips accommodating vessels up to 100 feet.
  • Electrical hookups.
  • Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel.
  • Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
  • Shopping, dining, and entertainment options within The Wharf complex.
• Services:
  • High-speed internet.
  • Pump-out facilities.
  • 24-hour security.

Orange Beach Marina:

• Location: On Marina Road off Terry Cove.
• Amenities:
  • 161 slips for boats up to 60 feet.
  • Full-service dockage with high-speed fuel pumps.
  • On-site restaurants.
  • Bathhouse and laundry facilities.
• Services:
  • Boat repair and maintenance.
  • Dry storage options.
  • Yacht sales.

Sportsman Marina:

• Location: Also on Marina Road in Terry Cove.
• Amenities:
  • Over 400 wet slips for boats up to 100 feet.
  • Dry storage for smaller boats.
  • Fuel dock with non-ethanol gasoline and diesel.
  • Ship's store with boating supplies and groceries.
  • Restaurant and bar.
• Services:
  • In-slip fueling.
  • 24/7 access to bathhouse and laundry facilities.
  • Maintenance and detailing services.

Specifications:

1. Coordinates: 30.2941° N, 87.5736° W
2. Water Depth: Varies by marina, generally ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
3. Tide Range: Minimal tidal range of about 1 to 2 feet.
4. Navigational Aids: Standard U.S. Coast Guard navigational aids including buoys, markers, and lights.
5. VHF Communication: Monitored VHF channels include 16 and working channels specific to each marina (usually found in communication protocols for each marina).

Types of Vessels:

• Recreational Boats: Powerboats, sailboats, personal watercraft.
• Fishing Vessels: Charter boats for offshore and inshore fishing.
• Tourist Vessels: Dolphin cruise boats, parasailing boats, and other leisure craft.

Nearby Facilities:

• Coast Guard Station: Provides search and rescue operations, marine safety, and law enforcement.
• Marine Supplies: Several local shops offering boating, fishing, and sailing gear.
• Restaurants & Lodging: Plenty of dining and accommodation options ranging from casual eateries to upscale resorts.

Activities:

• Fishing: Orange Beach is renowned for its deep-sea and sport fishing.
• Dolphin Watching: Regularly scheduled boat tours offer sightings of local marine life.
• Water Sports: Jetskiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and more.
• Eco-Tours: Exploring the backwaters and coastal environments.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Practices: Marinas often engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling programs, waste pump-out facilities, and educational initiatives on marine conservation.
• Wildlife Protection: Coordination with local wildlife agencies to protect regional marine and bird life.

Contact Information:

• Orange Beach Marina Association: For inquiries and detailed information on marinas, services, and bookings.

In summary, while Orange Beach doesn't operate as a major commercial port, it offers comprehensive and high-quality marina services for recreational boating, focusing heavily on tourism, leisure, and sport fishing.