Summary:
This cottage in the pines is centrally located in the quaint town of Dauphin Island, Alabama’s beautiful barrier island situated just off the renowned Gulf Coast. This newly renovated home offers the perfect lodging for families, fishermen and snowbirds looking to unwind and enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, fresh Gulf Coast seafood and world-class deep sea fishing and diving.

The Space:
We now have Comcast! Really reliable internet! In 2020, this island cottage underwent a complete renovation where it was was stripped down to its bones and redesigned with stylish finishes and décor that echo the natural elements of the island. The home was fully refinished with new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a fully stocked kitchen, and two bright and airy bathrooms with custom bathtubs and showers.

The tropical-themed bedrooms offer guests a spacious retreat to recharge at the end of a long day on the water. The master bedroom and guest bedroom both have flat screen TVs and king-sized beds, and the bunk room has a large sets of bunk beds that offer a cozy space to retire in for the night.

A welcoming screened-in porch and fire pit are located off the back of the cottage among the pines and palmettos, giving guests a private, peaceful setting for enjoying the island breeze.

Guest Access:
This island cottage is a single family home on a half-acre lot centrally located on Dauphin Island. Guests will enjoy the entire home to themselves, as well as the large backyard that backs up to a beautiful forest of tropical vegetation. A grill, fire pit, and beach toys are there for guests to enjoy.

The Neighborhood:
The 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a 5-minute drive (1.8 miles) from the steps of this island cottage. The sanctuary is a well-known destination for birdwatchers in search of one of the hundreds of species that live in and migrate through the sanctuary year-round, such as herons and pelicans. Visitors can take a walking tour though the palmetto palms where they can experience the birds in the lush native flora and fauna of the island.

Just past the bird sanctuary is a popular boat launch on the island, where anglers launch their boats sunrise to sundown, as well as the Mobile Bay Ferry (2.1 miles away). The ferry, which departs every hour and a half during the day, transports passengers to the historic Fort Morgan located across Mobile Bay, only 30 minutes from the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The Dauphin Island Estuarium, an aquarium that is home to more than 100 different species of native Alabama marine life, and the historic Fort Gaines, where you can find guided tours of the 1821 fort that protected Mobile Bay during the Civil War, are both located less than 10 minutes away from the property. There are three public beaches on Dauphin Island — the East End Public Beach, Bienville Beach and the West End Public Beach. The closest beach access to the cottage is Bienville Beach, which is located about 1 mile away from the home.

With the almost dozen restaurants and snack bars on the island, there’s no shortage of local fare and fresh seafood. Almost every menu on the island serves up the freshest seafood in the South, including freshly caught snapper, grouper, oysters and crab. During the summer there are outdoor movies shown on the West End of the island, and the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo during July brings more than 75,000 spectators to the island for a weekend of fun and sports fishing.

Even though the island is small (it’s only 14 miles long and less than 2 miles wide or less, in some areas), it offers an endless amount of activities for vacationers, including an 18-hole golf course and endless water activities. Boat, jet ski, stand-up-paddleboard and kayak rentals are available, as well as sunset cruises and beach access to most of the 17 miles of powder, white sand beaches that wrap around the island. These offerings, in addition to deep-sea fishing and diving, make this Gulf Coast sanctuary one of the top destinations for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the gulf.

We hope you enjoy your stay at Maldanado and enjoy exploring the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast during your visit!

Getting Around:
Because the property is centrally located on the island, guests can take a quick drive or easily bike or walk to the beaches, nearby attractions and restaurants. Although there is no public transportation, there are miles of walking and biking trails around the island that makes getting around a breeze.

Other Things to Note:
The closest beach access is about a two min. drive away or a 5 minute bike ride. Pets: No cats allowed! Dogs are allowed with a $75 one time fee per dog. There is a maximum of two dogs no larger than 75 pounds each. Dogs who are categorized as "dangerous" or "aggressive" according the ASPCA are not allowed. Guests must keep dogs on a leash when outdoors, and clean up after their pets. Guests who bring a dog without notification could face penalty.

Interaction with Guests:
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us through the booking thread and one of our team will assist you with any needs during your stay.