Ship Island Excursions is a family-run business that’s been in operation since 1926. Located 11 miles in the Gulf of Mexico, come enjoy the one hour ferry boat ride, swim in the clear gulf surf, and tour historic Fort Massachusetts. Ship Island is the only island in the Mississippi unit of the Gulf Islands National Seashore to have public ferry service, making it the defacto most popular island in the park. If you have a National Parks Passport, be sure to bring it along! On the beach, alcohol and food are allowed—but no glass containers. Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the island offers pristine beaches, beautiful … Red-winged blackbirds, plovers, gulls and terns are some of the winged residents of Ship Island. Things … (228) 533-9025. Ship Island is a barrier island off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, one of the Mississippi–Alabama barrier islands. Travelers … Enjoy the ferry ride. Mississippi isn’t known for its beaches, but that’s because ship Island is hidden offshore. We enjoy the beach there as well as touring Fort Massachusetts. It is a long walk from the ship but needed to go fast to get the good seats. 33K likes. Nice snack bar and covered deck to get out of the sun, clean showers and bathrooms, nice people with lots of information, Hotels near Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, Hotels near Casino at Harrah's Gulf Coast, Hotels near New Palace Casino Point Cadet, Hotels near (MOB) Mobile Municipal Airport, Hotels near (GPT) Biloxi Regional Airport, Conference & Convention Centers in Biloxi, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi: Tickets & Tours‎. P.O. POSTED 4:20 PM, JUNE 6, 2016, BY STEPHANIE OSWALD, UPDATED AT 06:12PM, JUNE 6, 2016, TRAVEL TIME FROM NEW ORLEANS: Less than 90 minutes in normal traffic, BEACH: West Ship Island is the official name, but it’s more commonly known as “Ship Island”. The beautiful barrier islands, which are reached by ferry, have pristine white beaches, water perfect for a swim, and … It was great that they sell food and drink but they don't deliver to your chairs. Relaxation, recreation… To accommodate productive nesting sites and sensitive archeological areas on Ship Island, an island was built in the Camille Cut to start filling toward East Ship Island. There aren’t any accommodations on Ship Island – for the mass populous, anyway. There’s a cancellation station at Fort Massachusetts, which is your first stop when you get off the ferry. Visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is an inspiring, striking experience. Biloxi, MS 39535. Its a LONG walk from the dock to the beach along the walkway, and we watched numerous guys having to stop and rest because they, The ferry was clean and you could enjoy an air conditioned cabin or outdoor seating. The boat is very nice and so are the crew. The snack bar and restrooms were clean. Step back in time when you enter this Gulfport landmark, where the milkshakes and beignets are fabulous. Ship … Ship Island offers the finest beaches in Mississippi. Click here for more info and great video on how to plan your next Ship Island getaway. Pearlington, MS 39572. Shelling, hiking and kite-flying are other popular ways to spend your time on Ship Island. On Saturday and Sunday, the ship will depart Gulfport at 9:00am and 12:00pm. There are chair and umbrella rentals on the beach for $15. During the summer the ferry can … I don't know how things were on the lower deck because we went up to the top deck where the, This is our second time to take this excursion. You’ll cruise about an hour from Gulfport to the dock at West Ship Island. Ferry service was established in 1926 by Croatian immigrant and Biloxi fisherman Captain Pete Skrmetta. On Wednesdays you can shop at the Gulfport Harbor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Catch the noon ferry!). I thought it would be a fairly quiet, sedate cruise with some background music playing - wrong! Lifeguards are usually on hand during the summer months. We reserved our chairs ahead of time to be sure we had chairs. The cost is $15 per person; 2 and under are free. The nudist area is located in the easternmost end of the island. It’s a gift shop, soda fountain and pharmacy all rolled into one. GULFPORT, Mississippi -- A $300 million, 30-month project to restore the storm-severed Ship islands back into one island began this month as a torrent of up to 15,000 cubic yards of sand a day began pouring onto the north shore of West Ship Island… Ship Island Excursions. Just a short drive from the dock, it’s part of the Mississippi Brewery Trail and a terrific place to have a cold beer after a hot day at the beach. Ship … Enjoy the ferry ride. P: (228) 896-6699, Mailing Address: Everything you need for a fun day at the beach is for sale at the Ship Island