Galveston Bay       Ed Herndon Updated May19,2007  

Introduction to Galveston Bay Destinations   Learn the Cruise Destinations and the Principal Landmarks  around Galveston Bay   See how the Boater Cuts provide passage to Trinity Bay and East Bay.

North Boater Cut is the short way to Double Bayou and Anahuac in Trinity Bay. Five Mile Cut is a Nearby alternate.

South Boater Cut is a second way to Double Bayou, plus a way to Smith Point and some great East Bay Sailing. See also Phillips Passage a newly discovered Unmarked Shortcut to/from Trinity Bay

Redfish Island and the A Frame Anchorage are short day sails (6 nm from CC 2) where you can  anchor, and raft up with your friends. They are also good overnight anchorages.

Topwater Grill is not too far beyond Redfish.  Has potential for overnight stay. Good for a day sail with late lunch. Food is fine.

Double Bayou is scene for many of the clubs finest outings. There are two restaurants, Hammerhead Grill, and Marker 17; these can provide power hookups for as many as 15 boats between the two. The third venue is a cow pasture and oak forest about 3 nm up the bayou. The Pasture is the scene for St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Kite Flying, and the Famous French picnic at Thanksgiving. These destinations are overnight stays, about 22 nm from Clear lake home ports.

Upper Galveston Bay:  HYC,  Bayland Marina, Cedar Bayou. These three destinations take you North past Red Bluff  they are shown as a group.

Allens Landing is where Houston got its start. This historic landmark is the venue for a two night annual cruise in October. It is scheduled to coincide with the Houston International Art Festival. There are no marina facilities but there is a cost to reserve the park and hire an Off Duty Policeman to guard the fleet. These costs are shared among the cruise participants.  Allens Landing is 27 nm from Bayland and 40 nm from Clear lake.

Smith Point is an RV Park which has a long dock with power and water. There is a nearby town with a Large Oyster boat fleet. Lots of bird watching opportunities. Its about 16 nm from Clear lake. Reserve at 409-355-2347 $20 an night with electricity, $10 a night without.

Steve's Landing on the ICW is an overnight destination to a fine seafood restaurant on the Bolivar peninsula. The Bolivar Point Anchorage is on the way. The docks have power and water available $25 per night. It is a 1.5 mile walk to the Gulf. We have several cruises there each year. It's about 28 nm from Clear lake. Great sailing opportunity in East bay.

Moody Gardens on Offats Bayou is the location for our annual Easter, Memorial Day and Labor Day cruises. These are all long weekends and there is lots to do while you are there. The Marina has power and water and access to the hotel facilities is included in the price, $1.50 a foot. A special reservation system is set up to handle these  popular  events.  Many chose to anchor out and dinghy in to the parties on dock. It's 28 nm from Clear lake. Moody Gardens Dock Layout

Harbor House has a small marina that is very handy to events on the Strand in Downtown Galveston.  At last check they charged $1.75 a foot: power, water, and complimentary continental breakfast.  Also there is an Anchorage just beyond the Pelican Island bridge. It is two miles away and one can dinghy into Harbor House to visit you friends staying there and see the town.  Harbor house is 24 nm from Clear Lake. Reservations 800-874-3721

Harborwalk is located just off the ICW on the way to Freeport. This is a brand new facility with floating docks, fuel, bait, convenience store, and a private restaurant. It is 31 nm from Clear lake.

Anahuac Gatorfest  is held the second weekend in September. For many years a favorite destination but recently the lack of dredging at the Trinity river entrance has made the trip impossible for deep drafted boats.  Four foot draft boats can make the trip but should play the tide and watch the depth meter.

Gulf Coast Cruising

Clear Lake to  Corpus Christi.  Planning a cruise down the coast this  ICW Distance table and charts  may be helpful.  It covers popular anchorages and marina's from Clear Lake to  Corpus Christi.

New Orleans to Destin Florida

Gulf Coast Yacht Clubs

Lakewood Yacht Club   Check their Cruising Calendar and link for Harvest Moon

Port Arthur Yacht Club  has posted an Open Invitation to Overnight Free at PAYC. Check their page for details. 

Rockport Yacht Club  There are quite a few former TMCA folks here.

Distant Destination

www.greatcircleloop.blogspot.com James Taylor  42' m/v "Arundel"