Anyone who’s been to a beach on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast has surely noticed the water’s brownish color. The off-putting hue is enough to keep many out of the water. Others just skip the beach altogether. However, a tropical oasis with white sand and pristine water can be found just several miles off the coast on Ship Island. Take a look:

With stretches of white sand and access to pristine Gulf waters, Ship Island is a beach lover’s paradise.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Though it seems like such an incredible place would be worlds away, it’s just 11 miles off the state’s coastline.
Kris Bowen/Mississippi Nature Lovers Facebook
Accessing the island is a breeze, thanks to Ship Island Excursions, which provides ferry service to and from Ship Island. The ride to the island takes about one hour.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
The ferry docks at a boardwalk, which extends across the island to the Gulf of Mexico swim area.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook

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As you make your way from one side of the island to the other, you’ll notice a distinct difference in the water.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Crystal clear, the Gulf waters are perfect for splashing around on a hot summer day.
Ship Island Excursions/Facebook
Ship Island offers more than great swimming, though. Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the unspoiled island is a prime spot for shelling, hiking, and birding.
Kris Bowen/Mississippi Nature Lovers Facebook
And since it's managed by the National Parks Service, it’s outfitted with a few perks, such as a historic fort, restrooms, showers, covered picnic areas, and seasonal lifeguards.
Ship Island Excursions/Google
Chairs and umbrellas are another island amenity; however, they must be rented. The cost for two chairs and one umbrella is $25.
ALFRED A Jackson/Google

Ship Island Excursions operates seasonally from March 14th – November 1st. Round-trip tickets to Ship Island can be purchased online or at the boat dock. Tickets purchased online are $30 for adults, $20 for children (ages 3 – 10), and $28 for senior citizens and military personnel. Tickets purchased at the boat dock are $2 more than the prices quoted above (i.e. $32 for adults, $22 for children, and $30 for seniors and military personnel). For more information, call (228) 864-1014. You can also visit the Ship Island Excursions website.

So, ever been to Ship Island? Were you impressed with its beauty? What about the crystal clear water? Know of another great place to cool off? Tell us in the comments section.

Looking for another warm weather must visit? Click here.

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