Ship Island is a barrier island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, about 11 miles off the Mississippi coast, reached by ferry from Gulfport Yacht Harbor at 2012 15th St, Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulfport lies about 70 miles (113 km) east of New Orleans, so a visit is a full-day excursion that combines a drive of roughly an hour and a half with a ferry crossing of about one hour. It is widely regarded as one of the best beach days within reach of New Orleans because the island's sand is whiter and cleaner than the mainland shoreline, and the water on the Gulf side is noticeably clearer and bluer than the brown, shallow water along the Mississippi mainland.
The island is a narrow strip of sand dunes, sea oats and shoreline, exposed to the open Gulf on one side and calmer water on the other. Surf is typically gentle, and the vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with a mix of swimmers, shell collectors, birdwatchers and history visitors. Fort Massachusetts, a 19th-century brick fort built on the western end of the island and later used during the Civil War, is open for ranger-style tours and gives the day a historical dimension beyond the beach.
Amenities on the island include a swimming beach, restrooms and a snack bar, along with the fort tours. Facilities are limited and visitors should bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a towel, as shade is scarce. Food choices are basic, so many visitors pack a picnic. Lifeguard coverage and equipment rentals should be confirmed with the operator before departure.
Access requires planning. The ferry is operated by Ship Island Excursions from Gulfport Yacht Harbor, and it runs on a seasonal schedule, generally from mid-March to October. Tickets should be reserved ahead, particularly in summer, and the operator can be reached at 228-864-1014 or through msshipisland.com for current schedules, fares and weather cancellations. Sailings can be disrupted by rough seas, storms and hurricane season, which runs June to November. Because the ferry gives only a few hours on the island, arrival timing and the return departure should be checked on the day. Driving from New Orleans uses I-10 east and then US-90 or I-110 into Gulfport.
| Distance | About 70 miles (113 km) east of New Orleans to Gulfport, then a 1-hour ferry |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Drive to Gulfport Yacht Harbor, then take the Ship Island Excursions ferry |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Best season | Mid-March to October when ferries run |
| Address | Ship Island Excursions, Gulfport Yacht Harbor, 2012 15th St, Gulfport, MS 39501 |
Amenities
- Ferry from Gulfport
- Swimming beach with clearer water
- Fort Massachusetts tours
- Restrooms and snack bar
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, beachcombers, wildlife-watchers, history
Location
Ship Island Excursions, Gulfport Yacht Harbor, 2012 15th St, Gulfport, MS 39501
30.3510, -89.0890 View on map
Highlights
- Whiter sand and clearer Gulf water than the Mississippi mainland beaches
- Ferry crossing of about one hour from Gulfport Yacht Harbor
- Fort Massachusetts, a 19th-century brick fort open for tours
- Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with dunes and bird life
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ferry tickets ahead, especially in summer, and check weather before departing.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a towel, as shade is limited.
- Take the earliest ferry for the most beach time.
- Confirm the return departure time on arrival so the last boat is not missed.
- Pack a picnic, since the snack bar offers only basic food.
When to visit
Late spring through early autumn offers the warmest swimming, with the earliest ferries giving the most time. Rough seas can cancel crossings.
Accessibility
Boarding the ferry and moving across sand can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Contact the ferry operator in advance to ask about assistance and available access.
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Frequently asked questions
How does a visitor get to Ship Island?
By ferry operated by Ship Island Excursions from Gulfport Yacht Harbor, a crossing of about one hour.
When does the ferry run?
The ferry generally runs from mid-March to October, and schedules vary with weather and season. Phone 228-864-1014 for current sailings.
Is Ship Island a day trip from New Orleans?
Yes, but it is a long day. Gulfport is about 70 miles (113 km) east of New Orleans, followed by the ferry.
Are there facilities on the island?
There are restrooms, a snack bar and guided tours of Fort Massachusetts.