Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach Brings 'Fins Up!' Water Park to the Coast

R. Peevy • October 20, 2026

Fins Up! Water Park Highlights & Features

Fins Up Waterpark In Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Construction is underway on the new Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach at The Wharf, a landmark development representing over $350 million in private investment across more than 80 acres along Alabama's Intracoastal Waterway. Led by developers and city leaders who officially broke ground on May 14, 2025, the multi-phase resort brings Jimmy Buffett's signature coastal lifestyle back to the Alabama Gulf Coast, just miles from where the very first Margaritaville venue originated.


The centerpiece of the resort's multi-acre recreation area is the Fins Up! Water Park, an expansive amenity deck designed for high-energy family fun and relaxed waterfront living.


The waterpark and amenity oasis deck offer a diverse collection of water attractions and leisure options:

  • 900-Foot Lazy River: Guests can float along a winding turquoise lazy river that meanders through the tropical resort grounds.
  • 40-Foot Waterslide Tower: High-speed waterslides will provide thrilling drops for adventure seekers of all ages.
  • Oasis Pools & Swim-Up Bar: Multiple tropical pools are positioned across the deck, highlighted by a dedicated adult Serenity Pool complete with a swim-up bar.
  • Kids' Splash Zone & Wade Pool: Young visitors can enjoy a dedicated play area and wade pool featuring a custom mini fishing boat named the "Little Work of Art," complemented by an indoor kids' zone.
  • Poolside Cabanas & Amenities: The surrounding deck area features private shaded cabanas, walking paths, pickleball courts, and poolside entertainment.
  • Day Pass Availability: Depending on seasonal capacity and resort volume, day passes to Fins Up! Water Park will be offered to non-resort guests and locals.


Beyond the waterpark, the development seamlessly connects guest accommodations with dining and nearby entertainment hubs:

  • Inter-Resort Ferry Service: A private ferry will operate every 30 minutes across the Intracoastal Waterway, providing effortless access directly to shopping, dining, and concerts at The Wharf.
  • Transient Marina: Boaters arriving by water will have access to a 43-slip transient marina steps away from the resort's waterfront hub.
  • On-Site Dining Outlets: The property includes seven food and beverage venues, such as Frankie & Lola's Pizza, Nautical Wheeler, the waterfront 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar, and the Last Mango Bar & Chill located in Marlin Circle.


For those looking to secure a permanent slice of paradise, sales for resort residences—including One Particular Harbour condominiums—are now open, with pricing starting in the mid-$500,000s and cottage sales opening soon. Prospective owners and visitors won't have to wait much longer to dive into the coastal experience, as the Fins Up! Water Park and Phase 1 waterfront amenities are anticipated to welcome their first guests in late 2027, ahead of the full resort's completion in 2029.

Fins Up Waterpark Progress
  • gulf shores news

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
Add As GOOGLE News Source
  • news in gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • port at zekes

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • saunders marine gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • yabbas snack shack

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • freedom boat club orange beach

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • buzzcatz coffee

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Recent Posts

Sand In My Boots Returns To Gulf Shores
By R. Peevy • October 20, 2026
The beachside music festival "Sand In My Boots" is officially locked in for a return to the white-sand shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, in May of 2027. Scheduled right before summer officially starts, the multi-day event serves as a major kickoff to the local tourist season.
cities in Alabama ranked by median age
By Gulf Shores News Staff • October 19, 2026
Baldwin County is home to the four cities with the oldest average population ages in Alabama: Foley (median age 52.7), Gulf Shores (50.8), Orange Beach (50.6), and Fairhope (48.2). Driven by coastal lifestyle appeal, mild climate, and vibrant communities, these municipalities have naturally become top destinations for
Alabama Divorce Rate
By Gulf Shores News Staff • October 19, 2026
Family formation and marital dynamics vary significantly across the United States, shaped by regional culture, median age at marriage, and demographic shifts. A comprehensive report published by Visual Capitalist
Show More