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WEATHER ALERT

2 river flood warnings in effect for 5 counties in the area

Here are 8 houston-area cruises, boat tours perfect for summer, for those interested in all things afloat.

Briana Zamora-Nipper , Community Producer

For those with nautical inclinations but no ship to call their own, here are eight Houston-area boats – from a pontoon to a yacht – offering daytime and evening sightseeing tours, and dinner and dancing cruises.

MORE: Glow-in-the-dark Texas river: Experience the magic of nighttime on the water in a crystal clear kayak

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Ivory Bill, Big Thicket National Preserve

The historic Collier’s Ferry Park is the launching point for Ivory Bill, a 45-foot excursion boat operated by the Big Thicket Association. Named for the region’s now-extinct ivory-billed woodpecker, the open-air pontoon boat offers public tours, field trips, private charters and nature classes, taking passengers through the moss-draped cypress-tupelo sloughs of the Big Thicket National Preserve. As the boat navigates the shallow backwater channels of the Neches River, guides teach passengers the importance of the wetlands while identifying various flora and fauna along the way. The area is home to more than 300 species of birds, 200 species of trees, 47 mammals and an array of reptiles and amphibians.

The Ivory Bill is at 5390 Pine Street in Beaumont. Tickets range from $10 for children ages 2-4, to $20 for adults.

Call (409) 651-5326; nechesriveradventures.org .

Southern Empress, Conroe

Built in 1983 in a Mississippi shipyard, this 131-foot paddle-wheeler was cut into sections and transported to the captive waters of Lake Conroe where it was reassembled. With two enclosed decks and an open-air boiler deck, the Southern Empress can accommodate 375 guests. The three-story vessel churns through the waters of Lake Conroe weekly, offering cocktail and dinner cruises and, once monthly, a weekday luncheon for those who wish to see the lake by day.

The Southern Empress is docked at 7035 Kingston Cove Lane in Willis.

Dinner-cruise tickets start at $74.95.

Call (936) 588-3000; southernempress.com .

Boardwalk FantaSea, Kemah

This luxury yacht, measuring 117 feet from bow to stern, holds as many as 149 passengers. Its hour-long sightseeing excursions provide panoramic views of Galveston Bay. Expect to glimpse multi-million-dollar waterfront homes, picturesque lighthouses and the charming Kemah Boardwalk. The vessel offers drinks and snacks as well as frequent dinner cruises and themed party cruises.

Boardwalk FantaSea launches from the Kemah Boardwalk Marina.

Tickets for the sightseeing cruises cost $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and kids ages 12 and under. Tickets for the frequent dinner cruises start at $89.99.

Call (281) 538-9600; boardwalkfantasea.com .

Seagull II, Galveston

Operated by the Galveston Historical Foundation, Seagull II offers public tours, field trips, private charters and history classes along Galveston’s shoreline. On narrated cruises aboard the 50-foot double-decker Seagull II, passengers learn about Galveston Bay’s history and animal inhabitants. Dolphin sightings are common. Beverages are available for purchase during the voyage.

Sailing Tuesday-Sunday, Seagull II departs from the Galveston Historic Seaport at 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $17 for adults and children.

Call (409) 763-1877; galvestonhistory.org .

Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Galveston

A replica of an 1800s-style paddlewheel boat, the Colonel offers hour-long sightseeing tours of Offatts Bayou. The vessel offers drinks and snacks, as well as monthly dinner cruises.

Boat tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children ages 4-12. Tickets for dinner cruises are $90 for adults and $65 for children ages 4-12.

Moody Gardens is at One Hope Blvd. in Galveston. Call (800) 582-4673; moodygardens.com .

Bayou Ranger II, Pasadena

Each weekend, Bayou Ranger II shuttles the waters of the Armand and Horsepen Bayous of the Armand Bayou Nature Center. The pontoon boat’s 90-minute excursions provide passing views of wetlands forest, prairie and marsh habitats and the chance to spot various critters, including the occasional alligator. The 2,500-acre wilderness preserve is home to more than 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Along the way, guides share the history of the preserve while highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.

The pontoon tours depart Friday through Sunday from Armand Bayou Nature Center at 8500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena.

Tickets cost $35 for the morning and sunset cruises and $45 for the night cruise.

Call (281) 474-2551; abnc.org .

