News Release
NPS/Kiss
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Contact: Stephenie Wade
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- The National Park Service will resume Ship Island Excursion ferry service and ranger-led programs at Ship Island beginning March 18, 2023.
Join Park Rangers and Ship Islands Excursions staff to celebrate the beginning of the 2023 season on March 18 at Ship Island. Opening day will include special ranger-led programs and guest author John Weaver presentations followed by a book signing at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Weaver is a nationally known expert on masonry coastal defenses and is the author of the highly acclaimed A Legacy in Brick and Stone: Coastal Defense Forts of the American Third System, 1816-1867. He travels to provide technical tours of nineteenth-century fortifications for technical staff as well as for the general public.
The park will also be hosting a beach cleanup event from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Supplies will be provided and volunteers can sign up at www.volunteer.gov
“We are excited to begin this year’s visitation season and have the ferries return to Gulf Islands National Seashore and Ship Island,” said Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent, Darrell Echols. “The ferries are a significant park partner and they provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience America’s largest national seashore and its cultural and natural resources. Also, this year park rangers will provide two ranger-led programs a day in Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island.”
Beginning in March until May 12, the ferry will transport passengers from the Ship Island Excursions dock located in Gulfport Marina to Ship Island departing at 9 a.m. every Wednesday through Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the ferry has a second leg departing at noon and returning at 5 p.m. On May 12, the ferry service will go to seven-day-a-week operations. Check the Ship Island Excursions website for the schedule. The ferry ride takes one hour to get to the island. Food and beverages are available for purchase on the ferry and on the island.
Need to know tips before visiting Ship Island:
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It is a .5-mile walk from the ferry to the south side of the island on the boardwalk.
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There is very little shade on the island, so bring hats and water.
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Extreme heat and humidity can pose significant heat-related and sunburn risks to babies and small children.
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Check the Ship Island Excursions website for items allowed.
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Fishing is only allowed sound side of the island from the beach.
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Check the weather and rip current status prior to swimming.
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Lifeguards will be present between Memorial Day and Labor Day on the swim beach.
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No dogs are allowed on the island.
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Please do not climb dunes, and respect wildlife.
Patrons can purchase ferry tickets online at www.msshipisland.com. or in person at the Gulfport location. This year’s ferry rates are $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, military (active with ID), college students, and persons with disabilities, $38 for youths aged 3-15, and free for 2 and under. A discount is provided if purchasing online. Ship Island Excursions is a park-affiliated concessionaire.
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/guis, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.
Last updated: March 10, 2023