Ferry Services

Operating March 16th - October 27th

Quick Details

Round-Trip Ferry Routes:

  • Gulfport → Ship Island
  • Biloxi → Ship Island

Ferry Operation Seasons:

  • Spring: March 16th – May 10th (Gulfport only)
  • Summer: May 11th – August 18th
  • Fall: August 21st – October 27th

Walk-up Ticket Prices at Boat Dock:

  • Adult: $32
  • Child: $22
  • Senior: $30
  • Military: $30
  • Infant: $0

2 Chairs and Umbrella: $25 (Reserve on Island Only) 

Gulf Islander Turn Around Cruise

A 3:30pm “Turn Around Cruise” is available on weekends in the Spring and Fall and 7 days a week in the Summer from the Gulfport location only. Enjoy a 1 hour cruise to Ship Island, pick up passengers and a one hour return trip. No time is allowed on Ship Island. The cost is $15 per person; 2 and under are free. Limited seating available. Strongly suggest you call 228-864-1014 between 9:30am and 12 noon to check availability. Please arrive at boat dock by 3:15PM. Boat arrives in harbor at approx 3:30pm. Tickets are sold when the boat arrives at dock.

For season schedules, see below.

Want multiple visits – Frequent Rider Pass

View our Online Ticket Policy Here

View our Carry On Policy Here

View NPS Service Dog Policy

An affordable, high-quality, family-friendly beach day from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor/Jones Park or Margaritaville Resort Dock in East Biloxi!

Mississippi’s finest beaches are located on West Ship Island. The island is approximately 11 miles south of Gulfport and Biloxi and is accessible by Ship Island Excursions’ ferry boats. The boats are located in the Gulfport Yacht Harbor and Biloxi Margaritaville Resort dock. Relax while watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins during an approximate 1 hour ferry ride to the island.

West Ship Island, with its tranquil stretches of National Park beaches, invites you for an affordable family vacation where you explore, swim, and relax on a fun-filled day in Mississippi. Experience pristine Gulf waters, enjoy high-quality natural beaches, and tour historic Fort Massachusetts(circa 1858), all part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

In addition to history, the unspoiled island provides excellent birding, shelling, and hiking opportunities. The National Park Service provides a boardwalk that begins in front of the fort and extends one third of a mile across the island to the preferred south beach and Gulf of Mexico swim area. Life guards are generally available in summer. Call for an update or more information. The National Park Service provides restrooms, freshwater showers, drinking water, covered picnic areas. A snack bar located along the boardwalk on the Gulf Beach. Join in on the fun happening on West Ship Island by booking your tickets now!

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Looking for a special event or shoreline cruise instead?