Welcome to Ship Island Excursions

" Visit the Mississippi Barrier Islands"
1-866-GO-MS-Fun

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Ship Island named in top 50 as Best Island Beaches in America
by Condé Nast Traveler magazine!

Relaxation, recreation and history - these are the gifts offered to you on Ship Island. Here in the north central Gulf of Mexico, about 11 miles off the Mississippi Coast, are some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America. These exquisite sand islands offer visitors the first high quality beaches for swimming and shelling east of New Orleans.
Travel to a special place where the main attractions are the unfrequented beaches, beautiful water and clean gulf air. Locals and visitors consistently rate the 22-mile round trip to Ship Island as the coast’s premier waterborne experience. Visit historic Fort Massachusetts (circa 1866) on your own or on a ranger-guided tour given after the tour boat arrives.

Today shrimp boats, intracoastal barges, and ocean-going freighters make up most of the maritime activity you will see as you cross the Mississippi Sound. Watch for dolphins! Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphins can frequently be seen surfacing alongside
the boats.

The ferry service was established in 1926 by Croatian immigrant Peter M. Skrmetta. The Skrmetta family continues the business today as a concessionaire with the National Park Service. Capt. Pete's grandchildren operate the boats and manage beach services. The family takes great pride in providing a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers. The trip, including snack bar food prices, is very affordable and a great place to spend part of your family vacation.

Capt. Pete II and Sons

Beach chair and umbrella rentals are provided. An easy one-third mile walk along a boardwalk is required to reach the gulf side of the island. Items such as beach bags and small coolers are allowed. Dress comfortably, and be prepared for the sun. Expect considerable heat and humidity mid June thru August. Do not over pack. There is little space for luggage on the boat.

Helpful Travel Information

Affordable ferry boat and island snack bar provided.

Bring insect repellent and open foot ware not recommended on vessel

Pack in/Pack out. There are no
garbage cans on the island.

A small number of shelters are available on the South Beach. Bring sun block.

Bathrooms are available on the boat and Fort

Cash or Travelers Checks only on Island. (No ATM)

Beach chair and umbrella rentals available.

Travel light. Arrive early. Carry-on items may be subject to search before boarding.

Small coolers only. 36 quart size limit.

Glass bottles/containers prohibited.

Sorry, no pets allowed on boat. Camping not allowed on West Ship Island

Please, no beach furniture, large strollers or bulky items. Fishing gear restrictions. (Call for details)

Casual attire. Flip-flops and sandals OK on the beach, but not recommended for the boats.

Departs from the
Gulfport Yacht Harbor
Hwy 90 at Hwy 49 intersection

Ship Island Excursions Map

Prepare for considerable heat and humidity June thru August. Limited shade on beach.

Holidays and summer weekend cruises can be crowded, summer weekday cruises recommended.

Check marine weather forecast. High winds, rough sea, fog or rainy conditions may affect schedule.

Pan Isles, Inc.
P.O. Box 1467
Gulfport, MS 39502
1-866-466-7386
(228) 864-1014

LOCAL HOTEL AND ATTRACTIONS INFORMATION

For State Tourism Information
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Photos courtesy of the National Park Service.

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