- Most Popular!
- All Ages
Experience Mississippi’s best beaches! Swim, snorkel, explore, or just relax, and leave the transportation to us.
THE SHIP ISLAND FERRY
Ship Island Excursions and the Skrmetta Family are celebrating 97 years of transporting visitors to the Mississippi Islands.
Relaxation, recreation, and history-these are the gifts offered to you on Ship Island. Here in the Gulf of Mexico, about 11 miles off Mississippi’s Coast, are some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America. Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and protected by the U.S. Park Service, these exquisite sand islands offer visitors the first high-quality, natural beaches for swimming, birding and shelling east of New Orleans.
A cruise to Ship Island is an affordable, family-friendly adventure and one of the most popular outdoor attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Passengers are sure to spot dolphins while crossing the Mississippi Sound on the 1-hour boat ride. You’ll discover what locals and visitors have enjoyed for generations, the Coast’s finest beaches. The passenger ferries depart from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor in Jones Park (intersection of Hwy. 90 and Hwy. 49). Boats operate typically mid-March through October.
The island is also home to Fort Massachusetts, a beautifully preserved, brick structure used during the Civil War. Seasonal fort tours are offered by the National Park Service. A section of beach with lifeguards is available in summer. Food service is offered on the boats and on the island. Umbrella and beach chair rentals are also available.
ALL CRUISES DEPART FROM GULFPORT HARBOR
ROUND-TRIP CRUISE
Ship island is part of Gulf Island National Seashore and one of four Mississippi barrier islands. You’ll depart the Gulfport Yacht Harbor for a truly fun getaway. Our vessels provide two spacious open air decks, perfect for viewing marine life. In addition to the cruise, passengers will have access to Mississippi’s best beaches for swimming and shelling. Swim in emerald green waters, snorkel, hike, and explore. Visitors can relax under a beach umbrella or sit under one of two large picnic pavilions. Ship Island is a national park, protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy in their natural unspoiled state.
Book your cruise and experience the Coast’s favorite water-borne attraction: An excursion to Ship island and Fort Massachusetts. Family owned and operated by the Skrmetta family since 1926.
A 5-STAR BARRIER ISLAND BEACH EXPERIENCE
"What a great place to visit. We took the trip out from Biloxi on Captain Pete the Crew on the Boat was great. Once out on the Island it was awesome to see the old Fort and the Island was great. Snack bar with clean restrooms a great day away from everything. We will definitely do it again when we are down there."
– tsnow5390, TripAdvisor
"Was worth every penny to take the boat out to Ship Island... On the way out and trip back we saw dolphins! The boat was fully shaded and crew was very nice. Ship Island itself is beautiful, water is clear all around it and you will see all kinds of wildlife. The water was much better for swimming than the mainland. Whole experience was amazing, one of the best beaches I have been to. Wanted to go back the next day!"
– Ben K., TripAdvisor
"We went here because there wasn't anything to do but swim, walk on the beach, or sunbathe. We walked on the beach, then took the fort tour, which was interesting. We had a blast. The best news was that the concession stand had reasonably priced food and drinks, and you can rent umbrellas and chairs so you don't need to drag it with you."
– Donna S., TripAdvisor
"We purchased tickets online one day before our trip. It was simple and user friendly. We arrived early for the 9:00am departure. Thankfully we did, they had to use two boats for the 9:00 departure. We were able to get onto that first boat, which ensured us an umbrella and chair rental. The day was beautiful, water was clear...it was a wonderful family day trip."
– pldavidson74, TripAdvisor
"This is a terrific day-trip! Bring an ice chest, rest chairs and an umbrella and get ready for a great beach adventure. I love going to Ship Island and have been doing it for many years now. It's a bargain and it is a treat to spend the day there! Go! Do it! Love it!"
– MargiePJ, TripAdvisorFOR A DAY ON A QUIET BARRIER ISLAND
Leave the stress of the mainland behind. Board our ferry and cross the beautiful Mississippi Sound, approximately 11 miles out to where the offshore islands meet the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As the ferry docks on the north shore of Ship Island, passengers will notice fish and other sea life in the clear water next to the boat. Visitors can tour a beautifully persevered Civil War fort, followed by an opportunity to explore miles of enchanting beach, perfect for swimming, shelling and birding. A snack bar, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and other visitor amenities are provided.