National Dolphin Day: How to Celebrate Our Local Icons

OBA Staff • April 14, 2025

Alabama’s coastal waters are home to numerous playful dolphins

National Dolphin Day

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) –   Today, April 14th, people along the Gulf Coast come together to celebrate National Dolphin Day, a special day dedicated to raising awareness of one of the Gulf’s most beloved and intelligent creatures—the dolphin. This day is not just about admiration; it’s about recognizing the urgent need to protect and preserve dolphins and their natural habitats.

Dolphins are widely recognized for their playful behavior, impressive intelligence, and complex social structures. As top predators in their ecosystem, they help maintain balance in the marine food chain. However, dolphins face numerous threats, including water pollution, habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbances from boat traffic.


National Dolphin Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to ensure these graceful marine mammals are protected for future generations to admire and enjoy.


Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we are fortunate to share our waters with an abundance of bottlenose dolphins. From Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island to the bays of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key, these dolphins can often be seen swimming, feeding, and playing just off the shoreline. Their year-round presence is a testament to the rich biodiversity and ecological health of our coastal waters.


The calm bays, bayous, and Gulf waters offer an ideal environment for dolphin pods to thrive. Locals and visitors alike are regularly treated to up-close sightings, making dolphin watching one of the area’s most cherished pastimes.


If you’re hoping to see dolphins in their natural habitat, there's no better way than a guided dolphin cruise. With experienced captains, comfortable vessels, and a deep respect for marine life, the Dolphin Cruise Boats on the Alabama Gulf Coast are second to none. They offer unforgettable experiences  that bring you face-to-fin with these remarkable marine mammals.

Whether you're sailing the calm waters of the back bays, exploring the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, or cruising through the Perdido Pass into the Gulf, dolphin cruises combine fun, education, and conservation awareness.


Visit
BestDolphinCruises.com to vote for your favorite

Dolphin Cruise on the Alabama Gulf Coast. 


While enjoying the beauty of dolphins, it’s crucial to remember the role we play in their future. Supporting marine conservation efforts, reducing plastic use, respecting boating guidelines, and educating others are all steps we can take to protect our marine neighbors.


As we celebrate National Dolphin Day, let’s commit to being stewards of the sea—not just for the dolphins, but for the entire marine ecosystem that supports life along our shores.


Whether you're a local or a visitor, take some time this April 14th to honor the dolphin—and maybe even catch a glimpse of one dancing through the waves of our beautiful Gulf Coast waters.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Baldwin County And Foley Advance CR 26 Hickory Upgrades
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials report progress on safety upgrades at a busy intersection in Foley. Road crews have completed improvements along County Road 26, also known as West Michigan Avenue. The focus has now shifted to widening South Hickory Street and adding new turn lanes to reduce congestion...
Active Adult Cresswind Subdivision At Sandy Creek Coming To Foley
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A new 55-plus neighborhood is in development just off the Foley Beach Express, marking the debut of Kolter Homes’ Cresswind brand in Alabama. The project, known as Cresswind at Sandy Creek, is planned to include more than 1,300 homes across approximately 750 acres, according to city officials...
Sea Glass Initiative Awarded City of Gulf Shores Grant
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea Glass Initiative, a Baldwin County nonprofit dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness, has received a $2,000 grant from the City of Gulf Shores through its new Nonprofit Grants Program. This program aims to support community organizations that provide direct aid to Gulf Shores...
Alabama Health Officials Warn Of Extreme Cold Dangers
By OBA Staff January 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents to take extra precautions during extremely cold weather to prevent medical emergencies like hypothermia and frostbite. Health officials warn that both conditions can develop rapidly and become life-threatening without quick...
LuLu's Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper January 31, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — LuLu’s has announced the addition of Karl Langley as its new Talent Booking Manager, a move that promises to boost the restaurant’s already lively music scene. Langley will oversee booking live entertainment for both the Gulf Shores and Destin locations. Known for blending Southern charm...
Classic Cars Roll Into Sunliner Diner In Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper January 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sunliner Diner in Orange Beach plans to welcome car lovers and families for a special afternoon event with the local group Chaotic Cruiserz. The gathering will combine classic cars with the restaurant’s 1950s theme, giving visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying a meal.
Coastal Cities Prepare For Freezing Weather Closures
By R. Ken Cooper January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Local officials across our area are preparing for an incoming blast of arctic air expected to grip the Gulf Coast through the weekend. Many outdoor facilities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Gulf State Park, and Foley will close temporarily as temperatures fall below freezing. The closures...
Emporium@C is the Mardi Gras Hotspot In Orange Beach
By R, Ken Cooper January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is buzzing with Mardi Gras excitement this season, and one local business has become the center of celebration. Emporium@C, a boutique owned by Trisha Voltz Carlson, is welcoming visitors with a colorful mix of purple, green, and gold. From dazzling costumes to themed décor...
Make-A-Wish Alabama® Launches Specialty License Plate Campaign
By OBA Staff January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Make-A-Wish Alabama has launched a new campaign designed to turn Alabama roadways into moving symbols of hope. The nonprofit organization is encouraging drivers to support children with critical illnesses through a specialty license plate program. Leaders say the effort connects everyday...
Foley Police Arrest Two Men In Animal Cruelty Investigation
By OBA Staff January 29, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Police arrested two men on Wednesday for animal cruelty. Several agencies were involved in the investigation. In a statement, the Foley police said the case began after concerns were raised about the treatment of animals in the men’s possession. Officers executed a search warrant as part of
Show More