Ship Island

Exploring Ship Island: A Perfect Daytrip Destination

Introduction

About 11 miles off the coast of Biloxi, Ship Island is a popular daytrip locale for families. Accessible only by boat, the island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Activities on the Island

Once on the island, you can relax on the beach with its glistening white sands or take a free guided tour of the tactically located Fort Massachusetts, which dates back to the late 1850s. In addition to the beach and the fort, there's the Ship Island boardwalk, which is equipped with basic amenities including beach gear rentals and a concession stand.

Getting Around

While you can pack your own supplies, be prepared for a bit of a hike, visitors advise. A cooler with wheels can be especially handy. The ferry docks on the north side of the island, but the beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing are on the south side. Although many travelers mentioned that the walk from the dock to the sand is somewhat strenuous, they assured that it's worth it to relish a day on the beach and splash around in the clear Gulf waters.

The Ferry Experience

Many visitors particularly enjoyed the leisurely boat ride to the island. They also recommend keeping an eye out for dolphins during the journey.

Ferry Schedule and Costs

You can catch a round-trip ferry at the Gulfport Yacht Club from March to October. The fare is around $44 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 to 12. Departures from Gulfport are at 9 a.m. and noon. The ride to Ship Island takes about an hour. The boat also sells refreshments, and gear can be rented on the beach.

Additional Information

For more details on schedules and items that are not allowed on board, visit the ferry's website.