If anyone is vacationing in Mississippi along the gulf coast and wants to experience a beautiful one day cruise and beach adventure, Ship Island Excursions is hard to beat. Ship Island Excursions site is at 1040 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi. For more information call (866)466-7386.

A perfect children's and family friendly day trip that everyone will enjoy. Ship Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore the National Park Service maintains. As one of the chains of Mississippi barrier islands, located about 12 miles offshore, it protects the main land from storms and erosion.

Fort Massachusetts site is on the west end of Ship Island. The park service gives tours and history lectures March through October. Fort Massachusetts played a pivotal role in the history of our nation. The fort is the "Plymouth Rock" of the gulf coast. When building it the foundation was originally 500 feet from the water. Today, the water licks at its brick and mortar walls that rise up 30 feet from the sand.

Storms in the gulf have done serious damage to the island in the past. In 1969, Hurricane Camille cut the island in half forming East and West Islands. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s 35 foot storm surge destroyed the replica lighthouse, bathrooms and exhibits but did no significant damage to the fort. Restoration to these buildings started in 2008.

If you enjoy the bird watching, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, playing in the waves and picking up shells along the beach, this is the perfect spot to do it. The water is clean and a gorgeous clear green. The beaches are famous for their natural titanium black sand and quartz crystals that sparkle all over the beach like diamonds.

Wild Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins often swim just off shore near the swimming area. There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent. A snack bar is available on the island and the ship as well. Everyone may take one carry-on, which may include rod and reels or small coolers and picnic baskets if they want to fish or bring their own food and drinks.

A concrete fishing pier juts out into the gulf, measuring 400 feet long and 20 feet wide, creating a natural reef for fish. There are plenty of fish and enough elbow room for fishermen to enjoy fishing without crowding. Off the west coast of the Island the water drops off quickly to a depth of 30 feet. It provides a wonderful way to catch some of the biggest fish from the island. You can expect to catch red drum, speckled trout, sheepshead and flounder.

If anyone does not enjoy walking in the sand a 30 foot board walk allows them to enjoy the sites without the sand. I urge you to take advantage of a wonderful day on the beach at a very affordable cost. When you get back drop me a note. Let me know which part of the island was your favorite and how much you enjoyed it.