biloxi belle riverboat

The Betsy Ann Riverboat

Review Highlights

“ We get aboard , the live music was playing, gentle wind blowing, the wonderful smell of dinner cooking...!!!!! ” in 6 reviews

“ We were greeted by deck hand "Vince", he was so welcoming and quite entertaining, as he welcomed us aboard . ” in 2 reviews

“ Our family had a great time out in the ocean and had great hibachi ! ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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173 Beach Blvd

Biloxi, MS 39530

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About the business.

Enjoy the beautiful waters and scenery of historic St. Andrews Bay on a true old fashioned paddle wheel boat. Young or old, you will find yourself amazed how paddle wheelers were the modern marvel once upon a time. Learn the history of the Betsy Ann and the St. Andrews Bay while enjoying the peacefulness of being on the water. You'll also see lots of playful dolphins, pelicans flying and diving to catch a fish and even come up to the pilot house with the captain to steer the boat! The boat is fully decorated to reflect the old steamboat days and our staff even dress the part! We also book private parties, weddings, birthday, and more for a unique, personalized, and incredible event! …

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Overall rating

The betsy ann is no longer in biloxi. The boat has been moved to an undisclosed location.

One of the best dinner cruises that I have ever been on! I would recommend this cruise to anyone looking for good entertainment, awesome scenery, and great food...

Our first booking was canceled due to high winds. I was very pleased they cancelled early in the day instead of waiting for us to show up. Our tickets were refunded quickly. We emailed to check for another ride and finally found ourselves on the boat. Great experience. Very interesting history of the coast of Biloxi as well as a deer island. The captain has a voice that is nice to listen to. A real storyteller. The bar was great. Prices reasonable.

We had an amazing time celebrating my closest friends birthday! Our entire party crews had a blast! Upon entry to the boat the hostess was super sweet and the fellas working as servers of drinks and food were the sweetest young men! So personable and quick with food and drinks. I would highly recommend. The DJ allowed us some time to sing happy birthday unfortunately our candles didn't work out while out in the ocean due to the wind! Bit forward the end he played the up to date music and the floor was packed. I had to grab my mask due to covid. He did provide a disclaimer regarding refund if anyone was uncomfortable due to social distancing but overall. We had a delightful time and would return again!

See all photos from Ciara C. for The Betsy Ann Riverboat

We took the Eco/Historical cruise 7/27/22 and it was very relaxing!! The captain was very informed on both the local history as well as the geological/naturism. The boat has a very interesting history in itself. We were fortunate to make one of the last cruises in Biloxi, MS. They are moving to Bay St. Louis, worth booking a cruise if in the area. On another note the Full bar on board was a plus.

The boat ride views and the staff were really nice but that was probably it. When I seen hibachi cruise.. I thought someone was cooking us hibachi in front of us while we were on the sunset ride. Nope. The food was not good, AT ALL. Evidently the meals were premade in advance because my meal was cold. We were a party of 9 but there was not enough egg drop soups for everyone. We were not asked if we wanted maybe extra food to compensate for the ones with no soup. My fried rice was hard, the steak was over cooked, the vegetables were hard. The servings were small. No desserts. For $55 per person, it was disappointing and not worth it.

The staff was AMAZING!!!! The drinks were FANTASTIC!!! The concept was GREAT!!! Sadly the food was a little blah. Would I do this again YES!!! I had an AWESOME time!

See all photos from Mary M. for The Betsy Ann Riverboat

Thoroughly enjoyed a sunset ride on the Betsy Ann this past Sunday! Excellent service from Vince, Riley, the Captain, bartender and all the staff. Great live music, reasonably priced drinks, clean bathrooms, and boat safety issues reviewed. Overall a fantastic experience we will repeat - and recommend! Thank you for a great option, indeed a special treat, on the beautiful Saint Louis Bay!

