Gulf Islands

To preserve for public use and enjoyment certain areas possessing outstanding natural, historic, and recreational values.

Species of Concern: Multiple

Restrictions

1. The following locations are closed to all public use and access in accordance with the following conditions:
- Those portions of Petit Bois Island, West Petit Bois Island, Horn Island, Ship Island, and the NPS-owned portions of Cat Island within the Mississippi District which are annually designated by posted signs.
- Those portions of the Santa Rosa area:
- From the National Seashore’s western boundary (East of University of West Florida property) to the National Seashore's eastern boundary located at Navarre Beach which are annually designated by posted signs.
- Located on the north side of Highway 399 approximately 1 mile east of the Opal Beach complex, which is designated by posted closure signs year-round (approximately 5 acres).
- That portion of Fort Pickens area:
- From the National Seashore boundary at Park West to the Langdon Beach parking area which are annually designated by posted signs.
- Located near the Pensacola Pass, designated by posted closure signs year-round (approximately 4 acres).
- Those portions of Perdido Key that are designated by posted signs.
2. The following waters are closed to certain types of propulsion motors in accordance with the following conditions:
- The lakes, ponds, and lagoons of Petit Bois, Horn Island, West Petit Bois Island, Ship Island, and the NPS-owned portion of Cat Island are closed to use by all motorized vessels, whether combustion or electric powered. However, vessels are not prohibited if the motor(s) are turned off and tilted up to be out of the water or removed from the transom or gunnels prior to entry into these areas.
- The posted lagoons of the Perdido Key area within Big Lagoon adjacent to Spanish Point, Langley Point, and Red Fish Point are closed to all combustion engines. However, motorized vessels are allowed only if their motors(s) are turned off and tilted up to be out of the water or removed from the transom or gunnels prior to entry in the area. Paddling, poling, and electric trolling motors are permitted.
- 3. No more than 5 boats may raft or anchor together, and there must be at least 100 feet of distance between each raft or anchor of vessels.
- 4. All waters within the boundaries of the National Seashore are closed to the intentional grounding of commercial and any other non-recreational vessels, except in time of emergency, without specific authorization by the Superintendent. An emergency is defined as a period of time when the captain of a vessel is in immediate danger of losing that vessel.
- 5. Fishing with trammel nets, hoop nets, seine nets, barrel nets, gill nets, bow and arrow, spear guns, Hawaiian slings, or any projectile device is prohibited in all the waters of the National Seashore. Such devices may be on board vessels when stowed away and not available for immediate use.
- 6. Fishing and cast netting from public boat docks are not allowed in the following areas:
- Fort Pickens and Ship Island ferry docks
- Davis Bayou boat ramp dock
- Ship Island cross-island boardwalk
7. Fishing is prohibited in all ponds and creeks within the Davis Bayou area.
8. Taking of fish by cast net or other form of netting for the purposes of bait from brackish or saltwater bays, sounds, ponds, and lagoons shall be limited to the reasonable amount necessary for immediate on-site personal use only.
9. Chumming for or the placing of dead fish, fish parts, fish eggs, broadcast bait, food, chemicals, or other foreign substances or items in the waters within 500 feet of the Ship Island ferry dock, the Davis Bayou fishing pier, and the Fort Pickens fishing pier is prohibited.
10. Use of public fishing piers is restricted to the use of 2 forms of fishing devices per fisherman (i.e., 2 poles, 1 pole and 1 cast net, 1 cast net and 1 trap, etc.).
11. Public fishing piers are closed to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking products.
12. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Gulf Islands National Seashore is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
13. Kite surfing and kite boarding is prohibited (a) within 650 feet (216 yards) of all shorelines in the Florida district, excluding the Okaloosa Day Use Area from April 1 through September 1 and (b) within 650 feet (216 yards) of all shorelines in the Mississippi District each year from April 1 through September 1.
14. Operating a vessel greater than 5 mph or creating a wake is prohibited within 500 feet of:
- Fort Pickens fishing pier
- Fort Pickens ferry dock
- Ship Island ferry dock
15. The towing of persons by vessels, in accordance with applicable State and federal regulations, is allowed in designated waters except within 500 feet of designated swim beaches and certain docks.
16. Swimming and wading are prohibited in waters:
- Within 200 feet of the Ship Island ferry dock.
- In all areas within the Davis Bayou area.
- Within 200 feet of the Fort Pickens fishing pier, the remnants of the old pier, the Fort Pickens ferry dock, and the U.S. Government dock located at the Fort Pickens Lifesaving Station (aka campground office).
- Along all beaches on single red flag surf warning days except for experienced surfers with appropriate equipment.
- Along all beaches on double red flag surf warning days.

Allowed

Other activities may be allowed in accordance with applicable regulations.