GAUTIER—Coastal Mississippi offers a wide variety of experiences on many different stages, but only Eco-Tours of South Mississippi can offer an up close and personal tour of the beauty and serenity of the wild and undeveloped waterways of Jackson County.
Mooring in Gautier, Captain Kendall Smith is positioned to offer not only tours of the bayou tributaries of the Pascagoula River, but she can also offer guests dolphin watching cruises that take guests south to the Barrier Islands of the Mississippi Sound.
As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, Captain Smith recently acquired the business from past owners who created a thriving business. She said working with the tours allows her to share her love of the waterways and the beauty that is unavailable by car.
I have always loved the river and wanted to be able to let people see our river and the beauty it offers,” Captain Smith said. “Everyday can be different scenery depending on the plants, birds, and animals that are local to our area.”
The Pascagoula River is the longest, unimpeded river in the lower 48 states. It starts 80 miles inland and empties into the Gulf of America and is home to alligators and migratory birds and 300 species of native plants, wild lilies and orchids. As the seasons change, so does the scenery of the river.
Guests enjoy the relaxing tours from the comfort of a pontoon vessel that can accommodate up to 6 people. The two-hour tours can be customizable based on guest request from nature photography, birding or just cruising. Captain Smith said the tours are affordable, smooth and comfortable and perfect for traveling guests. Reservation for two guests is $85 per person, and reservations for 3 to 6 guests is $80 per person.
“Depending on the time of the year and the weather, I customize the route, so each time is a different experience,” she said. “The main attraction is the Pascagoula River.”
She said she has welcomed guests from all across the United States and even some visiting from Europe.
Cruising into the future, she hopes to expand the business to offer half and full-day island tours along with the dolphin cruise and river tours. She wants to attract the bird watching and nature photography communities through better social media promotions.
For more information about booking cruises, click HERE.
*All photos are by Susan Stachowski