The family that runs this is awesome. You can tell they put their heart and soul into creating a welcoming experience for their guests to enjoy that is unforgettable. Our parents especially loved the musician playing live music. Our children loved the Hibatchi Dinner! They were completely skeptical at first...it wasn't exactly the same as eating in a Hibatchi restaurant, but once they understood the buffet format and that they could have as much as their hearts could enjoy, they were in love. The captain had a great personality, set expectations of areas that could get especially windy, but our trip couldn't have been smoother or more enjoyable. He also allowed our kids a chance to steer the boat! The bartender made great drinks and all the serving staff were so kind. Btw, the bathroom was so clean and we have a huge appreciation for clean bathrooms and nice running water on a boat. I would recommend this experience to anyone! I was really confused when I was looking up the Betsy Ann online, But after talking with the current owners told us they have only owned the boat less than two years and that it was previously located in Panama City Beach, FL.

I've been to Biloxi many times but this was the first time I had a chance to do a boat ride! It was beautiful, educational and lots of fun! The captain and crew were really helpful and friendly. I was able to start a tab for snacks and drinks. My son enjoyed his snowball, popcorn and coke. They even had a bar and signature cocktails. There was enough room for all of us to spread out and enjoy the scenery. I enjoyed the captain narrating and then putting on some jams. The crew made sure we were well taken care of. You could tell they enjoy what they do. This is worth every penny and those 2 hours fly by! I didn't get sea sick, there's plenty of shade and you can sit inside in the a/c to enjoy your drinks. This was a lot of fun and I'll definitely go back! Next time I wanna go when it's the holidays!

See all photos from Eve V. for The Betsy Ann Riverboat

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Betsy Ann Riverboat

Price & Hours

• Facilities 2.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

Learn about Biloxi history, the seafood industry's importance to the local economy and the wildlife that call the Mississippi Sound home on a cruise aboard the Betsy Ann Riverboat. The boat, which accommodates up to 70 passengers, operates a variety of cruises year-round. One of the most popular is the two-hour Historical and Ecological Tour, which travels in the Mississippi Sound and around the barrier islands on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico – areas where you might glimpse wildlife like dolphins or pelicans. The tour, which travels between the city and Deer Island, is offered year-round Wednesday through Sunday at 3 p.m. It focuses on local history and the ecology of the Mississippi Sound. Meanwhile, the Hibachi Dinner Cruise, which is offered on select evenings from March through November, features the scenery of the Gulf Coast and a dinner prepared on board. The seasonal Sunset Eco-Tour may head to the sound or Biloxi Bay, depending on the weather. Cruises featuring live music also operate seasonally.

Cruise passengers typically find the excursions enjoyable and the captain's narration informative. Those who opt for the dinner cruise consistently call the food excellent.

Prices vary depending on which tour you take, but generally start at around $25 for adults, $17 for children 4 to 12 and $10 for infants for the afternoon and evening eco-tours. Tickets for the dinner cruises cost around $55 for adults, $40 for children and $10 for infants. Private charters are also available. The boat is equipped with a full bar and snacks available for purchase. Boats depart from the marina located between Margaritaville Resort Biloxi and the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino . For more information, visit the official website .

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#1 Biloxi Casinos

Biloxi's casinos draw gamblers far and wide – and they're a big part of the city's tourism and history. Many of the area's casinos are connected to megaresorts that bring in millions of dollars for the city, and they have certainly seen some changes (and improvements) over the years. All of the city's casinos were originally floating gaming venues: They were required by Mississippi law to be built on barges separate from the land communities (in an attempt to isolate gaming activity from the general public). But when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, all the casinos were either severely damaged or completely destroyed. A new law allowed the casinos to be rebuilt on land and hoteliers invested in the construction of new or refurbished casinos.

Some of the most popular gaming spots in Biloxi include the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino , the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi , IP Casino Resort Spa , Harrah's Gulf Coast and Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel . These properties are not only home to casinos, but also offer accommodations and amenities like spas, fitness centers and pools. Beau Rivage also boasts a theater that receives rave reviews and has featured musical acts like Tony Bennett, ZZ Top and Martina McBride as well as comedians and dance performances. When it comes to gambling, the casinos host everything from table games, roulette and slots to poker rooms and high-stakes card lounges.

