One of the best parts of being out on the water around Perdido Key – whether you’re cruising by pontoon, on a dolphin cruise, riding a jet ski, or relaxing on a charter – is the chance to see some incredible marine life up close. The Ole River and Perdido Bay side of the island is full of activity, and not just from boat traffic. If you slow down and keep your eyes open, there’s a lot happening just below the surface (and sometimes right above it).
Here’s a quick guide to what you might spot out there:
Dolphins (Our Most Popular Locals)
Bottlenose dolphins basically own these waters. They roll in small pods, sometimes playing in your boat’s wake, sometimes giving you that “Really? That’s your speed?” side-eye. Mornings and late afternoons are prime dolphin hours; when the water is calm and the sun hits just right, it’s basically a dolphin meet-and-greet.
Want a guaranteed Dolphin Siting during your visit? Check out our Bama Breeze Dolphin Cruise – You’re guaranteed to see dolphins or we’ll give you your money back.
Cownose Rays and Southern Stingrays
Rays are some of the most graceful creatures in our waters. Cownose rays tend to swim in small groups and can often be seen near the surface in clear water, especially near the grass flats and shallow areas of the bay. Southern stingrays are a bit more introverted and prefer sandy bottoms and might be seen gliding across the shallows or resting just under the sand.
Blue Crabs, Hermit Crabs & More
Look down near docks, pilings, or shallow grass beds and you’ll probably spot blue crabs scuttling around like they’re late for a meeting. Tide pools and oyster beds are mini marine zoos with hermit crabs, little shrimp, and all sorts of critters. Kids love this part! They can turn a quick wade into a full-on treasure hunt. Adults, too… if you count trying not to step on everything as “fun.”
Mullet, Sheepshead, and Redfish
The Ole River and bays are great for fishing, and even if you’re not casting a line, you’ll likely see fish jumping or swimming nearby. Mullet are the jumpers – they’re known for randomly launching out of the water. Sheepshead with their black and white striped appearance and redfish cruising the edges of marshy areas are also common sights.
Ospreys, Herons, and Pelicans
Don’t forget to look up! Ospreys are often seen flying overhead with fish in their talons or perched on channel markers. You’ll spot great blue herons, egrets, and pelicans along the shoreline, perched on docks, or hovering near a fisherman back from his trip always waiting for their next snack.
And yes, Fred, our resident bird dockhand, will probably make a cameo too. He takes his job very seriously.
PRO TIP: If you’re renting a pontoon or jet ski, hit up the quieter corners: Ono Island, Bayou St. John, or the edges of Perdido Bay. Less traffic = more wildlife sightings = higher probability of spontaneously yelling, “OH MY GOD, LOOK AT THAT!”
Also: wear sunscreen. You’ll be too distracted to notice the sunburn until later.
Whether you’re here to adventure, relax, or just pretend you’re starring in a low-budget nature documentary, the waterways around Perdido Key will keep you entertained. Every trip is a little different, which is exactly why you’ll keep coming back.
Take photos, tag us, or just tell stories when you get back to the dock – we live for hearing about your amazing wildlife encounters.
