River Cruises in Ocean Springs

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Ocean Springs: Coastal Charm Meets Southern Serenity

Whether as a port of call or a launching point, Ocean Springs welcomes travelers with historic streets shaded by oaks, an abundance of art galleries and studios, and the proximity to serene backwaters that snake through Mississippi’s wildlife-rich estuaries. It's an intimate contrast to the bustling hubs of New Orleans or Natchez, offering a slice of the Deep South that’s both soulful and stylish.

Guests arriving by cruise ship often find that Ocean Springs feels like a quiet revelation—a place where jazz melodies drift from sidewalk cafés, where sunsets over the marshes ignite the sky in vivid hues, and where time seems to stretch with the tides. The city’s coastal vibe is seamlessly integrated into itineraries that explore the Biloxi, Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Wolf rivers, each revealing unique stories, landscapes, and rhythms of life along the water.

Exploring the Region’s Major Rivers' Top Locations

The Biloxi River

Biloxi

Just minutes west of Ocean Springs, Biloxi is a dynamic port city known for its blend of entertainment and heritage. Visitors can stroll the Biloxi Lighthouse, tour the Biloxi Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, or enjoy Gulf-fresh seafood along the beachside promenade. A short cruise upriver reveals marshland teeming with wildlife, particularly herons and alligators.

De Soto National Forest

River cruises exploring the Biloxi often include views of the outer edges of De Soto National Forest, a lush greenbelt of pine and cypress that is especially vibrant in the spring and fall. This portion of the cruise immerses guests in the natural ecology of southern Mississippi.

The Pascagoula River

Ocean Springs

As one of the closest access points to the Pascagoula River, Ocean Springs acts as a gateway to America’s largest unimpeded river system. Known as the “Singing River,” the Pascagoula is steeped in indigenous legend and ecological significance. Cruises highlight the untouched marshes, with stops for birdwatching and kayaking expeditions.

Gautier

A quiet town nestled along the banks of the Pascagoula, Gautier is known for its bays and estuaries. Guests may embark on eco-tours that explore tidal forests or visit the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge—a rare coastal prairie ecosystem.

Moss Point

Moss Point features interpretive centers and environmental education programs along the riverbanks. River cruises stop here for excursions into the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which offers immersive walks through native plant gardens and boardwalks above the water.

The Wolf River

Gulfport

River Cruises in Gulfport include access to the Wolf River’s upper reaches, offering a more rustic, wilderness-focused experience. The river winds through sleepy bayous and floodplain forests before giving way to Gulfport’s energetic waterfront, where casinos and beaches create a festive atmosphere.

Long Beach

Often paired with Gulfport on day-cruise itineraries, Long Beach is known for its relaxed pace and sugar-white sand. The Wolf River here offers scenic, leisurely cruising with stops at riverside seafood shacks and fishing piers.

Pass Christian

This historic coastal town at the river’s southern terminus boasts antebellum homes and a marina packed with sailing yachts. The river cruise experience here combines heritage architecture, coastal cuisine, and warm Southern hospitality.

The Mississippi River

Vicksburg

While not directly linked to Ocean Springs, extended river itineraries often integrate a cruise leg on the Mississippi River itself. Vicksburg is a highlight for Civil War history, with preserved battlefields and museums. The vistas here are sweeping, dramatic, and brimming with stories of resilience.

Natchez

Natchez is one of the crown jewels of Southern river cruising. Its historic mansions, centuries-old oak trees, and Southern charm are on full display during curated walking tours and jazz-infused evenings ashore.

Greenville

A blues-infused stop with a creative soul, Greenville brings music to the riverbanks. Excursions here might include museum visits, literary tours focused on authors like Eudora Welty, and Delta cuisine samplings paired with Mississippi storytelling traditions.

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River Cruise Itineraries from Ocean Springs

Short Cruises (3–5 days)

Short cruises often operate as round-trip loops from Ocean Springs or Biloxi, focusing on the Pascagoula or Biloxi rivers. These itineraries are ideal for weekend getaways and may include overnight stays in Moss Point, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport. Activities include sunset wildlife cruises, seafood tastings, and visits to marshland parks.

Medium Cruises (6–9 days)

Week-long itineraries extend farther inland or along the coast, combining multiple rivers and towns. A popular route might explore the Wolf River before crossing to the Pascagoula, with land excursions to historical districts and riverfront plantations. Cruises may also include live jazz on board, art studio visits in Ocean Springs, and kayaking in Gautier’s estuaries.

Long Cruises (10+ days)

Longer cruises often span multiple states and can include a loop that incorporates the Mississippi River from Natchez to Vicksburg, followed by a detour to the Gulf and inland waterways like the Biloxi and Pascagoula. These immersive journeys cater to travelers interested in regional diversity, from Southern cuisine and history to backwater wildlife and eco-exploration.

Special Interest Cruises

• Art & Culture Cruises: With Ocean Springs as a hub of artistic talent, these themed cruises may include studio visits, artist lectures, and onboard painting workshops.
• Wildlife & Nature Tours: Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, photography excursions, and night swamp tours in places like the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area.
• Culinary Cruises: Featuring Southern chefs and wine pairings, these cruises celebrate gumbo, fresh Gulf oysters, and regional favorites. Cooking demos and market visits enrich the culinary journey.
• Holiday Cruises: During the Christmas season, festive sailings include parades of boats, waterfront light displays, and local holiday markets in coastal towns like Gulfport and Biloxi.

The Onboard Experience

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

Ships that serve Ocean Springs and nearby ports tend to be small to medium-sized, designed to navigate coastal estuaries and shallow inland rivers. Expect vessels with fewer than 150 passengers, allowing for a relaxed, personal ambiance with open deck spaces, lounges, and intimate dining salons.

Cuisine and Wine

Dining onboard emphasizes Southern and Gulf Coast flavors. Menus highlight fresh-caught seafood, Creole influences, and farm-to-table produce. Wine pairings often include selections from regional vineyards, and local chefs may be invited on board to host demonstrations or themed dinners.

Excursions and Enrichment

River cruises here focus on deep cultural immersion and nature-based exploration. Options include plantation tours, art walks, kayaking in tidal creeks, music nights with local performers, and visits to Native American heritage sites. Enrichment talks by naturalists or historians deepen understanding of the region’s ecology and past.

Something for Everyone

• Couples: Seeking romantic scenery, slower travel, and refined experiences with culture and wine.
• Solo Travelers: Drawn by art, history, or birdwatching, with options for guided excursions and social onboard settings.
• Families: Especially during holiday or nature-themed sailings with educational programs and wildlife spotting.
• Luxury Travelers: Desiring elegant accommodations, exceptional service, and curated cultural experiences.

Why Cruise Through Ocean Springs?

“There’s a rhythm to the rivers near Ocean Springs—slow, soulful, and storied. To cruise these waterways is to trace the lifeblood of Southern culture, to drift through time, and to experience the wild and the human in quiet harmony.”

Ocean Springs offers more than a picturesque port—it offers perspective. As you glide past the reed-lined banks, under skies painted with Gulf sunsets, you'll feel connected to something greater: the pulse of Southern heritage, the beauty of untouched backwaters, and the artistry of a town where every street tells a story. Whether you're sailing for a weekend or a fortnight, a river cruise with Ocean Springs on the map offers a journey that’s as rich as the region itself.