Cruising the Bon Secour River: A Boater’s Guide to Alabama’s Historic “Safe Harbor”
Set a Course for Bon Secour: Coastal Alabama’s Quiet Working Waterway
This week, trade the crowded beaches for something far more authentic: a run up the Bon Secour River, a narrow, blue ribbon of history tucked into the eastern edge of Mobile Bay. Its very name—Bon Secour, French for “safe harbor”—captures exactly what you’ll find: a protected, working waterfront community where the tides set the pace and the shrimp boats still rule the day.
Whether you’re coming from Gulf Shores, Fairhope, or trailering in from inland, reaching Bon Secour is simple and scenic:
From the south: Depart Legendary Marina (Gulf Shores) and follow the ICW north.
From a nearby launch: Use the excellent Launch at CR6 (5587 County Rd 6) for a short, easy jump into the river.
From the bay: Cruise down Mobile Bay from Fly Creek Marina (Fairhope) for a beautiful, open-water approach.
No matter your route, you’ll feel the bustle of the beach fall away as the shoreline tightens, the shrimp boats appear, and the Bon Secour reveals itself as one of the Gulf Coast’s most enduring maritime villages.
Where Alabama’s Shrimping Legacy Still Thrives
Since the 1890s, Bon Secour has been the beating heart of Alabama’s shrimping industry. Generations of families—Nelsons, Plashes, and many more—have worked these waters long before resorts and condos defined the modern coast. Out here, “dock-to-table” isn’t a catchy slogan; it’s simply daily life.
As you motor upriver, watch for:
Classic Gulf Coast shrimp trawlers, their long outriggers framing the sky.
Drying nets that sway like lacework in the sun.
Processing docks where crews unload the morning’s catch.
For boaters, it’s a front-row seat to a way of life that has shaped coastal Alabama for more than a century.
Stock Your Galley at Bon Secour’s Big Three Seafood Markets
A trip up the river isn’t complete without stopping for provisions. Skip the roadside stands—these riverfront markets are as authentic as it gets, each packed with locals and visitors who know where the freshest seafood lands:
Billy’s Seafood – 16780 River Rd.
Aquila Seafood – 17309 River Rd.
Safe Harbor Seafood – 5822 Heritage Cir.
Expect brown, white, and pink Gulf shrimp straight off the boats, plus a rotating lineup of fish and crab.
Pro tip: A pound or two of peel-and-eat shrimp makes for the perfect sunset snack back aboard your vessel!
Where to Dock & Dine
When the galley stove feels optional, Bon Secour offers two standout dining destinations:
Tie up at the 70-foot pier, settle into the relaxed riverside setting, and enjoy fresh coastal fare mere feet from the water.
The TinTop Restaurant & Oyster Bar
A short cruise away, the new dock provides access to this beloved local spot known for chalkboard specials and stellar baked oysters—somewhere between New Orleans charm and Southern coastal grit.
Understanding the River: Navigation & Natural Features
The Bon Secour is more than a working harbor—it's an essential estuary fed by multiple freshwater creeks. Boaters should keep a few key points in mind:
Watch the channel markers. Dredging keeps the main river clear, but shoals can appear quickly.
Stay alert for current. Day markers may lean, indicating strong tidal flow.
Expect narrow turns and working vessel traffic—shrimpers take priority in the harbor.
Bonus tip: The Launch at CR6 is worth knowing about even if you don’t trailer your boat. Its ADA-compliant kayak launch and public fishing piers make it an excellent spot for families or crew members who want to enjoy the water from shore.
Seasonal Insight for Savvy Boaters: Winter Hours Matter
As the Gulf Coast eases into the quieter shoulder season, businesses shift into winter rhythm. One of the oldest operators, Bon Secour Fisheries (Since 1892), now runs Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, closing on weekends.
This seasonal slowdown isn’t merely practical—it reflects the heritage of a community that prioritizes steady work over weekend traffic. Expect:
Less crowded docks
Adjusted hours at seafood markets
Trimmed midweek schedules at restaurants
Before heading upriver, always check winter operating hours so you don’t miss your chance to restock or dine.
Seamanship Essentials for a Safe and Smooth Run
Good seamanship starts before the boat leaves the dock:
Before Departure
Confirm the boat’s seaworthiness, fuel, and systems.
Brief guests on the location and proper use of PFDs.
Show someone—anyone—how to operate the VHF radio on Channel 16.
Share your float plan.
Remind newcomers to stay seated while underway and to use the rub rail, not their hands, when fending off.
Underway
Maintain a proper lookout and safe speed—two pillars of the 38 Rules of the Road.
Never allow children on the bow near the water.
Keep fenders stowed while cruising; dragging them is a sure sign of inattention.
Treat buoys and day markers as dynamic tools—they can shift, lean, or disappear after storms.
Every trip is a chance to sharpen awareness and deepen respect for the water, making every journey safer and more enjoyable.
Final Word: Why Bon Secour Belongs on Every Boater’s List
A cruise up the Bon Secour River is more than a scenic detour—it’s an immersion into the heritage that shaped Alabama’s Gulf Coast. From shrimp trawlers to seafood markets, from quiet backwaters to working docks, Bon Secour delivers an authentic experience that modern coastal development can’t imitate.
If you’re looking for a destination where history, seamanship, and fresh seafood collide, chart a course for this storied “safe harbor.” It’s a run every savvy boater should make at least once—preferably with an ice chest ready and an appetite for peel-and-eats.