Harrison County, Mississippi
West Ship Island
West Ship Island is a barrier island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, accessible only by ferry from Gulfport or Biloxi, Mississippi — one of the more remote clothing-optional beaches in the southeastern United States.
- Day use
- Island
- Ferry Access
About this place
West Ship Island is a barrier island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, accessible only by ferry from Gulfport or Biloxi, Mississippi — one of the more remote clothing-optional beaches in the southeastern United States. The island's white quartz sand beaches are among the finest on the Gulf Coast, and the waters of the Mississippi Sound are warm (80–85°F in summer) and calm, sheltered from the open Gulf by the island chain itself.
The island was divided into East and West Ship Island by Hurricane Camille in 1969; they have been gradually reconnecting via sediment accumulation. West Ship Island has the visitor infrastructure: Fort Massachusetts (a pre-Civil War fort), ferry service, and restrooms. The clothing-optional tradition occupies the more remote eastern end of the island's beach, away from the main ferry dock and fort visitor area.
The ferry from Gulfport takes about 50 minutes. The island has no overnight accommodations — it's a day-trip destination, typically from the Mississippi Gulf Coast resort strip (Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach). Summer is hot (90°F+), and the ferry schedule means you plan your day around departure times.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Mississippi Gulf Coast day-trippers, naturists from the Gulf region who know ferry-access island beaches, occasional visitors from New Orleans (90 miles west).
How to find it
Take the Ship Island Excursions ferry from Gulfport (Jones Park, Gulfport MS) — about 50 minutes to West Ship Island. Ferries run seasonally (typically late March through October). Book tickets at shipislanders.com. C/O tradition is at the eastern end of the beach, away from the ferry dock.
Things to watch out for
Summer heat is intense — bring shade, water, and sun protection. The ferry schedule governs your day; check departure times before you go. Stinging jellyfish (moon jellyfish) are common in the sound in summer. Bring everything you need — the island has minimal amenities.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
The C/O section is well east of the visitor area. The island is a federal park — GGNRA rules technically apply. Keep the tradition low-key and away from the fort visitor area.
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