Once a single island 12 miles (19 kilometers) off the Mississippi coast, Ship Island was split in two by Hurricane Camille in 1965. Locals still refer to it in the singular, but officially there is East Ship and the larger and more historic West Ship Island.

Ship Island played a strategic role during the Civil War and its most prominent feature, Fort Massachusetts, was held by both Confederate and Union troops and served as a base in the capture of New Orleans.

The idyllic islands offer a variety of recreational opportunities such as swimming in crystal clear waters, fishing, hiking and beachcombing along the beautiful stretches of golden sand as well as range-led activities on West Ship, including tours of the fort.

Ferry services to the island operate from the pier near the junction of Interstate 110 and Beach Boulevard in Biloxi and from Gulfport Yacht Harbor near the Marine Life Oceanarium on Highway 90.