Spirit of the Bayou, Houston

The historic Allen’s Landing is the launching point for the Spirit of the Bayou, a small excursion boat operated by Buffalo Bayou Partnership. With a 21-person maximum, the intimate, open-air vessel offers public tours and private charters weekly. As the boat navigates the shallow channels of Buffalo Bayou, it takes passengers through the heart of Downtown Houston, past several noteworthy locations such as the University of Houston-Downtown, the Downtown Aquarium and Sesquicentennial Park. Spirit of the Bayou offers several different excursions including various history tours, 90-minute sunset tours of the Waugh Bat Colony, 30-minute twilight tours and 45-minute general tours. Passengers are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for herons, jumping fish, and the occasional alligator.

Allen’s Landing is at 1001 Commerce Street in Houston.

Tickets start at $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 4-12.

Call (713) 752-0314; buffalobayou.org .

M/V Sam Houston, Houston

The Sam Houston Boat Tour will resume tours on June 1. The Port of Houston Authority offers free boat tours

Operated by the Port of Houston Authority, the M/V Sam Houston offers tours along the Houston Ship Channel, the 52-mile-long, 530-foot-wide waterway that connects the port to Galveston Bay. The 100-passenger Sam Houston has operated as Port Houston’s public tour vessel since its inaugural voyage on July 30, 1958. During leisurely, 90-minute roundtrip tours, passengers learn about the port and the maritime industry while enjoying passing views of international cargo vessels and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal.

Sam Houston Boat Tours depart from 7300 Clinton Dr. in Houston. Reservations are required.

Call (713) 670-2416; porthouston.com .

MORE: This is the stunning place in Texas where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour

Copyright 2022 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Briana zamora-nipper.

Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.

The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a former drinking water reservoir built in 1926 for the City of Houston. BBP restored and repurposed the 87,500 square-foot Cistern into a magnificent public space for tours, performances, and art installations.

Reservations are required to visit the Cistern. Children ages 9+ only. Please see options below.

Learn More About The Cistern

ON VIEW: FEBRUARY 2 – NOVEMBER 10 2024

Rossin’s Haha Real  is an original, site-specific media and sound installation created for the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This work will transform this vast industrial relic into a unique world, drawing on both innovative technologies and ancient storytelling methods. Taking key inspiration from the classic children’s story, The Velveteen Rabbit , Rossin’s work will invoke themes of transformation and loss.

Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm

Saturday – Sunday 11am – 5:30pm

Tours held every hour on the hour, excepting 12pm.

BOOK TICKETS FOR HAHA REAL

Una instalación de sonido y medios específicos del sitio realizada por la artista Rachel Rossin. En un viaje alrededor de la Cisterna, personajes y símbolos aparecerán en pantallas de hologramas LED, mientras que las características cinéticas y la iluminación aumentan la arquitectura del espacio y juegan con la superficie reflectante del agua. Inspirándose clave en fuentes como el clásico cuento infantil The Velveteen Rabbit , la obra llevará a los espectadores a un viaje que cuestiona tanto lo real como lo imaginario.

Sábado a 1pm

RESERVAR ENTRADAS PARA HAHA REAL

Learn about the history and architecture of the Cistern on this fully guided tour.

Wednesday – Sunday at 12pm

BOOK A HISTORY TOUR

Book a unique group outing with a private, docent-led Cistern tour for up to 30 people.

• Depends on availability.
• Private Tours are not available on the first Thursday of the month.

BOOK A PRIVATE CISTERN TOUR

Practice meditation in the Cistern, led by Union is Creation. Singing bowls and wind chimes encourage mindfulness and connectivity in this unique acoustic space. Cushions or mats are welcome.

Saturdays and Sundays at 10am and Wednesdays at 6pm

BOOK SOUND HEALING MEDITATION TICKETS

TOUR INFORMATION

• Reservations are required to visit the Cistern.
• No children under the age of 9 are allowed inside of the Cistern.
• Please allow approximately 30 minutes for parking/check-in. Latecomers may not be admitted, and tickets are non-refundable.
• Full participation in the tour requires walking a distance of one-quarter mile in 25 minutes. Accommodations can be made for those needing stationary or seated tours.

Limited, free parking is available adjacent to the Cistern in The Water Works parking lot and along Sabine Street.

Additional parking options in the area include City of Houston Parking Lot H and along Allen Parkway.

