Explore Mississippi’s Unspoiled Barrier Islands
OutdoorHub Reporters 06.29.18
Just a short boat ride from the charming coastal communities that dot the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s 62 miles of shoreline, you’ll find one of the state’s best kept secrets: The Gulf Islands.
This chain of six unique barrier islands offers a natural playground for locals and tourists alike. Visitors to these beautiful white-sand islands come to enjoy world-class fishing, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching and beachcombing for shells. Of course, simply sunbathing and taking in the views is a top pursuit, too!
Each island offers plenty to explore. Cat Island, to the west, is a fisherman’s paradise, where redfish and speckled trout bite all day long, while neighboring Ship Island has rich history (including a 19th century fort!) and pristine beaches. Petit Bois and Horn islands are natural havens, great for birdwatching or just relaxing, while the smaller Round and Deer islands offer near-shore adventures.
All of the islands can be reached by private boat and there are several charter boats that offer island sightseeing, plus Ship Island has a ferry service. While you cruise to the island of your choice, keep your eyes open for Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins! The Mississippi Sound sees the highest concentration of these curious creatures, which are known to play in the wake of boats.
Bottom line: if you’re headed to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, be sure to save time for island hopping.
A Guide to Mississippi’s Barrier Islands
Which island or islands should you visit? (Well, all of them are worth a stop, if you’ve got the time!) But if you had to choose one or two, it all comes down to what kind of adventure you’re looking for.
All of the islands share a common trait: They’re home to some of Mississippi’s most pristine white-sand beaches. Yet, beyond the beaches, you’ll find plenty to see and do. From historical tours of preserved military forts, to birdwatching, camping, and fishing, each island has something special to offer.
Cat Island
Located seven miles south of Long Beach, Cat Island is Mississippi’s westernmost barrier island, and also one of the largest. The island is a nature-lover’s dream. Known for its population of resident raccoons (which the early French explorers mistook for cats, hence the name), the island is a wildlife haven. Migratory birds, gators, blue crab and blue heron all call the island home.
Yet, the fishing is the biggest draw. The island’s inlets and waters boast some of the best redfish and speckled trout fishing on the Gulf Coast (and the flounder and black drum fishing isn’t bad either). Catching 20-30 fish is a daily occurrence!
If you aren’t into fishing, a day on the beaches of Cat Island still offers plenty to do. Take an invigorating hike through the island’s dunes. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the waters of the Gulf. Or simply enjoy the sunshine and peaceful solace.
Getting there: Cat Island is accessible by private boat, with most charters operating out of Long Beach, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis.
Horn Island
Horn Island is east of Cat and sits between Biloxi and Ocean Springs, about 7 miles off the coast. Of all the islands, Horn is revered by locals and visitors for its natural beauty.
Artist Walter Inglis Anderson, whose vibrant Gulf Coast-inspired works are on display in Ocean Springs, spent decades sketching and painting the island’s natural splendors, and a visit here reveals why. The island’s sand-swept beaches and sea oat tufts that rustle in the Gulf breezes are picture-perfect every day of the week.
With these beautiful beaches, its no wonder this island is a favorite amongst locals. On a nice day, island-hoppers will flock to this spot, anchor off the coastline and enjoy a full day of fun in the sun. Horn can become quite the beach party spot! If you go, also consider beach camping overnight, a time-honored Gulf Coast tradition.
Getting there: Horn Island can be reached by private boat or charter. Charter operators in Biloxi and Ocean Springs provide service to the island.
Ship Island
Ship Island is steeped in nautical history, and thanks to the ferry that services the island, it’s one of the region’s most popular destinations.
The island is the only barrier island with a deep-water harbor, which is why it has been a favorite port for sea-faring vessels since its founding in 1699. In the 1700s, for example, ships from England and France stopped here on their way to newly founded New Orleans, and the island served as a military base (Fort Massachusetts) following the War of 1812.
The base is still standing today, and is managed by the National Park Service. During a visit, you can tour the historic fort (it’s free!), which gives you an insider’s look at the island’s fascinating history.
Today, Ship Island is actually two islands – West Ship and East Ship. The two islands were previously connected, but Hurricane Camille opened a cut between the two in 1969.
West Ship is a favorite destination for beach-goers. The ferry drops visitors off on the north side of the island right by the fort, which is a short walk over the scenic boardwalk, taking visitors to the sun-soaked southside beaches. Beach vendors, umbrella and chair rentals, and seasonal snack shacks make this the perfect Gulf Island getaway. Swim, suntan, look for seashells and soak up the atmosphere.
Getting there: Ferries run to and from West Ship Island during spring, summer and fall.
Petit Bois Island
Petit Bois means “little woods,” in French and the name can be taken literally. There is, in fact, a small stand of trees on the island’s eastern edge.
In the 1970s, the island was designated a National Wilderness Area, thanks to its populations of laughing gull and snowy plover birds. Today, it remains a birdwatching paradise. Each year in the spring, thousands of migratory birds land on the island’s soft dunes to rest. It’s quite the sight to see.
Yet, beyond the birds, Petit Bois is a favorite destination for fishing, and its calm waters make this easternmost island an ideal spot for swimming. Plus, as it can only be reached by private boat, Petit Bois receives few visitors, making the island a great spot for camping in solitude.
Getting there: Hire a charter or private boat in Pascagoula (the island is located due south)
Deer Island
Deer Island sits just a quarter-mile from Biloxi, and that makes it an ideal day-trip for Gulf Coast visitors. In fact, if you’re in the mood for adventure, the island can be reached by kayak, small boat or paddleboard in about 15-20 minutes.
Despite the island’s proximity to all the action in Biloxi, it remains quite serene. The island is home to wildlife, including several endangered species, and is a popular birding spot. In addition to an abundance of gulls and shore birds, Deer Island attracts ospreys and eagles. Spend your time walking one of the island’s tranquil walking trails and take in all the scenery and wildlife.
Getting there: Deer Island is due south of Biloxi and can be reached by small boat or kayak. The northwest tip of the island is just 250 yards from the coast, a 15-minute trip or so.
Round Island
Located just four miles south of Pascagoula, Round Island is the smallest of the barrier islands. And what Round Island lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty. The island features beautiful soft sandy beaches, rich with sea shells. (This is your best bet for a sea shell hunt!)
The island also offers ideal conditions for wading fishermen, with large populations of redfish and flounder nearby.
Getting there: Most Round Island charters begin in Pascagoula.
The Gulf Islands – Paradise Within Reach
There are numerous reasons to vacation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, such as the casinos, the fresh seafood, the arts and entertainment. The list goes on and on.
Yet, the barrier islands are a must-visit. Not only will you be welcomed by the state’s most stunning beaches, but the barrier islands also offer many one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be experienced anywhere else.
Plan your Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation today! Visit GulfCoast.org to explore all there is to see, experience and eat along 62 miles of scenic shoreline.
