Gulf Islands National Seashore

West Ship Island, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is located 12 miles south of the Mississippi coastline. Tourboats carry visitors to the island from two locations: Biloxi and Gulfport. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Biloxi boat leaves from a pier near the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and I-110. From March through the autumn season, the Gulfport boat departs from a dock near the intersection of U.S. Highways 90 and 49. Each day, West Ship Island is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. No overnight visitation or camping is allowed on this island. Visitors are reminded that the only way to get around West Ship Island is by foot, and all beach gear (including ice chests) must be carried. No glass containers are allowed on the island.

A trip to West Ship Island is more than just a boat ride. It is a chance to enjoy recreational opportunities amidst the pristine natural setting of a barrier island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, beachcombing, shelling, nature photography, birding, fishing, and exploring Fort Massachusetts. Varying with the season, ranger-led activities include fort tours, beach programs, and special presentations. Check island marquees for programs and times. For sport fishing on West Ship Island, be aware of size and possession regulations set by the state of Mississippi. Beach walkers are advised to plan their outings carefully; West Ship Island is more than 3 miles long and tourboats will not wait for latecomers. Please be careful to avoid stepping on the island's fragile dunes and vegetation.

Facilities
Except for the top level of Fort Massachusetts, all park facilities on West Ship Island are accessible. Two wheelchairs are available on a first come-first served basis. A boardwalk 1/3 of a mile long crosses from north shore to south shore. On the north side of the island, visitors will find the tourboat docks, ranger station, picnic pavilions, restrooms, first aid station, and Fort Massachusetts.

The boardwalk's south end brings visitors to a beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Nearby, a snack bar and beach store and a beach chair and umbrella rental stand are open from March to the end of the autumn tourboat season. Outdoor showers, a bathhouse, restrooms, and picnic pavilions are also found on the south beach. Grill fires are not allowed in the picnic shelters. Picnic shelters are available on a first come-first served basis.

Swimming
During the summer, a section of beach on the island's Gulf side is reserved for swimmers. (No boats are allowed within 500 feet of the marker buoys.)

Private Boaters
Plan your boat trip carefully, and be sure that you carry adequate fuel and supplies. Rangers on West Ship Island cannot give or sell gas to private boaters, nor can they give tows back to the mainland.

Boats must anchor at least 500 feet outside the designated swim area on the south beach. During the tourboat season, private boaters may tie up south of the designated tourboat docking areas. The section of the pier off-limits to private boats extends 120 feet from the pier's seaward end to a set of red-painted markers on the pier pilings.

Fort Massachusetts
Fort Massachusetts, part of America's "third system" of coastal defense, was built during the 1860's. Its purpose was to help protect the southern United States from attacks by foreign navies. During the Civil War, Ship Island served in the blockade of Confederate ports and the invasion of New Orleans. Tours of Fort Massachusetts are given daily.