Is the beaches on ship island open now with the algie issues.

I don't know. We took a trip for the 4th of July Fireworks. Had a great time and highly recommend that or sunset cruise. I would think those areas are open. I just moved here but have business interest in what's happening in the gulf. The islands hold some of the water in. Not allowing it to mix and filter out to sea.

Yes, it's a walk to south side of island.

You can swim on the far side of the island. It's far enough off shore.