PRICING AND DISCOUNTS

• $2 discount for military, youth (ages 9-17) college students, and seniors (65+). Must present I.D. upon checking in.
• Buffalo Bayou Partnership Members receive discounted tickets for select tours. Learn more about Membership here .
• All Cistern tours are free on the first Thursday of the month, reservations are required.

Hop aboard Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pontoon boat to see Houston from a new angle! From nature-focused tours, guided history tours, or your own private celebration, there’s something for everyone. Children ages 4+ only.

Take a cruise through the heart of Houston with your friends and family on one of BBP’s public boat tours. Throughout the year, BBP offers a variety of ticketed pontoon boat experiences, including 45-minute nature-focused cruises, 90-minute rides to watch the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony emerge at dusk with a wildlife expert, opportunities to learn the behind-the-scenes of Houston’s past with a historian, and themed boat tours to celebrate the season. 

Great for friends and family, team-building with co-workers, or hosting out-of-town visitors, BBP’s private pontoon boat tour cruises through the heart of downtown along historic Buffalo Bayou, past iconic sites and industrial relics. The boat can accommodate up to 21 guests ages 4+ only. Outside food and beverages are welcome. Add a historian for an additional $175. View the Private Boat Tour FAQ here .

Book Your Private Charter Here

• For safety reasons, children under the age of 4 are not allowed on the pontoon boat.
• The pontoon boat can accommodate up to 21 guests at a time.
• Please note that ticket purchases are non-refundable and support the work of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Guests will receive a full refund in case of cancellation due to weather.

DEPARTURE LOCATION

Allen’s Landing: 1019 Commerce Street (at Main Street). Proceed down to the wharf via the cascading stairs (adjacent to Sunset Coffee Building, the 3-story brown brick building). The boat will be docked at the wharf.

Enjoy expert-led tours along Buffalo Bayou on topics including wellness practices, the ecology of the bayou, the meanings and musings behind our public art, and more.

Join a Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, founder of Urban Paths . All are invited to walk the trails and pathways of Buffalo Bayou Park while discussing topics including mental and physical health as well as the benefits of being exposed to nature.

Learn about the native flora and fauna along Buffalo Bayou! Follow along this discovery tour of the bayou ecosystem with Nancy Greig, former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Nancy loves the outdoors, especially beekeeping and tending birdhouses in her garden.

Take one of our self-guided tours at your own pace and learn interesting facts about areas along Buffalo Bayou Park.

Buffalo Bayou Park is full of the wonders of nature. Use this guide to explore and experience everything Houston’s greatest natural resource has to offer on your next visit.

View The Guide

The Buffalo Bayou Revealed audio tour is presented by Houston Public Media . This audio experience provides you with interesting facts about areas along Buffalo Bayou Park. Listen below, or download the tour as a .zip file.

THE 10 BEST Houston Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in houston.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Denver Harbor/ Port Houston
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Port of Houston Authority M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour

2. Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours

3. Hover Lake Houston

4. Jetsurf Houston

5. Runway Lyfe

6. 288 lake.

7. The Sacred Healing Center

8. texas kayak guide.

9. Gar Getters Guide Service

10. BigCityTrip.com

11. Gigglin' Marlin Dive and Swim

12. clear lake fishing charters, what travellers are saying.

• Houston Buffalo Bayou Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
• 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour
• Houston Sunset Skyline Kayaking Tour
• Runway Lyfe
• BigCityTrip.com
• The Sacred Healing Center
• Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours
• Clear Lake Fishing Charters

• Boat Tour Reservations

Come aboard for a one-of-a-kind, waterborne voyage that provides a unique and educational introduction to the Houston Ship Channel, home to one of the busiest and most diverse ports in the world. Port Houston’s free, public tour provides individuals and groups a fantastic opportunity to experience, first-hand, one of the region’s greatest economic contributors.

• Community Relations Overview
• Sponsorships
• Community Grants Program
• Community Feedback
• Maritime Education
• Speakers Bureau
• Sam Houston Boat Tour
• Special Tours

The M/V Sam will be closed for maintenance December 1, 2023 – January 8, 2024, with tours resuming on January 9th.

Reservations are required to board the Sam Houston Boat Tour. Reservations should be made online and will only be available at the first of each month for a 30-day period.

If you have any questions about a current reservation or would like to inquire about a tour date, please contact the Sam Houston team at 713-670-2631 or [email protected] .

