easy
1.25 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels including children and seniors, as physical exertion is minimal.
Set sail from Biloxi for a peaceful pontoon trip to Deer Island, where 30 minutes of island time blends swimming, picnicking, and spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. Continue reading to find out why this accessible cruise is a favorite way to experience Mississippi’s shoreline.
public excursion • 30 min on the island beach • 6 passengers max • no pets
Experience the breathtaking beauty of a Mississippi Gulf Coast sunset on a laid-back pontoon boat tour to Deer Island. Enjoy 30 minutes of island exploration, swimming, and picnicking as the sun sets, followed by a serene return trip amidst twinkling lights. Perfect for all ages, this adventure promises unforgettable memories in nature.
❌ No smoking or "smoking," no illegal substances, and no glass. No pets. No releasing human or pet remains per EPA Federal Law.
‼️ Tickets are non-refundable within 48 hours of departure except for unsafe weather/sea conditions.
⛔️ Each person counts as 1 passenger regardless of age per USCG rules. Only 6 passengers per boat per USCG license.
⁉️ During weeks of a full moon or new moon we often experience especially low tides in the evening. Passengers should be capable of entering and exiting a pontoon boat along a concrete dock with a potential 2-foot difference with reasonable assistance.
We travel the same route as the Biloxi Boat Ride.
🌊⚓️🛟 Cap off the day with this laid back tour aboard a small pontoon boat along the Biloxi coastline to the beach.
🌅🩴🏖️ Savor the moment with 30 minutes of island time on your own to explore, swim, picnic, play as the sun sets with a spectacular show.
🌃✨🐬 The 20-minute return trip is a treat of dancing lights and the peacefulness of dusk.
🎒🤸♀️📸 Fantastic excursion for all ages!
What and where is Deer Island, Mississippi?
Deer Island is located ¼-½ mile south of East Biloxi and juts into Biloxi Bay southwest of Ocean Springs. If you're staying at Harrah's, Margaritaville, or Beau Rivage, look south! That's Deer Island.
There are no amenities or facilities--just nature. If you're craving a super accessible getaway to disconnect, grab a seat to Deer Island.
What if there's bad weather?
Once you leave the dock, there are no refunds if you return early for any reason. If BILOXI BOAT TOURS or your party cancels due to unfavorable weather/sea conditions, a full refund or reschedule is available prior to leaving the dock.
See FAQs for more details.
6 human passengers max each boat
BASIC RULES FOR CRUISE (no exceptions)
$28 per passenger Each person counts as 1 passenger regardless of age.
Fishing gear not permitted.
There are no amenities or facilities on Deer Island. Whatever you bring must leave with you including trash.
Small cooler
Drinks & snacks
Camera
Towels
Weather appropriate clothing & hat
Pants, long sleeves, & bug repellant if hiking in woods Deer flies, mosquitoes, & gnats are hungry year-round.
Glass is prohibited on Deer Island.
PUBLIC Deer Island Ferry (2 hours) Deer Island Sunset Cruise (1.25 hours) Deer Island Micro Adventure (1.25 hours) Biloxi Boat Ride (45 min)
PRIVATE Biloxi Bay Sightseeing Tour (2 hours)
Can we go to Ship or Horn Island? NOPE--these are small pontoon boats not built for traveling in a true, unpredictable gulf environment.
**So where can we go once on the island? ** Explore all over! We will arrive on the west end beach of Deer Island across from the Hard Rock. Is the water safe for swimming and fishing? Mississippi's coastal beaches are OPEN!
See MDEQ for more information. Beach advisories can be issued or rescinded any time. Bacteria levels along the beaches are frequently checked.
What does a cruise include? Prices include captain, boat, fuel, and safety equipment. Do I need to make a reservation? BILOXI BOAT TOURS operates by appointment. We can accommodate walk-ups only if our staff happens to be on-site at the time and can coordinate a drop-off/pick-up with our other activities that day.
- Reservations require payment in advance.
Where do I check in? Early arrival is encouraged! Missed departures are non-refundable and may not be transferrable to next excursion.
Check in @ Point Cadet Marina, Dock D #10.
Expect 10 minutes for paperwork and loading.
Can you do drop-off/pick-up elsewhere? Per our insurance agreement, we can only operate from/to Point Cadet Marina.
Who can book a Deer Island trip? All ages are welcome, but at least 1 person in your party must be 18 or older.
What about booze, etc?
What kind of boats do you have? You will be transported on a traditional style pontoon boat.
What can we NOT do?
- Fishing gear is not permitted.
What do we need to bring with us? There are no amenities or facilities on Deer Island. Whatever you bring must leave with you including trash.
Who wears a life jacket? Anyone under 13 years old is required to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time the boat is moving--no exceptions. We have sizes ranging from infant to XXXL that you may borrow for your outing. Passengers are welcome to bring their own life jackets if they are marked as USCG Approved.
Fish, sharks, and other critters?
No big, scary sharks here. Spot soaring herons, swooping pelicans, chatty gulls, osprey carrying fish, even migrating geese and monarch butterflies depending upon the time of year. Catch minnows dancing and mullet jumping.
Along the beaches you'll find many cool shells and bones, maybe even a horseshoe crab shell. Please don't take away the hermit crabs from their native environments! They will not survive.
During the summer, a variety of jellyfish are present in the water, and they also wash up onto the beach. Scan the water and sand for them. The bigger jellyfish with flowy tentacles have a very painful sting.
Look out for everyone's favorite. Please do not crowd or chase the dolphins!
Everywhere you look there will be something interesting whether it's in the water, on the land, or in the sky!
Can we have a memorial service to scatter ashes on the water? Can we release balloons? There are federal laws that govern memorials at sea. Releasing human or pet remains is not within our scope of operations. Please refer to EPA Regulations to plan your service legally and inquire with offshore fishing charter guides. Balloons are prohibited on our boats. They are easily lost in the wind and are considered littering. Balloons do not stay in the air forever and come back down as trash. Sea turtles often confuse deflated balloons for jellyfish and become injured by eating them.
Check in at least 10 minutes before departure at Point Cadet Marina, Dock D #10 to ensure a smooth start.
Fishing equipment is not permitted aboard or on Deer Island to preserve the natural environment.
There are no amenities on Deer Island; pack snacks, drinks, and a small cooler for your picnic.
Use bug repellant and consider long sleeves or pants to protect against mosquitoes and deer flies year-round.
Deer Island has been a quiet refuge in Biloxi Bay for centuries, offering early settlers and local fishermen a natural retreat away from the bustling mainland.
Biloxi Boat Tours encourages visitors to pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect federal regulations to maintain the island's pristine condition.
A wide-brimmed hat protects against intense sun during the Gulf Coast afternoon.
summer specific
Keep mosquitoes and deer flies at bay while on the island shore.
spring specific
Useful for drying off after a swim in the Gulf’s warm water.
summer specific
Bring along a jacket for the calm but cooler evening breezes after sunset.
fall specific