Long before Orange Beach became one of the Gulf Coast’s premier boating and fishing destinations, life revolved around the protected waters of Terry Cove. Families built their lives around these waters, launching before sunrise, returning with the day’s catch, and helping shape the boating culture that still defines Orange Beach today.
More than a century later, Terry Cove remains one of the Northern Gulf Coast’s most iconic boating destinations—not just for its access to Perdido Pass and the Gulf, but for the traditions and connections built around the water.
Inspired by that heritage, Cunningham Head has partnered with J. Alan Kent Development to bring Abaco Orange Beach to life.
Rather than creating another waterfront resort, Abaco is designed as a continuation of the boating, fishing, and family traditions that have defined Terry Cove for generations. Located directly on these historic waters, the community honors Orange Beach’s maritime roots while creating a waterfront home for the next generation of boaters and anglers.
According to Angelo DePaola of The Coastal Connection with eXp Realty, the development fills a need that has existed in Orange Beach for years.
“There has never been anything like this in Orange Beach, and it’s very doubtful you’ll ever see it again,” DePaola said.
Spread across 23 acres, Abaco Orange Beach features more than 250 residences and one of the area’s largest private marinas, with more than 250 boat slips ranging from 30 to 90 feet. The marina accommodates everything from bay boats and pontoons to large offshore sportfishing vessels, center consoles, and cruising yachts.
For many Gulf Coast boat owners, keeping a larger vessel close to home traditionally means purchasing a waterfront house or relying on public marina space. Abaco offers a rare alternative by allowing owners to live steps from their boat while enjoying the conveniences of condominium ownership. The marina also includes guest docking accommodations, a feature rarely found in Gulf Coast condominium communities.
“Until this project came along, the only option for keeping a boat that size close in your backyard was owning a waterfront home,” DePaola said. “And that’s no easy feat—lots alone can cost around $2 million.”
From Terry Cove, owners enjoy quick access to Perdido Pass, the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach Marina, Robinson Island, Bird Island, and the tournament fishing grounds that have helped make Orange Beach a nationally recognized destination for anglers.
“The views are amazing,” DePaola said. “From here, you can watch boats departing and returning to Orange Beach Marina and take in the constant activity of the fishing tournaments that make this area such a destination for boaters and anglers.”
But boating is only part of life at Abaco.
Designed to bring people together, the community features: a resort-style pool, lazy river, fitness center, cabanas, fire pits, pickleball courts, waterfront gathering spaces for relaxing after a day on the water, and more.
“It’s my belief that if you want to have tight-knit relationships, you do that around food,” he said.
“Having that gas grill on the balcony and a nice cooktop, if you’re into cooking, this is going to be right up your alley,” said DePaola. “And then the fire pits—that just goes back to caveman times.”
Inside the residences, owners find thoughtfully designed two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans that blend modern comforts with a relaxed coastal aesthetic. Interiors were curated by Melanie Martin of Melanie Martin Interiors feature natural textures and coastal-inspired finishes designed to embrace waterfront living.
Abaco also incorporates conveniences such as covered parking, EV and golf cart charging capabilities, and seamless access between residences, marina facilities, and community amenities.
For generations, Terry Cove has been a place where families gather after a day on the water and neighbors share stories at the dock. Abaco preserves that spirit while offering a rare opportunity to live within one of Orange Beach’s most historic waterfront settings.
“Orange Beach has always been built around the water,” DePaola said. “When you look at Terry Cove, you’re looking at where so much of that boating and fishing culture began. Abaco gives people the opportunity to be part of that story while enjoying a modern waterfront lifestyle.”
While many communities offer waterfront views, Abaco brings together luxury waterfront residences, resort-style amenities, and thoughtfully designed finishes in one boating-centered community built for the way families live, entertain, and enjoy the Gulf Coast.