You are now leaving Port Houston's website

Port Houston provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information. A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site. Once you link to another web site not maintained by Port Houston, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.

1:45 pm – 3:45 pm, November 1, 2023

Unlocking the Potential: Navigating the Foreign Trade Zone Program for Enhanced Global Trade

Topic: The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program can be a game-changer for companies seeking to expand their global reach. Expert speakers will guide you through the intricate details of FTZs, providing insights on the application process, various benefits, strategies, and compliance requirements. Discover how your organization can leverage FTZs to reduce costs, streamline supply chains, and enhance competitiveness in the global marketplace.

10:15 am – 11:00 am, October 31, 2023

The Next Generation of the Logistics Workforce

Topic: On January 1, 2011, the oldest Baby Boomers started turning 65. Every day, about 10,000 boomers cross that threshold. By 2030, when all Baby Boomers will have turned 65, fully 18% of the nation’s population will be at least that age, according to Pew Research Center population projections. Today, just 13% of Americans are ages 65 and older. The industry is all facing a talent gap and need to proactively recruit and retain employees – and bring more diversity into maritime and logistics work if it is to be successful. This panel will discuss what various sectors are doing to proactively work on this challenge – from seafarer needs and terminal labor to shoreside business roles.

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm, October 31, 2023

Sustainability on the Seas

Topic: Engage in a dynamic discussion on both the current state and the future of sustainability in ocean shipping. This panel will focus on the pressure shippers face to address carbon neutrality and the consequential pressure put on their supply chains to measure, reduce, and offset CO2 emissions.

11:15 am – 12:00 pm, November 1, 2023

A Conversation with the Carriers, Riding the Waves of Container Shipping

Topic: Emerging from the industry disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, panelists will share their insights on current state of the container shipping industry, views on changes to supply and demand impacting liner carriers as well as current and potential shifts in the alliance landscape, and their impacts to U.S. ports and shippers. Against this backdrop, digest the ripple effects impacting the industry including a fluid regulatory environment, digitalization, decarbonization and changes in cargo delivery impacted by chassis pools, drayage, rail, and port infrastructure.

11:00 am – 11:45 am, October 31, 2023

Successful Strategies to Manage Growth and Risk on the Busiest Ship Channel in the US

Topic:  Promoting growth and managing risk don’t have to be mutually exclusive. On the busiest ship channel in the US by vessel movements and tonnage, governmental regulators and industry have developed collaborative processes that achieve both. Through a massive channel improvement project, regular channel maintenance dredging, and occasional seasonal weather closures, stakeholders have developed protocols that positively contribute to channel efficiency and navigation safety.

THE 5 BEST Houston Boat Tours

Boat tours in houston.

• Golf Courses
• Equipment Hire
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Denver Harbor/ Port Houston
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Port of Houston Authority M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour

2. Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours

3. Jetsurf Houston

4. Runway Lyfe

5. The Sacred Healing Center

• Runway Lyfe
• The Sacred Healing Center
• Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours
• Port of Houston Authority M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour
• Jetsurf Houston

Houston Historical Tours

Educating and entertaining everyone, (713) 392-0867 [email protected], houston historical tours p.o. box 262404 houston, texas 77207-2404.

