FAQs & Trip Planning

Walk up ticket prices are $44 per adult ticket, $38 per child ticket (ages 3-12)

Online adult ticket prices are $41 and $35 per child (ages 3-12)

Yes, we offer active military tickets and senior citizen tickets (65 an older) of $2 off each ticket.

The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour.

Yes we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. However, we do suggest you bring cash as well in case we lose internet service.

The ferry schedule varies during different times of the year.

• During spring and fall schedules the ferry is closed on Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday through Friday departs Gulfport 9 a.m. only, Saturday and Sunday departs Gulfport 9 a.m. and 12 noon.
• During the summer season, ferries depart Gulfport at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily; Sunday – Saturday departs Ship Island at 2:30 & 5 p.m..
• View our Round Trip Ferry page to view a detailed schedule and call anytime if you have questions or concerns. (228) 864-1014

The ferry departs Ship Island at 2:30 p.m. and/or 5 p.m. depending on the seasonal schedule.

When the ferry is running our full summer schedule it is your decision when to return. You may catch the return ferry departing Ship Island at 2:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. regardless of what time you left Gulfport. However, if the ferry is running only a single trip, for example: spring and fall weekdays you must return on the 2:30 p.m. departing Ship Island.

For a detailed Schedule visit our Round Trip Ferry page or call any time: (228) 864-1014

Yes, Passenger are allowed to carry a small cooler aboard the ferry. Ice chest cannot exceed 42 quarts; Snack bar available on the ferry and island.  Glass containers are prohibited on Ship Island.

Luggage Policy

Click HERE to see the full menu and healthy menu options.

Smoking is not allowed on the one-hour ferry boat trip to and from Ship Island but is allowed on the island. Please remember to dispose of your cigarette butts properly.

The National Park Service does not allow drones or metal detectors on the island. View the NPS Service Dog Policy HERE

You may bring bag folding chairs and umbrellas. Remember you have to carry everything you bring with you back out; which is why most of our return customers choose to rent the umbrellas and chairs already set out on the south beach.  Large canvas umbrellas can be rented for $15 per day. Sturdy wooden frame reclining canvas lounge chairs can be rented for $5 per day, includes detachable foot rest. Click HERE for a list of approved carry on gear.

We are located in the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 90 and U.S. Hwy. 49.  In Gulfport MS 39501.

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. Next to the pavilion there is a public restroom and shower facility located adjacent to the ranger station. Continuing over the marsh on the boardwalk you find another covered picnic pavilion and more public restrooms and showers. Just before you reach the south beach you come to our concessions and gift shop.

As of March 2019, the NPS has implemented a new policy that WILL NOT allow fishing off the pier at Ship Island. You may fish off the beach but not in the swimming area.

• Affordable food service and beach items are available on our boats and island
• Umbrellas and chairs are available for rent on the island’s south beach for $25 (two chairs and one umbrella). We suggest making your rental payment at the time of ticket purchase.
• Visa, Discover, and MasterCard accepted.
• Credit cards accepted on boats and Island Snack Bar. However, have some cash available in case internet service is lost on the island.
• Lower deck of each vessel is wheelchair accessible.
• M/V Capt. Pete and M/V Gulf Islander offer limited climate controlled seating.
• Restrooms and drinking water are available on the boats.
• Island restrooms, showers, drinking water, and shaded picnic tables provided.

• Advanced online ticket sales and or walk-up ticket purchasing available.  Walk-up tickets go on sale at the boat dock one hour before departure (space available).
• We strongly suggest you buy your tickets online to ensure available seating. Due to Covid 19, boats are operating at 50% capacity. The ferries frequently sell out, especially on weekends. Check our website for open dates and departure times.
• Island beach rentals can be arranged when you purchase boat tickets.
• Reservations accepted for large groups only (20 or more). See Group information page on website for reservation form.

• Ship Island sunburn is legendary. Shade is limited on the island. Wear protective clothing and stay hydrated. Island water fountains are available.
• Open-toe shoes and flip-flops are not recommended while on the boats.
• Insects are usually not a problem. However, carry insect repellent just in case.  Weekday island excursions offer lighter crowds.

• Sun protection is important. Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock are essential.
• Travel light, luggage is limited to what can be stowed under your seat.
• Small backpacks and small coolers up to 42 quarts allowed on the boat.
• Lightweight compact bagged chairs and umbrellas permitted.
• Limit of two fishing rods per passenger (hooks removed before boarding).
• Mississippi saltwater fishing license required.

All carry-on items subject to search.

Check HERE for a list of what you can and cannot bring.

• Due to limited storage space on the ferries, large items such as wagons,  luggage carriers, and oversized strollers will be turned away at the boarding gate.
• Glass bottles and containers are prohibited.
• Flammable liquids, including propane, are not allowed on the boats.
• Spear guns prohibited.
• Sorry, pets are not allowed on the boats.
• Drones and metal detectors are prohibited on the Island

Check HERE for a list of what you can and cannot bring.

• Prepare for extreme heat and humidity on the island June through August.
• Expect a moderate amount of walking. Visitors should carry sunscreen, hat, and protective clothing. Proper shoes are recommended when traveling on the boat.
• Rain is common in South Mississippi. Periodic light rain will normally not cause a cruise cancellation. However, prolonged rain or potentially severe weather forecasted for Gulfport, the Mississippi Sound and Ship Island, will cancel a trip.
• High winds, rough sea conditions and fog may affect the excursion schedule.
• Please check our website or call 228-864-1014 and select option 2 for an update on possible cruise cancellations due to weather.
• Ship Island is approximately 11 miles offshore. Rain occurring on the mainland may not reach the islands. When available, use your smart phone weather app for up to the minute weather radar. Websites for local and regional TV station radar updates are listed below.

*   Click Here for our Local Marine Forecast(WLOX). Also check wxxv25.com   fox8live.com  wdsu.com

• Find a more detailed marine forecast for Gulfport here: National Weather Service
• Tides and Currents: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration