Taking the Fort Morgan Ferry to Dauphin Island: A Day-Trip Guide
Right at the tip of the peninsula, a car ferry crosses to Dauphin Island — one of the easiest, most scenic day trips from Fort Morgan. Here's how it works and what to do when you land.
Most guests don't realize you can hop a boat from the end of the peninsula and be on a whole different island in about 40 minutes. The Mobile Bay Ferry crosses from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island, and it's one of our favorite easy day trips. Here's the rundown.
It's one of the day trips we mention in our complete Fort Morgan guide; here's the deeper how-to.
How the ferry works
The ferry runs daily from the dock right by the historic fort, carrying both vehicles and walk-on passengers across the mouth of Mobile Bay. You drive on, enjoy the roughly 40-minute ride (watch for dolphins), and drive off on Dauphin Island. Schedules and fares change seasonally, so check the current Mobile Bay Ferry timetable before you go, and arrive a little early on busy days — vehicle space is first-come, first-served.
We also like taking the ferry to avoid the traffic going through Mobile!
What to do on Dauphin Island
Once you're across, the island's worth a full afternoon. The Estuarium (a small but excellent aquarium), historic Fort Gaines staring right back at Fort Morgan across the water, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a quiet public beach, and a few casual seafood spots. It's a low-key, old-Gulf kind of place.
Tips before you go
Bring a card or cash for the fare, top off your gas first, pack water and snacks, and check the weather — the crossing can get choppy on a windy day. Pets are welcome; keep them leashed and in the shade.
Make a full day of it and you've got the perfect answer to what to do besides the beach. Weather scrap the plan? Here's the backup.
A few quick questions we get
Does the Fort Morgan ferry carry cars?
Yes — the Mobile Bay Ferry takes both vehicles and walk-on passengers to Dauphin Island. Vehicle space is first-come, first-served, so arrive early on busy days.
How long is the ferry to Dauphin Island?
The crossing is roughly 40 minutes, and you'll often spot dolphins along the way.
How much is the ferry and when does it run?
It runs daily, but fares and schedules change seasonally — check the current Mobile Bay Ferry timetable before your trip.
Stay at The Beach Bayou, minutes from the ferry dock — check dates →
Take a piece of Fort Morgan home: shop Beach Bayou tees and beach gifts.