• Brewery Tours
• City Tours of Houston (8)
• Downtown Walking Tours (4)
• Galveston Tours (14)
• Haunted Tours (10)
• Houston Tunnels Tours (3)
• San Jacinto State Park and More (8)
• Space Center Houston and More (9)
• Texas Medical Center Walking Tours (3)
• Wine Tours (5)
• African-American / Black History Tours
• Antique Tours (4)
• Architectural Tours of Houston
• Asian-American Tours
• Azalea Trail Tour & Houston Livestock and Rodeo
• Bachelorette Party Tour
• Bakery Tours (9)
• Beyonce Tours
• Celebrity Female Singers Tours
• Cemetery Tours (12+)
• Chocolate Tour
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Tours
• Christian Unique Sites Tours (2)
• City Night Tours
• Distillery Tours
• Downtown Tours
• East End Tours (6)
• Entertainment, Music, and Recreation
• Folk and Public Art Tours
• Garden Tours
• Gentlemen's Clubs
• Halloween Tours
• Heights (6)
• Hispanic Tours(3)
• Holiday Lights Tours (9)
• Ice Cream Tours
• Janis Joplin Tour
• Jewish Tours
• Ladies' Clubs
• Lesbian Clubs
• Lives of the Rich and Infamous (5)
• Mexican Restaurant Tour
• Miniature Train Sets, Trains, and Railroad Museums
• Multicultural Tours
• Museum Tours
• Night Tours (6)
• Outside of Downtown Walking Tours (20+)
• Port of Houston & Ship Channel Tours (2)
• Poverty Tour
• Presidential Tours (7)
• Psychos, Killers, and Victims (3)
• Quilt Tours (9)
• Religious Sites Tours (5)
• Rum Tours (2)
• Selena Tour
• Shopping Tours (12+)
• Sports Tours (4)
• Texas Medical Center Tours (5)
• The Beatles/Cover Band Tour
• Unique Neighborhoods Tours
• Universities Tour
• Weird and Unique Houston
• Women's History Tours
• Beaumont Tours (4)
• Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and More
• Corpus Christi and More
• Dallas and More
• Fort Worth and More
• Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Stonewall, Austin, and More
• George Ranch
• Matagorda County (2)
• New Braunfels Tours (2)
• Nederland Tour
• New Orleans & More
• Orange Tours (2)
• Painted & Historical Churches (5)
• Port Arthur Tour
• Presidential Tour of Texas and Arkansas
• Rural Trains (5)
• San Antonio (10)
• San Marcos Tours (3)
• The Varner-Hogg Plantation, Columbia, and More
• Wine Tours (7)
• Chicago and More in the Midwest
• Fall Foliage Tours
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• Shreveport, Branson, and Little Rock
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Port of Houston Tour and Ship Channel Tours

Discover the Port of Houston and/or the Houston Ship Channel on any of our 6.0-hour tours. 

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Ship Channel

Here is a view of ships on the Houston Ship Channel. On Port of Houston/Houston Ship Channel Tours and San Jacinto State Park Tours, we normally have lunch at Monument Inn. The restaurant borders on the Ship Channel and has magnificent views, in addition to great food.

This is another view of the Battleship Texas.

Started in 1822, some version of the Lynchburg Ferry has operated over the section of Buffalo Bayou that is now known as the Houston Ship Channel for almost 200 years.

This view of the San Jacinto Monument includes the Reflecting Pool. Built for the centennial anniversary of independence from Mexico, the San Jacinto Monument opened four years late in 1940, not 1936. It is the tallest monument in the United States because it has a star of Texas on top of it.

Here is a view of the San Jacinto Monument ftom Independence Parkway. It is 567 feet/173 meters tall. Alfred Finn was the architect.

Due to the August 2017 Hurricane Harvey’s damage and the Port of Houston Authority (POHA) changing schedules, our offerings have changed. All of the tours cost the same amount. However, they may start at 3 different times, due to when the POHA is operating tour boats. We try to begin each tour after the morning rush hour and end before the evening rush hour and or sunset.

All of the tours stop for lunch at Monument Inn. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the greater Houston area.  It is located along the Houston Ship Channel (HSC). One can watch ships, tankers, barges, and tugboats passing as we enjoy a savory meal. Its views are unsurpassed. Bring $8.00 to $40.00 for lunch depending on what you order. Most meals are between $15.00 and $25.00.

Tours A, B1, B2, C1, and C2 include riding on the POHA M/V Sam Houston boat. All of these tours have the same itinerary, but in different orders due to the time that the boat departs. At the time that I am writing this, January 16, 2019, the POHA no longer offers Sunday tours so Tour A, which is on Sunday, is not available. The POHA also does not offer tours on Monday. For several years, the POHA did not offer tours on Saturdays. Now, it occasionally offers such tours. We are keeping each of the tours listed on our website because we cannot predict when the POHA will change its policies again.

The POHA allows scheduling boat rides a maximum of 3 months in advance. Many tours fill immediately. We recommend that if you want a tour involving a boat, contact us AT LEAST 2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE. This is especially true if you have a large group of 20 more people. A boat may have some vacancies, but not enough to accommodate everyone if you have a large group and you wait too long. Furthermore, we do not reserve any tours until we have received a non-refundable deposit. You must make a financial commitment if you want us to work for you. If you hesitate to send in the non-refundable deposit, other parties may reserve the seats in the meantime.

The ship is closed periodically for maintenance.

