Just a few miles off the mainland you'll discover Mississippi's treasured barrier islands: Ship, Cat, Round, Horn, and Petit Bois, which are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The islands, with pristinegulf water, sparkling-white beaches, are known for their remoteness. They are only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry, but they are well worth the trip. Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, nature photography, birdwatching, and exploring are just some of the activities enjoyed on the islands.

How the barrier islands were formed is something of a mystery involving the work of waves, winds, and fluctuating sea levels. Though the history of their creation remains elusive, weathering and currents are responsible for the topographic changes and shifting that persistently occur. Amazingly, storms have caused islands to change shape and even vanish entirely.

Despite the continual changes that occur, the islands remain to buffer the mainland from storms and provide habitat for the rich, diverse wildlife residing within the area. In the island interiors, marshes collect fresh rainwater to help support its inhabitants. Blue crab, fiddler crab, and lined hermit crab are often seen on the beaches and in the marshes. The islands also provide ideal nesting grounds for the loggerhead sea turtle, which feeds on crabs and other crustaceans common to the area.

Behind these islands, waters of the sounds, bays, and bayous are less salty than the Gulf waters. Nutrients washed down from the mainland give rise to a wealth of marine life. In addition to shrimp and fish, which are valuable to commercial fishing, you'll discover creatures such as herons and egrets, which reproduce and flourish in these areas.

The clear waters surrounding the islands provide perfect habitat for southern flounder, Florida pompano,sheepshead, red drum, and speckled trout. If you're lucky, you may even catch sight of a dolphin frolicking in the water.

For visitors interested in birding, more than 260 species of birds have been identified within the boundaries of Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is home to the brown pelican, great blue heron, and osprey to name a few.

Near the water, plants, such as sea oats, which are tolerant of high salt levels, thrive. Behind the primary dunes, trees and shrubs can be found, but they never grow much higher than the dunes that protect them from the salt spray. Farther back, freshwater collects in marshes among old dunes, which supplies trees with water. Without the nourishment and protection vegetation provides, the wildlife residing in the area would quickly succumb to the islands' oftentimes harsh, unforgiving environment.

Ship Island, one of the most popular island destinations for visitors, is approximately 12 miles offshore. It is host to Fort Massachusetts. Confederate soldiers occupied Fort Massachusetts for six months during the Civil War. It is one of the last masonry forts built by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Although Fort Massachusetts is no longer a viable military fort, its beauty and craftsmanship remain as symbols of a strong, yet passive coastal defense. Tours are available during spring, summer, and fall.

Please note that daily passenger service to Gulf Islands National Seashore is only available from March through October. Don't miss out on your chance to experience this phenomenal string of islands.