Snack Bar, so you can show up with just your wallet. Here are 10 things you can do on this Beaches & Towns vacation: An eye-catching replica of the lighthouse that once stood on Ship Island is a welcoming beacon to let you know you’re in the right place to catch the ferry to Ship Island. We saw dolphins, pelicans, and a new Navy ship. The snag were friendly. Answer: Ship Island Beach boasts a wonderful clothing-optional beach. Of all the amazing day trip destinations in the Magnolia State, Ship Island should definitely be on your bucket list. Enjoy a 1 hour cruise to Ship Island, pick up passengers and a one hour return trip. Boat Tours & Water Sports, Outdoor Activities, Tours. Box 8005 Family of 9, Did the afternoon cruise from Gulfport. West Ship Island is the easiest of the barrier islands to access, at least from mid-March to mid-October, when Ship Island Excursions runs a passenger ferry service from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. Park rangers place them along the coast of Ship Island to designate shorebird nesting areas. A snack bar and restrooms are provided for your convenience. Ship Island Excursions will resume service to West Ship Island the weekend of March 19. Kick start your … Buy a float or bring your own to play with in the Gulf of Mexico. A small cooler is a smart carry-on for the ferry. Strongly … This … Ship Island Restoration Areas. Ship Island is the site of Fort Massachusetts (built 1859–66), as a Third System fortification. It was hot, but the ocean breeze and clear water made it worth it. Ship Island Excursions only takes visitors to the biggest of the barrier islands which is West Ship Island. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. MarineMax will highlight a boat brand for a week with exclusive savings and incentives … We hope you'll love it! Next to the pavilion there is a public restroom and shower facility located adjacent to the ranger station. I rented an umbrella and chair on, My wife's best friend was visiting from Dallas and we took her on the Sunset Music Cruise. So many different shells you’d … Hurricane Camille split the island into two separate islands (West Ship Island and East Ship Island) in 1969. They change from week to week. Part of the island is included in the Gulf Islands National … No time is allowed on Ship Island. Specialties: Best Beaches in Mississippi Established in 1926. INFINITY Science Center. Virtually all of the buildings on West Ship I sland … One of the greatest summer adventures on the Gulf Coast is the journey to Ship Island, which starts with a road trip to Gulfport, Mississippi. See our Healthy Travel Information page for the latest information on openings, guidelines, and COVID-19 updates. The well-preserved brick and mortar used to build Fort Massachusetts is a mixture of Louisiana and New England brick. It’s not often, but you may encounter an alligator near the 1/3-mile boardwalk to the beach. In early 2019, the US Army Corps of Engineers completed the first stage of a project rejoining the two islands and recreating one Ship Island. 1 Discovery Cir. 347 reviews #4 of 33 Tours in Biloxi. Welcome to West Ship Island! Treat yourself to a visit to the Triplett-Day Drug Company before or after your trip to Ship Island. All Rights Reserved. Once on the island visitors will find beach umbrellas an chairs available for rental. Gulf Islands National Seashore is celebrating its 50th year as a National Park. Ship Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which stretches 160 miles from Mississippi to Florida, making it the longest seashore in the National Park System. The island is clear of crowds, so you can find true relaxation and space to snorkel, swim, and boogie board. West Ship Island is accessible by ferry boat between March and October from Gulfport, Mississippi, click the link below to learn more. Ship Island Excursions offer round trip Ferry Routes: Gulfport to Ship Island. We visited in late July, and even though it was hot and we were pressed for time, we had fun. You really do get the best beach and clearest waters from the Gulf at Ship Island. To visit Ship Island … Things to Do in Biloxi ; Ship Island Excursions; Search. What is on Ship Island? Ship to Island specializes in the most convenient way to ship your items from the USA to the Caribbean You no longer have to pay those outrageous costs per weight. Click on our Clearance Sale and Grocery Tab or shop from any retailer anywhere in the world (China, Japan, England, USA, to name a few) and Ship to Island will consolidate your items for shipment to your Caribbean Island. Popular with Gulfport locals and visitors, Chandeleur Brewing Company offers handcrafted beers, tastings and tours. West Ship Island is a bit easier to access since there is a ferry that runs to the island; however, camping