For boat rides, you must provide us with a list containing the name of every person who will be participating on the tour before a reservation can be made. Each participant must bring photo identification on the day of the tour. A driver’s license or passport is sufficient. Purses are subject to inspection. Backpacks and oversized purses are prohibited. The POHA’s security policies are not enforced consistently, but it is better to err on the side of having this information rather than being rejected on the day that the reservation is attempted or on the day of the tour.

For groups of 15 or more touring on buses or full-size vans, we can show videos of the history of the Houston Ship Channel, Houston Pilots, oil, the current operations, and more. For any group, we can distribute magazines and newsletters about the Port of Houston, provide you with a quiz about the Houston Ship Channel, and narratives.

Private boats are not permitted to traverse the Houston Ship Channel. The HSC’s operations are a matter of national security with oil refineries and other plants along the HSC. Houston is the energy capital of the United States (US).

Tour Information

Tours A, B1 and B2, C1, and C2 all include going on a 75 to 90-minute boat ride on the Houston Ship Channel. The boat rides starts at the Turning Basin and goes no further than the Beltway 8 bridge and often not that far. It is limited in its scope. The POHA provides free coffee and a soft drink or water on the boat ride. It has interior and exterior, covered and uncovered areas, from which one can observe the Channel, docks, vegetation, fish, and birds. It is a smooth ride and the boat captain will provide information over the public address speakers. Dress appropriately for the weather. Expect to get some spray on yourself if you are outside at the front of the boat. The maximum capacity is 100. We are to arrive 30 minutes before the boat is to launch. You will be able to use bathrooms at the pavilion at the loading dock and in the lower deck of the boat.

Tour D covers a much broader area, going twice as far as the boat travels, with driving through or by the Barbours Cut Container Terminal, the Bayport Container Terminal, the former Bayport Cruise Ship Terminal in Pasadena, the ExxonMobil plant in Baytown (the second largest oil refinery in the United States), and stops along the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay in multiple cities. Beginning in 1956, most freight has been delivered in containers so that trucks or trains can conveniently take it across America with minimal time and labor spent loading and unloading. Tour D does not include a boat ride. It goes through or by 17 cities and all 5 transits over, under, and on the Channel. We will drive through Channelview, La Porte, Deer Park, Baytown, Morgan’s Point, Sylvan Beach, El Jardin del Mar, Shoreacres, Pasadena, Seabrook, Kemah, and El Lago, in addition to Houston. It is potentially available every day of the year and can be scheduled at any time without providing names of each participant or a two-month lead period.

Each tour takes you:

• To the original Port of Houston, also known as Allen’s Landing in downtown Houston, dating to August 1836.
• Over the Houston Ship Channel on the Sidney Sherman/I-610 Houston Ship Channel bridge. Both sides of the bridge are in Houston.
• Under the Houston Ship Channel (if in sedans and vans) in the Washburn Tunnel, provided that it is open. It connects Pasadena on the south side to Galena Park on the north side. This is the only under water tunnel in Texas.
• Over the Houston Ship Channel on the Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8. It connects Channelview on the north side with Pasadena on the south side.
• On the Lynchburg Ferry (if in sedans and vans) crossing the Houston Ship Channel, provided that it is operating. It connects La Porte on the south side to the community of Lynchburg on the north side.
• By the refineries of Pasadena and La Porte.
• To San Jacinto State Park, the San Jacinto Battlefield, San Jacinto Monument, and the Battleship Texas.
• Through or along Channelview, Deer Park, Galena Park, and Jacinto City.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston reserves the right to cancel a tour without advanced notice. Houston Historical Tours has no control over this. We serve as a conduit for this tour; we provide transportation and narratives, and take you over multiple crossings of the Houston Ship Channel. If you have your own transportation and only want a boat ride, you can contact the Port of Houston directly to schedule a free tour by going to http://www.portofhouston.com/community-outreach/sam-houston-boat-tour/tour-schedule/ or calling (713) 670-2400.

• If you want a shorter tour of 5 hours, we can eliminate stopping at the San Jacinto State Park (SJSP) and Battleship Texas.
• If you want a shorter tour of 4 hours, we can eliminate SJSP, the Battleship Texas, and a stop for lunch.

THE 10 BEST Bay Area Houston Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in bay area houston.

