Ship Island Excursions

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Overview

About Ship Island Excursions

Skrmetta family-owned since 1926 — the official NPS concessioner for Ship Island; dolphin sightings near-guaranteed on the Mississippi Sound crossing. Groups & schools programs. Seasonal (mid-March–October).

Made for

• The company is authorized in Gulf Islands National Seashore for ferry service, beach equipment rental, and food sales.
• The company, a National Park Service contractor, offers public boat access to Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts.
• Dolphin watching cruises pass the State Port of Gulfport.
• A Sunset Music Cruise lasts 2 hours aboard the M/V Capt. Pete with a DJ.
• Private cruises for clients, friends and family run along the beach between Gulfport and Biloxi.
• Guests ride one hour to Ship Island and tour historic Fort Massachusetts.
• National Park Service staff offer fort tours seasonally.

The packages

The styles

Event experiences

• Umbrella and beach chair rentals are available.
• Food service is offered on the boats and the island.
• Credit cards work on boats and at the snack bar, though cash is advised in case internet is lost.

How it works

1. 1

   Tickets

   Tickets can be bought online in advance or as walk-up purchases.

2. 2

   Where do we board the ferry boats

   Boarding takes place at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor.

Good to know

• Fort tours come with the regular Ship Island ticket.
• Fort tour tickets must be bought online ahead of the trip.
• Ice chests are turned away at check in for the fort tour ticket.
• Small coolers are allowed on the ferry, up to 42 quarts.
• Glass containers cannot be brought.
• Smoking is barred on the ferry trip but permitted on the island.
• Drones and metal detectors are not permitted on the island by the National Park Service.
• Pets cannot travel on the boats.
• Each passenger may bring two fishing rods and needs a saltwater license.
• Fishing is allowed from the beach but not in the swimming area.
• The lower deck of each vessel is wheelchair accessible.
• Wagons, luggage carriers and oversized strollers are turned away at the gate because storage is limited.
• Open-toe shoes and flip-flops are discouraged on the boats.
• Walk-up tickets go on sale at the dock one hour before departure, space permitting.
• Online ticket purchase is advised because ferries often sell out, especially on weekends.
• Reservations are taken only for large groups of 20 or more.
• Light rain rarely cancels a cruise, but prolonged rain or severe weather forecasts will.
• The ferry crossing lasts about 1 hour.
• The excursion is not recommended for infants and toddlers because the island lacks shade.
• Summer Saturdays from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day often reach full capacity.
• A one-third mile boardwalk leads to the south side where the snack bar is.
• Tour operator groups must be tour or bus operators, and reservations require approval.
• Boats typically run from mid-March through October.
• In spring and fall the ferry does not run Monday or Tuesday.
• Extreme heat and humidity are expected on the island from June through August.
• Lifeguards cover one beach section in summer.
• Tour operator island time can run 4 hours in spring and fall, and 1.5 hours in summer.