Dauphin Island Marina Inc — Attraction in Dauphin Island

Overall, we liked this boat tour, but having done island boat tours in different areas of the country, this one wasn't as good as those.

It took about an hour to get out to the lighthouse, and the ride was pleasant enough. We spent about 10 minutes looking at the lighthouse, and the captain and guide were very informative when you went to them and asked questions, but it wasn't a traditional tour where they have a set script. That may or may not appeal to you.

The ride back in was pretty rough (which I understand they can't control).

Then they threw out the nets and caught some fish, shrimp, and a blue crab full of eggs. They let the blue crab go. We were expecting a "touch tank" and on other ships that had meant putting water in the tank, allowing us to touch wildlife and then releasing it back to the ocean. It was NOT that..... they did not fill it with water, and my kids were initially upset as they watched the fish die. Our kids were fine when we explained things, but we just wanted others with kids to be prepared. Everyone was able to throw the fish to the waiting birds to eat. My kids liked that very much.

In the end, the company was nice, the ride out was beautiful and it is a nice basic trip however, if you are looking for a boat tour that points out a lot of sites with information to learn about the area this isn't what they do unless you ask specific questions. It is really a matter or...

It’s usually a 5 star experience. We have always enjoyed renting a pontoon . Paying and setting it up the experience was perfect. The lack of greeting and instruction was surprising on the morning we arrived to pick it up. Luckily we had done this in previous years and kind of knew what to do . The only thing we were asked is if we’ve driven a boat before. Luckily we have, but a refresher would have been nice and it didn’t start at first and he had to come flip a switch . I asked the young guys 2 times what TIME we needed to be back and the first answer was “I don’t know “ and the second said “ we go home at 6.” I asked about storm protocol and the response was a “shoulder shrug . “ Thank goodness there were no storms and we rolled in around 5 . Greeted this time by the same young men who obviously don’t work well together. One half way tied us off and left the other and my boys to secure the boat . Apparently we were suppose to be back at 4:30 because when we got home I had a message from a woman on my voicemail asking if we were ok that we were late. Either the young guys don’t care or they don’t have training. The boat is always the best part of the trip and I will be back , but It’s good to know what to expect so u can ask questions. I still recommend it , but I would tell the ladies in the office if you don’t have...

We booked a sunset cruise on this off season with only another "group". They were incredibly accommodating for us with our requests to see dolphins, although it was simply a sunset cruise. Well......the two wonderful tour guides/captains were amazing. The boat was simple but fulfilling for our children. They exuded safety first and fun a strong second. They had everything needed onboard and even helped out a child who got pricked by one of the bait fish which they caught. It's a normal thing so no worries but it is raw and the real deal. Our hosts were wonderful, understanding, and protective of us. We experienced many different birds but the beautiful dolphins decided to entertain us for the price of a few small fish. The eight children (out of 15 total) were elated in this rare experience. Wonderful to say the least. Please see my pictures and make an honest judgement. You won't be...