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Betsy Ann Riverboat

From the time you board the Betsy Ann Riverboat until the time you step off the boat, we promise you an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime. Come aboard… close your eyes… listen to the paddle slapping the water in perfect time… and let your mind wander! There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful waters and scenery of historic Biloxi Bay than on a true old-fashioned paddle wheel boat. Whether younger or older, you imagine a bygone era – when paddle wheelers were the modern marvel of their time – the days of Mark Twain. Come learn the history of the Betsy Ann, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Barrier Islands, and more. Come enjoy the peacefulness of just being on the water. See lots of playful dolphins and watch the brown pelican flying in formation just inches above the water or diving from the air to catch a fish. You can even come up in the pilot house with the captain, steer the boat, and get your picture taken with the huge wheel. The lower enclosed cabin is heated and cooled for year-round comfort. Enjoy sights and sounds on the covered open-air upper deck. The Betsy Ann is Coast Guard certified to carry 150 passengers plus crew. We are docked between The Golden Nugget and Margaritaville.

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MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

• Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
• 1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS, 39530
• (228) 523-4150
• [email protected]

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Cruise around Biloxi Bay on a paddlewheel riverboat.

The Betsy Ann Riverboat is a tour and cruise vessel allowing visitors to tour the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of  Biloxi, Mississippi. This riverboat offers historical and ecological cruises, sunset cruises, dinners cruises, tiki boat cruises, and even private charters. Depending on your selected package, pricing ranges from $25 to $55 per person. It is best to reserve your cruise or tour ahead of time, so visit their website for the most up-to-date tour schedule.

This riverboat also has special seasonal cruises for Valentine’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. Betsy Ann has heating and air conditioning, a full bar, and open bench seating accommodating up to 70 people. A longtime resident, Michael White, captains this riverboat. If you want an unforgettable experience on the gulf coast, look no further than a Betsy Ann Riverboat tour.  

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Betsy Ann Riverboat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Great once you get to go!

Check weather and local events. Trips get cancelled often. Finally got a chance to go and it was great!!! Crew is fast and a good time, food and drinks were delicious.

A Fantastic Voyage

A Fantastic Voyage. We celebrated our 40th anniversary aboard the paddle boat Betsy Ann. A memorable cruise that will forever be remembered. The staff was exceptional helpful, kind and warmhearted....

Fun and relaxing!!! Great food and drinks!

The whole staff treats you as family. Best cruise ever for us. Although being in BayStLouis now, we can't go as often or any longer. They will be missed!

River boat ride does not disappoint

We had the best time on this riverboat! There were 6 of us and we did the sunset cruise with live entertainment! It was so much fun and the drinks were always flowing if you wanted one! The sunset ...

Riverboat experience

This was a great time. Wasn't sure what to expect, but the food was good, the service was nice, the music was enjoyable, and everyone had a good time. It was a party for all ages.

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Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Mississippi

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.

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If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a day out on the water, you’re in the right place. As it turns out, you can hop aboard a classic paddle boat in Biloxi. Dubbed the Betsy Ann, the charming vessel offers a variety of tours. And with options including everything from sightseeing excursions to dinner cruises, a ride on the Betsy Ann should be on your bucket list. Take a look:

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The Betsy Ann is docked at 173 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530, which is between Margaritaville Resort and Golden Nugget Casino. For more information, call (228) 229-4270 or visit their website or Facebook page .

So, did you know about the Betsy Ann? Ever been aboard? Tell us in the comments section!

This isn’t your only chance for some boating fun! Learn about others in “ These 8 Boat Adventures Will Show You A Side Of Mississippi You Didn’t Even Know Existed. “

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Mississippi Gulf Coast Boat Tours

Mimosa, sightseeing & sunset sails in bay saint louis, ms, start making memories on our mississippi gulf coast charter boats.

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Sightseeing by Sail

Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of our Mississippi Sound. Spend time with family and/or friends and have your camera ready for wildlife sightings. Come aboard our premium boats in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi for a lovely sail. Book online!

Sunset by Sail

Sail through Saint Louis Bay and into the Mississippi Sound to get to the perfect spot to watch a gorgeous sunset on the Mississippi Coast. Join us for a sunset sail and book online today!

