Port of Houston Boat Tours

Cathy Stucker — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:10:40 +0000

Did you know that the Port of Houston offers free boat tours of the Port? Leisurely 90-minute tours along the Houston Ship Channel are offered at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays. (There are no cruises on Mondays.)

Although Houston is technically an inland city (50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico) the port is ranked first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in the U.S. in total tonnage. More than 225 million tons of cargo moved through the Port of Houston in 2007. A total of 8,053 vessel calls were recorded at the Port of Houston during the year 2008.

On the tour you will see international cargo vessels, and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in length and 24 feet in width, the tour boat, the M/V Sam Houston, carries a maximum capacity of 90 passengers with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck. You never know what vessels you will see in port during your tour, but you will see amazing ships and even bits of history, such as the spot where Santa Ana is said to have surrendered.

The tour is free, but reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Get your reservations far in advance during summer months, when the tours may be booked solid weeks in advance.

Register online anytime, or call 713-670-2416, Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Because of security at the Port, you should plan on arriving at least 15 – 30 minutes before your scheduled tour, and you should not bring oversized bags or camera equipments. Photographs may not be taken during the tour.

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1940 Air Terminal Museum

Cathy Stucker — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:06:44 +0000

This art deco style terminal takes you back to the golden age of air travel. Even if you don’t remember the days when air travel was glamorous and travelers dressed in their finest clothes, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia as you view the photos and artifacts of that grand era. Restoration of the building is still underway, but the museum is open to the public. Exhibits include model planes, airline memorabilia and uniforms, photos, and equipment. The museum currently owns three airplanes and it is expected that additional planes will be added to the collection.

The third Saturday each month features Wings and Wheels. Tour the museum, have lunch, view classic cars and airplanes and special programs.

For more information, see the Air Terminal Museum web site.

Want to see more of Houston’s unusual sights? Get your copy of “Offbeat Houston” and you can see places even the natives don’t know about!

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Port of Houston Boat Tours

1940 Air Terminal Museum