Waterway Guide Western Gulf Coast

CHAPTER 20 Texas City Ship Channel. This is a super highway of boat Bay border Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island, while
traffic. Trinity, to the northeast, and Galveston Bay, which starts
THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX at Bolivar Roads, encompasses the western part of the
Dredges are frequently working the various channels bay all the way to Baytown.
in the Bolivar Roads area and the spoil areas of the
Houston Ship Channel, trying to combat heavy shoaling Overall, it is more than 30 miles long from the GIWW
caused by the ebb and flow of Galveston Bay’s tide and north to Baytown and 30 miles wide from Texas City to
tidal currents. Throughout the Galveston Bay area, the end of East Bay. The shores are flat and marshy in
navigation lights blend in with those of ships, towboats, some places, with very few distinctive features.
dredges and some of the world’s largest petrochemical
refineries to create a daunting light show. Picking out a The normal tidal range on Galveston Bay is minimal
slow-flashing red light in the midst of this kaleidoscope with two to four tidal changes per day. The bay is
takes a keen and steady eye. normally too rough, but small craft can anchor anywhere
outside of the channel markers. Use caution when a
Dockage: At Mile 336 WHL on the south side of the weather front is expected. During strong winds water
GIWW is Stingaree Marina. Gasoline is available at the levels can change by 4 to 6 feet and wave heights can be
fuel dock to port. This is a small convenient stop with significant.
limited transient dockage at the bulkhead, alongside a
small store, bait stand and restaurant. It is a good idea Galveston is the oldest deep water Gulf port west of
to call ahead and they will hold a spot open for you. New Orleans, and combined with the Port of Houston,
Heading straight in from the GIWW depth should be tallies up to be the largest port area in the U.S. This
around 5 feet. Electricity is available but limited. means constant big ship and barge traffic in the Houston
Ship Channel from Galveston to Bayport and the inner
At Mile 343 WHL, near flashing red “4” and green ship channel under the dramatic Bayport Bridge.
“3,” the Bolivar Yacht Basin sits on the south side across
from a large cut, called Siever’s Cove on the chart, into Galveston Bay West Shore
Galveston Bay. (A small, shallow channel with private
markers leads to the Galveston Bay fishing areas.) Gas, NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11326. Leave the GIWW and
ice and limited supplies are available at the small marina head north on the Houston Ship Channel. The channel,
dock and transient dockage is very limited. The marina with its well-marked flashing green and red lights, makes
caters to small fishing boats and commercial fishermen. a great reference for traveling the bay. Although the ship
channel has a project depth of 45 feet, recreational boats
One mile beyond Bolivar Yacht Basin on the south should use the “barge shelves” along the edges in 15- to
shore is the development of Laguna Harbor. Laguna 20-foot depths.
Harbor is a beautiful and well-protected private
community just off the GIWW at Mile 345.5 WHL. Slips Dickinson Bay is 7 miles north of Mile 351 WHL along
may be available. Prior arrangements must be made the Houston Ship Channel just past 17-foot flashing
with Laguna Harbor (409-971-2573) before entering the green “45” and flashing red “46.” Steer southwest and
marina facility. follow the daybeacons and flashing lights in the bay,
extending 5 miles from the ship channel. Dickinson Bay
From Port Bolivar, the cruising skipper has a choice is navigable to the Dickinson Bayou Twin Bridges
of destinations: Galveston, Offatts Bayou, Clear Lake, (45-foot vertical clearance). The railroad swing bridge
Houston or the GIWW, southwest to the end of the line shown on the chart has been removed. Dickinson Bay
at Brownsville. is shallow. The point on the southern tip of San Leon is
aptly named, “April Fool Point.”
■ GALVESTON BAY
Dockage: On the southern tip at April Fool Point is
Galveston Bay is one of the larger bays in the United the Topwater Grill, a popular seafood restaurant adjacent
States. Average depths are 10 to 12 feet over a flat, to April Fool Marina, which caters to smaller fishing
smooth, and muddy bottom, due to centuries of shrimp boats. Transient dockage is not available, but the marina
trawlers dragging their kicker chains across the bottom. sells gas and diesel. A vessel repair yard is located on Salt
The bay is made up of four segments: West Bay and East Bayou near the bridge in Dickinson Bay next door to a
shrimp processor.

