PWC Regulations

Personal Watercraft (PWC), such as “Jet ski’s” and similar craft, are generally permitted within the boundaries of Gulf Islands National Seashore, except as noted below:

Florida District

Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, Santa Rosa Units

The park boundary extends on the north side of the barrier beach islands to the Intracoastal Waterway and extends into the Gulf of Mexico on the south side for one mile from the low tide line of the islands.

·        The lagoons on the north side of Perdido Key, within Big Lagoon, are closed to all combustible engines. These lagoons are marked with buoys.

·        Areas within 200 feet of the Fort Pickens fishing pier and 200 feet of the remnants of the old fishing pier (just east of the new location) are closed to all boating operations.

·        Elsewhere, a flat wake zone exists for 300 yards from the shorelines.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

Naval Live Oaks Unit

The park boundary extends into the water for 100 yards from the shoreline.

·        A flat wake restriction exists for all PWC’s operating within park waters at Naval Live Oaks.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

·         

Okaloosa Unit

Park boundaries do not extend into the water, but a flat wake zone has been designated by the state, and is marked by buoys.

Mississippi District

Cat Island

Cat Island is comprised of a mix of National Park Service and private lands.

·        PWCs are not allowed in any lagoon, inlet, inland lake, or pond within park boundaries.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

Davis Bayou

·        A flat wake zone exists for 300 yards from the park shoreline.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

East Ship Island and Spoil Island

The park boundaries extend one mile to the north and south of the islands.

·        PWCs are not allowed in any lagoon, inlet, inland lake, or pond within park boundaries.

·        Elsewhere, a flat wake zone exists for 300 yards from the shoreline of the islands.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

Horn Island and Petit Bois Island (Wilderness Islands)

The park boundaries extend one mile to the north and south of the islands.

·  PWCs are not allowed in any lagoon, inlet, inland lake, or pond within park boundaries.

·         PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.

·        Elsewhere, a flat wake zone exists for ½ mile from the shoreline of the islands.

West Ship Island

The park boundaries extend one mile to the north and south of the islands.

·        SPECIAL NOTICE:  At the pier near Fort Massachusetts, a flat wake zone exits for 1/2 mile from either side of the pier and extends 1/2 mile from the shoreline.

·         PWCs are not allowed in any lagoon, inlet, inland lake, or pond within park boundaries.

·        Elsewhere, a flat wake zone exists for 300 yards from the shoreline of the island.

·        PWC’s may not be operated within 200 feet of non-motorized vessels and people in the water, except individuals associated with the use of the PWC.