Friday late afternoon: an easy coastal stroll after arrival. Leave the larger excursions for Saturday and settle into the coast before your shrimp dinner.
Saturday optional island day: transfer to Gulfport Harbor, about a one-hour ferry each way. Give Ship Island the day instead of squeezing in another excursion. Seasonal service and weather affect sailings; check the current calendar. A mainland museum and coastal stroll are the backup.
Saturday lunch and afternoon: picnic or use the island snack bar, then beach walking and Fort Massachusetts when open. Bring water and sun protection; check the return ferry.
Sunday morning: a 70-minute shrimping demonstration with a real trawl and sea-life explanation, if the operator's schedule fits. This is not a full working day aboard a commercial boat.
