Dauphin Island · Alabama · USA
Sand Island Shoal Beach
You'll need a shallow-draft boat to reach this shifting crescent of shell-studded sand, where brown pelicans dive-bomb baitfish in the shallows and hermit crabs trace patterns across wet flats. The shoal rebuilds itself after every storm, a moving target for those who track its coordinates.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Sand Island Shoal Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll need a shallow-draft boat to reach this shifting crescent of shell-studded sand, where brown pelicans dive-bomb baitfish in the shallows and hermit crabs trace patterns across wet flats. The shoal rebuilds itself after every storm, a moving target for those who track its coordinates.
Photos
8 captures from Sand Island Shoal Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Sand Island Shoal Beach
Dauphin Island, Alabama, USA
30.2308°, -88.1256°
Top things to do
At Sand Island Shoal Beach
Wade the Flats
Knee-deep water stretches for acres
Photograph Pelican Dives
Morning light catches splashdown moments
Paddle the Perimeter
Circle the shoal at high tide
Anchor and Float
Uninterrupted sun on all sides
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Sand Island Shoal Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Sand Island Shoal Beach.
Is it safe to swim at Sand Island Shoal Beach on Dauphin Island?
Swimming conditions at Sand Island Shoal Beach vary with tides and weather. The shallow sandbars can shift, creating unpredictable currents and drop-offs. There are no lifeguards on duty. Check local tide charts and weather forecasts before visiting. The Gulf waters are generally calmer in summer, but afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. Always swim with a buddy, avoid swimming during high winds or rough seas, and be aware that jellyfish are occasionally present, especially in warmer months.
When is the best time to visit Sand Island Shoal Beach?
Sand Island Shoal Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and fewer crowds, ideal for shelling and birdwatching. Summer (June-August) offers warmest water temperatures but higher humidity and afternoon storms. Winter can be pleasant for beachcombing with cooler temperatures, though water is cold. Visit during low tide for the best sandbar exploration. Hurricane season runs June through November, so monitor weather forecasts during these months.
