My brother and sister-in-law brought their two grandchildren with them for a visit to our home in Biloxi. They wanted to go to the beach, but decided to do so at Ship Island when my wife and I told them how much nicer the Ship Island beach is compared to the Gulfport/Biloxi beaches. We had a wonderful time out at the island. I went out into the gulf about a mile and had dolphins swim within ten feet of where I stood! The island has an old fort that is maintained by the U.S. Park Service and they allow free tours and instruction regarding the fort and its history. Would I go again? We go several times each year!
Ship Island is very nice. Be prepared to hike about a mile from the boat to the nice beach side of the island (PACK LIGHT!!!). There are restrooms and places to buy food on the island, or you can pack a lunch. The boat trip is fun, and kids can watch the dolphins along the way. Be prepared to pack on the sunscreen - the SUN is hot, and you will get burnt if not prepared. MAKE SURE to rent the chairs and umbrella for your trip there. It is very relaxing, and the kids have fun finding critters in the sand, jelly fish, etc.
It had been close to 30 years since I had taken the boat to Ship Island. Aside from 2 sets of restrooms, 2 picnic pavilions, a snack bar, chair and umbrella rentals, and the fort, there is just the beach. No problems, no hassles, just a very good place to unwind and appreciate some of the simpler things in life. Why did it take me so long to come back?
First viewed Ship Island when there were no Gambling Casino's on Biloxi's coastline. There was a small gambling ship 400 - 500 ft. ( with a hot tub ) that would have to go past State waters before allowing gambling to commence. If you were not a gambler though, you went for the ride and the Hot Tub on the foredeck. From the distance you could see Ship Island. You thought, maybe there is a way to get to the Island. Years later the private ferry service started. Once visiting, fell asleep on the beach and missed the boat back to Gulfport. Was Lucky, a fishing boat docked at the Island Pier offered a ride ashore, yet to Biloxi, miles away. Walked back to the rented weekend condo. How do you forget a memory like that. My life is a beach.
Quiet, non-commercial, beautiful beach. Nice, clean facilities, restrooms, changing areas. Should bring own drinks, coolers, snacks.
We had a good time during our October stay going on this 1/2 day trip. You can go out and come back and be on the island only 30 minutes if you don't want to stay and swim. The Fort was cool to walk around in and we really enjoyed the boat ride.
Book a boat ride to this protected island and enjoy some local history and a great beach experience. Plan an extended stay, as boats do not run very frequently. Think day at the beach! Refreshments are limited on the island, so plan to take along what you may need. However, make sure to check allowances and restrictions well in advance. This makes for a GREAT experience for the family as long as you plan appropriately.
if you like to beach or see a fort i would advise sunscreen a towel just plan having a great time the ship FERRY that bring to great way see how the other party knows how too please a chance see what nature has to offer
We went to Ship Island for a girls day trip. The beach was very clean and the water felt wonderful. We brought our own ice chest with drinks and some snacks. The boat ride was terrific we saw the dolphins and the kids loved it. We will definitely go again
Have been there several times. Took the boat out of Gulfport. Nice big boat, they have been doing this a long time. Usually take walks along the shore, swim, fish, and stay under an umbrella. It does get hot! The water is beautiful, a place to go and just relax.