ECOTOURISM: Vacationing on the Coast is a natural thing
For a quiet stroll, take a self-guided tour of the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune. The arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about the environment and preserving, protecting and displaying plants native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin ecosystem.
The Coast's densest population areas are in Harrison County, but the county’s diverse tourism offerings include many opportunities for nature tourism. Ship Island tours offer a boat ride to the island and usually plenty of opportunity to observe dolphins and seagulls on the way. There are also numerous charter fishing and river tours opportunities.
Here are some Eco Tours available in South Mississippi:
Alligator Farm and Airboat Rides
Walking tours, view alligators in natural habitat, airboat tours of swamp; 10300 U.S. 90, Moss Point; (228) 475-6026 or (866) 954-2867
Biloxi Bay Charter & Nature Tours
Located at Point Cadet Marina, Slip C-10, Biloxi; (228) 209-9977.
Black Creek Canoe Rental
Canoeing, camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking; DeSoto National Forest , No. 20 Old U.S. 49 West, Brooklyn (601) 582-8817; www.blackcreekcanoe.com
Crosby Arboretum
Native plant conservatory, self -and staff-guided tours; 370 Ridge Road, Picayune.; (601) 799-2311; www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu
Da Beach House
Kayak ecotours of rivers, bays, open water and islands; catamaran rentals;(228)547-0085
Eco-Tours of South Mississippi
Interpretive tours of natural habitats of cypress swamps, salt marshes; guided kayak tours, overnight cabin stays; Gautier; (228) 297-8687; www.ecotoursofsouthmississippi.com
Flint Creek Water Park
Boating, cabin rentals, fishing, hiking, skiing; 1216 Parkway, Wiggins; (601) 928-3051
Gulf Island National Seashore
Camping, nature tours and walks, kayaking tours; 3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs; (228) 875-0821
Horn Island Charters
Day and overnight trips, camping, fishing; (228) 872-8422, (228) 365-5572, 1 (866) 972-6339
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Bicycling, boating, cabins, canoeing, fishing, jet skiing, 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg; (601) 582-7721
Little Black Creek Water Park Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, cabins; 2159 Little Black Creek Road, Lumberton; (601) 794-2957
McCoy’s River & Marsh Tours
Nature tours of unique river and marsh system; located off Mississippi 613 in Escatawpa; (228) 588-0356 or (228) 219-4583
McLeod Water Park & Campgrounds
Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, cabins, nature trail; 8100 Texas Flat Road, Kiln; (228) 467-1894
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Observe wildlife, trails, crane tours; 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier; (228) 497-6322
Pascagoula River Audubon Center
Gateway to the Pascagoula River; classes, field trips, summer camps, tours; 7001 Frank Griffin Road, Moss Point; (228) 475-0825; http://pascagoulariver.audubon.org
Shepard State Park
Biking, camping, nature trails, 1034 Graveline Road, Gautier; (228) 497-2244
Ship Island Excursions
Ferry ride to island, visit historic Fort Massachusetts; departs from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor, U.S. 90 at U.S. 49 intersection; (228) 864-1014, (866) 466-7386; www.msshipisland.com
Wolf River Canoe and Kayak
Camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking; located on Wolf River; (228) 452-7666; www.wolfrivercanoes.com