• Boat Rentals
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Budget-friendly
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Windward SeaVenture

2. Houston Pedal Barge

3. Sailaway Clear Lake Charters

4. South Coast Sailing Adventures

5. Get The Net Fishing Charters

6. Captain Kidd

7. Boardwalk FantaSea Cruises

8. Lone Palm Yacht Charters

9. Jet Ski Houston

10. Yachtcations

11. Boat Rental Galveston

12. Kayak Shack

13. All Points of Sail Sailing School

14. Galveston Trophy Charters

15. Clear Lake Texas Fishing Trips LLC

16. Captain Kidd Charters

17. Frazier's Guide Service

18. Maximum Scuba League City Texas

19. Reel Addiction Charters

20. Houston Party Boats

21. Jet Ski Texas!

22. Kemah Jet Ski Rentals

23. mad max cruises.

24. Kraken Sailing

25. Its Five O'Clock Here

26. New Wind Charters

27. Billy"s By the Bay

28. Bayou Boone Cycleboats

29. Gulf Coast Party Barge

30. Brantley Walker Williams

What travelers are saying.

• Sailaway Clear Lake Charters
• Houston Pedal Barge
• South Coast Sailing Adventures
• Captain Kidd
• Boardwalk FantaSea Cruises
• Get The Net Fishing Charters
• Jet Ski Houston
• Windward SeaVenture

Cruise Buffalo Bayou This Season With These Exciting Bayou Boat Tours Houston

Get up close and personal with the Buffalo Bayou this season with these exciting variety of boat tours – from private charters to bat colony tours! [Featured image: @buffalobayou]

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a non-profit established over three decades ago whose purpose is to maintain and activate Buffalo Bayou through a variety of conservation and development plans and programs.

In part of their activation efforts, the partnership offers events that range from happy hours, to park bingo, as well as yoga and meditation sessions. Additionally, the group also offers a range of cistern, art, and walking and biking tours.

Of course, the partnership also offers a quartet of boat tours to cruise through sites Houstonians rarely see.

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The Spirit of the Bayou is a private charter tour that departs from Allen’s Landing at 1005 Commerce Street. It seats up to 20 guests through the downtown waterways coasting through historic Buffalo Bayou, past Allen’s Landing, Sabine Promenade and Sesquicentennial Park, the McKee Street Bridge, and the city’s industrial side. The trip runs about an hour and a half, in which guests are invited to bring their own food and beverages. $500 flat rate ($25 per person for group of 20).

Their History Tours , scheduled from 10 – 11:30 am on select dates, give an educational take on the cruise. With a local historian on deck, guests can get an education on the Allen brothers as well as an historical take on the many people, places, and events that contributed to the development of the City of Houston. $40 per person.

You can also get a closer look into the natural side of the city with their Waugh Bat Colony Tours . These tours depart a half hour before sunset and give guests a breathtaking look at 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from Waugh Drive Bridge. $30 per person.

Lastly, BBP offers 30-minute Twilight Tours from 5:30 – 8:30 pm on select nights. Departing from Allen’s Landing at 1001 Commerce St., these half hour cruises give guests the chance to enjoy the evening breeze while looking upon a vibrant variety of local wildlife that include herons, jumping fish, and maybe even an alligator. $7 for adults, $5 for children (4 – 12).

Children under 4 are not permitted on boat tours.

See also: The Bayou City Art Festival Returns To Houston This October

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Lake Orion student dies while on school trip in Houston

HOUSTON, TX (Fox 2) - Lake Orion Supt. Ben Kirby confirmed in a letter sent to families that a member of the school's robotics team died while on a team trip to the national finals in Houston, Texas. 

The student has not been publicly identified. The student died April 19.

"It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school," Kirby wrote. "One of our current high school students suddenly passed away. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends."

Lake Orion High School has a crisis team of professionals available for students who need it. 

THE 10 BEST Houston Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in houston.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Denver Harbor/ Port Houston
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Port of Houston Authority M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour

2. Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours

3. Hover Lake Houston

4. Jetsurf Houston

5. Runway Lyfe

6. 288 lake.

7. The Sacred Healing Center

8. texas kayak guide.

9. Gar Getters Guide Service

10. BigCityTrip.com

11. Gigglin' Marlin Dive and Swim

12. clear lake fishing charters, what travellers are saying.

• Houston Buffalo Bayou Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
• 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour
• Houston Sunset Skyline Kayaking Tour
• Runway Lyfe
• BigCityTrip.com
• The Sacred Healing Center
• Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours
• Clear Lake Fishing Charters