The sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a wonderful destination for outdoor recreation. Shoreline fishing, deep-sea charters, sailboat cruises and more—there are some great ways to get out on the water here.
Fishing
Fishing options abound on the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi, whether you’re chartering a fishing boat or just casting from a pier. Plaquemines Parish, which sits at the southern edge of Louisiana where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, is considered one of the best places for fishing in the world, with a wonderful mix of offshore, shoreline and freshwater fishing. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is home to great fishing opportunities, too, with more than 200 species of fish populating the coastal and inland waters.
If you’re looking for a local with in-depth knowledge of the area’s fishing scene, you’re in luck. Dozens of guides operate in cities along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi, offering everything from deep-sea excursions to freshwater outings.
Boating
If you just want a day on the water, the Gulf Coast has got that, too. Hop on a riverboat, rent a pontoon or take a schooner or sailboat out into the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico with boating excursions in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Canoeing, sailing and more are also available along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
There are also boat excursions available to Ship Island, a scenic and historic barrier island 11 miles (18km) off the coast of Mississippi that’s part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Shrimping & more
Want to see a shrimping boat in action? Step aboard the Sailfish in Biloxi to get a firsthand look at a real shrimping expedition in the Gulf of Mexico in Mississippi. The Biloxi Shrimping Trip takes guests on a 70-minute voyage in the calm waters between Biloxi and Deer Island, with an entertaining, educational presentation from the crew as they drop a 16-foot trawl to catch shrimp, crabs and more.
Another Louisiana delicacy is the crawfish—the city of Breaux Bridge is the Crawfish Capital of the World and hosts an annual Crawfish Festival—and the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission offers seasonal tours of farms by appointment from March to May.