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Mimosa Mid-Morning Sail

Sip on complimentary mimosas as you bask in the warmth of the sun and feel the gentle breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time adventurer, our Mid-Morning Sail promises a serene and unforgettable journey, creating cherished moments that linger long after the sail has ended.

About Mississippi Gulf Coast Boat Tours

We are Mississippi Gulf Coast Boat Tours, a family-owned and operated business. Our previous vessels were the Betsy Ann Riverboat and the Twisted Tiki Pontoon Boat. Our latest boat is a 47-foot Beneteau Sailboat – the perfect boat for an enjoyable and relaxing cruising experience.

We are located in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi – a town we believe is the best kept hidden secret on the Gulf Coast. Before or after your sail on the Noble Lady, you should visit the local restaurants and quaint shops which are within walking distance of the Bay Saint Louis Municipal Harbor.

Come enjoy a day of sailing and sightseeing that you and your guests will talk about for years.

Our Mississippi Gulf Coast Boat Tours Sailors!

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Biloxi's Boats Aren't Just for Shrimping, They've Also Been Riverboat Casinos!

This article originally written by Jane Shambra with the title "The Advent of Biloxi's Dockside Gambling" for  BNews Monthly , the monthly newsletter of the City of Biloxi.  Photographs courtesy of the LHG Image Collection / Local History & Genealogy Department / Harrison County Library System unless otherwise specified.

Biloxi’s history has many chapters devoted to gambling. One of the earliest written records of gambling in this area can be found in French journals. One such finding was in the journal of French missionary priest Father Paul Du Ru. In 1700, he noted that Native Americans were “great gamblers” and the gifts they received were often used as bets. Many early French sellers were also gamblers. Through journal entries, we learn that they were especially fond of betting at card games.

In 1989, Mississippi lawmakers approved gambling on cruise ships as long as they were inside the international waters' boundaries. One year later, the Mississippi Gaming Control Act passed, stating that casino gambling was permitted for 24 hours a day in moored floating casinos along the Mississippi River and along the Gulf Coast.

The vessels docked in Biloxi and were connected by a two-story floating pavilion and required a certified boat captain to remain on staff in the event of a hurricane threat. Together, they comprised the Isle of Capri Casino. The new legalized gambling venue opened on August 1, 1992 with 600 slot machines, craps, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and pai gow. It was estimated that about 8,000 people entered those boats within 16 hours of opening. Security services were provided by the Port Commission to keep order.

Appropriately, the Isle of Capri Casino was named after a previous gambling venue: Isle of Caprice. The island-based casino resort formally opened on May 30, 1926 and existed on Dog Key Island which was located between Ship and Horn islands, about 10 miles south of Biloxi.

The resort, opened by Walter Henry "Skeet" Hunt, greeted tourists by way of passenger boats like the Pan American and provided big-band entertainment and gambling. After years of natural erosion, the isle disappeared beneath the water. Even though that island and all its fun is long gone, it's one of the fascinating segments attached to Biloxi’s unique casino history.

According to an old Native American legend, this island will once again resurface. 

President Casino

About six miles to the west of the Isle of Capri, Biloxi’s second riverboat casino, the President Casino, opened on Thursday, August 13, 1992 at the Broadwater Marina. The riverboat was 292 feet in length and 66 feet wide. It was built at a cost of $17M and featured three decks with 480 slot and video poker machines and 42 game tables. Its capacity was set at 1,000 visitors at a time. 

Biloxi Belle

Modeled aver a graceful paddlewheel steamboat, the Biloxi Belle opened August 25, 1992 at 857 Beach Blvd. advertising 40 gaming tables slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, Texas hold em, and video poker. They also offered guests a Lucky Belle players club card and an amazing seafood restaurant.

In early 1993, the Biloxi dictionary added a new word: Casino Row. Who first uttered this perfect descriptive for the southeast tip of Biloxi’s peninsula is still a mystery, but ideally, the Biloxi Planning Department must have initialed this new term based on the number of new and upcoming casino projects they were reviewing at that time. Cannery Row, Biloxi’s seafood factories neighborhood, was officially transformed into Casino Row, a term still sometimes heard today. 

