About Ship Island

Enjoy a Relaxing day on Ship Island

Mississippi's finest beaches are located on Ship Island. Tranquil stretches of barrier island shore invite you to picnic, explore and relax. Leave the automobiles and stress of the mainland behind. Pristine gulf waters surrounding Ship Island attract swimmers, snorkelers, and boogie boarders. Ship island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and one of five Mississippi barrier islands located approximately 11 miles south of Gulfport and Biloxi.

Ship Island is home to Fort Massachusetts, a beautifully preserved brick fortification completed in 1868. The National Park Service offers fort tours during the season the ferries operate.  The excursion boats arrive at the end of a 400-foot pier near the fort on the Mississippi Sound side or north shore of West Ship Island. In addition to history, the unspoiled island provides visitors excellent birding, shelling, and hiking opportunities.