• Beach walkway to white sandy beach and bluegreen waters

    Gulf Islands

    National Seashore FL,MS

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Partial Closure on Horn Island

    Small portion of Horn Island, Mississippi, closed to entry due to discovery of asbestos and possible other bio hazards. Click on more for map and press release. More »

  • Park Closures

    Restrooms, and Visitor Center closures due to the impact of Seqestration. More »

Getting Around

White ferry boat with visitors docked at West Ship Island
Enjoying the ferry ride to West Ship Island, MS District.
nps photo
 

Passenger ferry service is available if you would like to explore West Ship Island in the Mississippi District. Ferries have on-board amenities such as restrooms and snack bars. Watch for dolphins gliding alongside the boat!

To arrange transportation to East Ship, Horn, Petit Bois, and Cat Islands contact a National Park Service licensed boat operator.

Did You Know?

Murray Dorty, an African-American Union Civil War re-enactor, stands at attention inside Fort Massachusetts.

The 2nd Regiment of Louisiana Native Guards trained on Ship Island and became the first black unit on April 9, 1863 on the Gulf Frontier.  They met Confederate forces in battle during a raid on Pascagoula, MS.