The Dog River is located off Mobile Bay just south from the city of Mobile, and right across Mobile Bay from the town of Fairhope.The Dog River area has an excellent collection of marinas for boats that can clear four- to six-foot depths and get under a 73-foot fixed vertical clearance bridge.

The approach to the Dog River area starts at green daybeacon “1” and red beacon “2,” which are located just off the Mobile Ship Channel near waypoint 30 32.771N 88 01.604W. As you enter from green daybeacon “1” and red beacon “2,” keep in mind the 4- to 6-foot project depth for the approach channel and gauge your vessel’s draft accordingly.

From green daybeacon “1” and red beacon “2,” set a course of about 307 degrees magnetic for a distance of about two miles (minding all the intermediate aids to navigation) until you reach flashing red “6” where you will make a turn to the west toward flashing red “8.” Nest in line are green daybeacon “9,” red daybeacon “10,” flashing green “11,” and red daybeacon “12” where you sill turn slightly to the southwest toward green daybeacon “15” and red daybeacon “16.” Lastly are flashing green “17” and red daybeacon “18,” before you set up to cross under the 73-foot fixed vertical clearance bridge.

Past the bridge are a small collection of marinas, the largest two being the Dog River and Grand Mariner marinas, which have slips for transient guests. Turner Marine Supply and Beachcomber Marina are also nearby with similar transient accommodations.

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.