The Neighborhood

It is interesting to note that the concept of a gambling venue wasn't new to the cannery row neighborhood. Across the street from the now famed casino row was the renowned Tullis-Toledano Manor.

The Tullis-Toledano Manor is remembered for other historical snippets. In its basement, there was rumored to be gold coins in concrete chunks. The Famous Counselor Oak tree was adjacent to the Manor, named so because it was rumored to be the meeting place for Native American chiefs to conduct negotiations. Sadly, both the historical structure as well as its memorable tree were squashed in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina sent a casino barge in that direction, flattening both.

Katrina's Changes

Soon after the arrival of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, leaders went right to work to establish how casinos could reopen. The dockside gaming regulations were edited and casino gaming establishments were able to reopen 800 feet from the mean (average) high water line. Biloxi’s casino Katrina recovery efforts began right away.

Katrina Casino Trivia

The first casino to reopen after Hurricane Katrina was the IP (aka Imperial Palace) Casino. On December 22, 2005, it reopened with 1,900 slot machines and 52 gaming tables. On opening day then Mayor A. J. Holloway welcomed the grand event with “Let the good times roll!"

On December 26, 2005, the Isle of Capri Casino reopened with 728 slot machines, 29 table games, and 9 poker tables. It made history again, since it was the first to move onto land with the new regulations in place.

The Palace Casino proudly opened on December 30, 2005 with 826 slot machines and 14 tables. Its 236-room hotel was completely booked.

Today, Biloxi currently has numerous casinos all along the coastline. Check out the City’s  website to learn more about Biloxi's casinos!

Hungry for shrimp? Visit our  Shop page to order wild-caught Gulf shrimp to be shipped to anywhere in the country today!

Casinos celebrate 20 years in Mississippi

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - It was late July.  Biloxi's Point Cadet was buzzing with activity.  Mississippi's first dockside casino was about to open.

Bernie Goldstein made the first bet on Mississippi.  Goldstein had a successful riverboat business in Iowa.  When he heard about Mississippi's dockside law, he knew this was where he wanted to be.  So, Goldstein's team packed up the Emerald Lady and the Diamond Lady, and sailed the riverboats from Iowa to Biloxi's eastern tip.  They were about to be tied together to create the Isle of Capri casino.

"It's hard to believe it was 20 years ago, I'll tell you that," said Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway.  In 1992, Holloway was a Biloxi councilman.  He remembers the rush to open the Isle.  He also remembers the lines of people waiting to tempt lady luck on board Mississippi's first dockside casino.  Holloway says he quickly realized, "This is going to be good for the city, good for the state and good for the Mississippi Gulf Coast."

The Isle of Capri opened on August 1, 1992.  Days later, the President Casino and the Biloxi Belle opened their riverboat style gambling halls.

The Isle is still open, though it has new owners, and it's about to have a new name.  The Biloxi Belle closed before 2005.  So did the Gold Shore, and Lady Luck, properties that gambled on Mississippi, but couldn't survive in this free market industry.

According to Mississippi Gaming Commission records, the President Casino closed on April 15, 2005, and became the Silver Slipper.  The fury of Katrina sent that casino barge out of the water, and into a hotel adjacent to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

A lot has changed in Mississippi's gaming industry since the Isle of Capri's debut.  Riverboats were replaced by buildings floating on water.  Casinos soon added hotels and other amenities.  And in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina basically wiped out the coast's casino industry, lawmakers allowed the games to move 800 feet inland.

In the 20 years since the Isle of Capri opened, South Mississippi's casinos have grossed more than $19 billion.  In Biloxi, the taxes paid by casinos have bolstered public safety and the city's school district.

Mayor Holloway believes another wave of casino expansion is on the way.  He still expects new investors to open properties on the back bay.  "I think over a period of 10-12 years, there will be a whole line of casinos," the mayor said during a taping of WLOX News This Week.

Copyright 2012 WLOX . All rights reserved.

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