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...

Closed For Nearly Two Decades, Gulf Shores Bridge Set For New Life
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Years after closing an unsafe bridge in the neighborhood north of West Beach Boulevard, the city is moving forward with a plan to repurpose the bridge and the surrounding area. A traffic study years ago deemed the bridge “unnecessary” to traffic flow in the neighborhood and a later grant app
Baldwin County Sets Virtual Training Ahead of New Housing Assistance Program Launch
By OBA Staff March 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County is preparing to introduce a new housing initiative for residents. County officials have announced a virtual training session for lenders and realtors. The session will help these partners guide residents through the new program. The Homeownership Assistance Program is support
The 150-acre project would add housing north of the entertainment complex along the Foley Beach Exp
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – OWA Parks and Resort is seeking approval of a subdivision on 150 acres north of the complex as the beginning of “The Waters at OWA multi-family development,” according to city documents. The 150 acres are north of North OWA Boulevard and west of the Foley Beach Express. Developers there also want
Orange Beach Middle/High School Wins Alabama Safety Award For Second Straight Year
By R. Ken Cooper March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Middle/High School earned a prestigious state school safety award for the second consecutive year. Only nine out of 1,500 schools in Alabama received this honor. Attorney General Steve Marshall visited the school to present the award. Students and staff gathered for a...
Coastal Orange Beach Has Been Nominated As Best Waterfront Restaurant In The Nation: VOTE
By OBA Staff March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The largest news publication in the country, USA Today, has nominated COASTAL Orange Beach as one of the "Best Waterfront Restaurants" in the nation. Their millions of readers will now vote for what is #1 in the United States. Other eatery locations include California, the Carolinas, and Ha
City Finance Director and Treasurer Miranda Bell and her staff were credited for supporting the audi
By Guy Busby March 17, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley’s finances received high marks in the city’s annual audit, with results described as being in good standing. The Foley City Council recently received the audit report. The review was performed by the Warren Averett financial firm. City officials said the findings show the city’s municipal fi
Dr. Mary Catherine Law
By OBA Staff March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach City Schools has appointed a new Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Mary Catherine Law, the principal of Orange Beach Elementary School, has led the school for 5 years. Her strong leadership experience earned her the district's highest promotion.
Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge Project Hits Major Construction Milestone
By OBA Staff March 17, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Construction on the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge in Gulf Shores is progressing steadily. The project has completed 53.6% of its planned timeline. Work is underway on multiple parts of the project simultaneously. The city states this effort is part of making Gulf Shores "a safer, more w
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – With the new Finance Department up and running in its new wing at city hall, Orange Beach will now look at ways to utilize the old building. The former finance building is just north of the main city hall campus at the northwest intersection of Orange Beach Boulevard and West Oak Ridge Dr..
Baldwin County Offers New Pet Health Program
By OBA Staff March 16, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Animal Shelter is launching a new program to help local pets. This initiative makes it easier for residents to have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered. It offers a special discount at many local veterinary clinics. The goal is to keep all animals in our community heal
Show More