is not allowed. The cheerful helpful crew made me feel welcome. Events & Things to Do in Ship Island, MS. MarineMax Houston Boat Show - Virtual. More. The current price is $29 for adults. Before heading to the Ship Island Excursions ticket booth, wander around and enjoy the nautical atmosphere. (Traveler Be Warned: The “margarita” comes in a can!) The ferry docks on the north side of the island, but the beaches for swimming and sunning lie on the south side of the island. The island was split into two sections, West Ship Island and East Ship Island, by Hurricane Camille in 1969. Some of the features in each vessel includes … The unspoiled nature of the island also provides amazing opportunities to pursue birding, … We visited in late July, and even though it was hot and we were pressed for time, we had fun. Ship Island Excursions, Gulfport, Mississippi. Ship Island (formerly known as East and West Ship Islands) was reconnected by the US Army Corps of Engineers in Spring 2019 as part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Projects.Though the island has been reconnected, the restored area and the area formerly known as East Ship Island … Ship Island Ship Island is a barrier island off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, one of the Mississippi–Alabama barrier islands.Hurricane Camille split the island into two separate islands in 1969. Travel to a place of exceptional natural beauty, recently ranked as one of the top 50 U.S. island … © 2021 Coastal Mississippi. The barrel of this Civil War-era cannon at Fort Massachusetts weighs 50,000 pounds. About Ship Island. Perfect Day at CocoCay, formerly CocoCay, is the first private island to receive Royal Caribbean's "Perfect Day" treatment. more, Recommended experiences in and around Biloxi, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Sightseeing Tours, Boat Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Went in the morning on nice hot day in June. Nationwide January 8 - January 23. Ship Island… Additionally, West Ship Island is home to Fort Massachusetts, which … The best time to go during the summer months is during the week if possible as the weekends do … As dual symbols of freedom and hope, these incredible monuments and their museums give proof to the story of … When we dock at Ship Island you see Fort Massachusetts (free guided tours available most trips), and just beyond the fort you find a large covered picnic pavilion with tables and benches. West Ship Island is only open to visitors from late March through the end of October. Biloxi, MS, USA. Volunteers give tours at Fort Massachusetts, which was named for the Union ship that took over the fort during the Civil War. Boats depart for West Ship Island at 9 a.m. and noon and return at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ninety years ago a round trip ticket was 75 cents. The land was dedicated as part of the National Sea Shore in the early 1970’s. Ship Island Excursions passenger ferry service to West Ship Island This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Masks are required across Coastal Mississippi. Once you hit the sand, be on the lookout for small red flags. You really do get the best beach and clearest waters from the Gulf at Ship Island. Colorful hats, bathing suits, sunscreen and bug repellent are some of the most popular items. The ferry departure pier is located at the Gulfport's … The Coast Guard used the island for anti-submarine beach patrol during WWII. Once you′ve left the boat near … Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center. The Skrmetta maritime tradition continues with ferry service to West Ship… You’ll cruise about an hour from Gulfport to the dock at West Ship Island. Ship Island Excursions is celebrating its 95 year of ferry service to Ship Island. However, there are bathrooms and showers, and full snack bar outfitted with air conditioning and alcoholic beverages. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina submerged a portion of East Ship Island, but West Ship Island received most of the damage from the 30-ft. tidal surge. They operate three U.S. Coast Guard licensed and inspected passenger ferries. Full piece: http://wgno.com/2016/06/06/10-things-you-can-do-on-a-ship-island-getaway/, Toll-Free: (888) 467-4853 There are no overnight accommodations and camping is not allowed. An excursion to West Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts (circa 1868) is consistently rated by locals and visitors as the region’s premier water-borne experience. Make sure you take coolers with WHEELS!!! You’ll cruise about an hour from Gulfport to the dock at West Ship Island. Limited seating available. The amazing day trip destinations in the easternmost end of the Island was split into separate. 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