The Texas Seaport Museum offers Galveston cruises on its "Seagull II" motorboat. This cruise departs from Pier 22 in the Galveston Harbor at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. This double-decker motorboat lets passengers stand in the shade of the main deck or out in the elements on the top deck. The motorboat does come equipped with restrooms, and passengers can purchase water and soft drinks onboard. According to the Texas Seaport Museum, passengers often see dolphins and other marine life during their Galveston Harbor cruises. The Texas Seaport Museum also allows private charters of the "Seagull II," as well as field trips for school groups. Some field trips feature hands-on floating classrooms on environmental science, ornithology or marine biology.
Galveston Harbor Tours
Pier 22, Texas Seaport Museum
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 765-8687
www.galvestonhistory.org
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat offers a different Galveston Harbor cruise experience on a triple-deck paddlewheel sternwheeler named the "Colonel" with capacity for 750 passengers. This tour departs from Moody Gardens in the Galveston Harbor on regularly scheduled, hour-long day cruises beginning at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. during the warmer months. Passengers must make reservations for dinner cruises. These cruises board at 7 p.m. and depart at 8 p.m. for a two-hour tour on Saturday nights. Colonel Paddlewheel Boat also offers charter cruises with dinner, dancing and live entertainment.
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 740-7797
www.galveston.com/colonel
Capt. Hal Newsom's Airboat Tours depart from the Waterman Restaurant and Marina and explore Galveston Bay. These small tours occur on a airboat named the "Gator Getter." Passengers may see wildlife such as sharks, alligators, stingrays and marsh birds. The company also specializes in fishing tours through the local bay, lakes and rivers, including nighttime bow-fishing tours. Pricing depends upon the number of people and the length of the tour. Capt. Hal Newsom's Airboat Tours provides year-round services. Though the company will manage the safety of each tour, passengers should wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket and bring their own food, drinks and insect repellent.
Capt. Hal Newsom's Airboat Tours of Galveston Bay
14302 Stewart Road
Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 632-0089
www.galvestonboattours.com