704 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 20

Redfish Island GIWW, was permanently closed and the buoys removed. THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
The Cut was replaced by two boater cuts called the
Redfish Island, a popular boating destination, had at one South Cut and the North Cut. The South Cut lies just
time eroded away due to storms. The Port of Houston to the north of markers HSC green “61” and HSC red
and the Army Corps of Engineers restored the 6-acre “62,” while the North Cut is just north of markers HSC
island. A portion of the island is a bird habitat attracting green “69” and HSC red “70.” A spoil island known as
barren-ground nesters like the black skimmer, Forester’s the Mid-Bay Marsh lies in the old location of Five Mile
tern, royal tern and gull-billed tern Cut. The island rises several feet above the water and is
considered a bird sanctuary. The marsh/island is not on
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11326. Redfish Island is located older charts and chartplotters.
just northwest of the intersection of the Trinity River
Channel and Galveston Ship Channel and can only be Clear Lake
entered from the north side. As you pass HSC marker
“57,” locate a 17-foot-tall daybeacon with white and If you are traveling in Galveston Bay, Clear Lake is a
black diamonds located approximately .28 nm on a popular place to visit, with its excellent marinas, marine
course of 292 from “57.” When leaving the channel services, restaurants, trendy shops and entertainment.
keep this shoal marker to port. Inside the marker depths Kemah on the south bank and Seabrook on the north
are less than 1 foot at low tide. Continuing west, look bank of Clear Creek and Clear Lake are joined by
for the other shoal marker just off the northwest tip of the Bayport Blvd. Bridge (73-foot fixed vertical
Redfish. Again, leave this to port. clearance). The Kemah Boardwalk on the south side of
the entrance consists of a hotel, amusement park and
Anchorage: The C shape of the island protects boaters many fine restaurants.
from south, east and southeast winds as well as from
wakes from large cargo and petrochemical ships in the NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11326. Leave the Houston
Houston Ship Channel. It is a favorite anchorage for Ship Channel heading west at flashing green “61” using
both local and transient boaters with depths from 6 to the marked South Boaters Cut. Red buoys will be to
8 feet or shallower as you get to the eastern shore. starboard with green marks to port. The entrance to
the Clear Lake channel at the 17-foot flashing red “2”
South & North Cuts is 4 nm west of the South Boaters Cut marker red “8.”
Unless you have local knowledge of the water outside
When the Houston Ship Channel was widened and
deepened, Five-Mile Cut, a channel cutting across the

SOUTHERN EDITION 705

CHAPTER 20 Clear Lake, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

CLEAR LAKE AREA

1. Seabrook Marina/Shipyard and Fuel Dock 281-474-2586 125 16 20/750 10/9 F GD GIS HEP L70,C20 30/100 LPS P GMR
P GMR
2. Kemah Boardwalk Marina 281-334-2284 115 16/72 25/414 10/10 F – IS E – 30/100 LPS P GMR
P GMR
3. Portofino Harbour Marina 281-334-6007 55 – 5/212 7/7 F – I – – 30/50 LPS – GMR
P GMR
4. Legend Point Marina 281-334-3811 50 – call/254 7/6 – – – – – 30/50 LPS P GMR
P GMR
5. Watergate Yachting Center 281-334-1511 120 68 call/1200 9/9 F – – HEP L35 30/200+ LPS – GMR
– GMR
6. Waterford Harbor Marina 281-334-4400 70 16 0/643 7/7 F – I – – 50/50 LPS P GMR
– GMR
7. Marina del Sol 281-334-3909 55 – 10/331 8/5 F – I – – 30/50 LPS

8. South Shore Harbour Marina 281-334-0515 120 – call/855 8/10 F GD IS – – 30/50 LPS

9. Bal Harbour Marina-PRIVATE 281-333-5168 45 – 0/133 5/4 – – – – – 30/30 PS

10. Clear Lake Marine Center 281-326-4426 45 – call/161 6.5/6.5 – – – HE L77,C –S

11. Lakewood Yacht Club–PRIVATE 281-474-2511 100 – 5/300 10/8 F D IS – C2 50/100 LPS

12. Blue Dolphin Yachting Center 281-474-4450 75 – call/237 8/8 – – – – – 30/200+ LPS

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THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX 10 11 Featured
9 12
1 2
7
86 3

5
4

CLEAR LAKE AREA, NOAA CHART 11326
706 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

the channel, it is advisable to stay inside the boaters stack storage for small boats. There are no amenities or CHAPTER 20
cut channel. Starting at markers “3” and “4,” there are services close by.
sandbars and spoil banks just outside the channel. Just THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
south of green daybeacon “5” is the unmarked wreck of At the far western end of the channel on the south
an old iron barge. The old warning markers were blown shore is South Shore Harbor Marina, which is part of a
away and have not been replaced. There is generally 10 vast complex that includes a golf club, tennis courts, a
to 12 feet of water anywhere between the ship channel fitness center and the South Shore Hotel. The marina
and the entry markers to Clear Creek and Clear Lake. itself has one of the few pump-out stations on the lake.
The marina is known as the local “hurricane hole.” Dug
On weekends high-speed powerboat traffic may create out of dry land, it is protected by 12 to 15 foot banks
large wakes. Entering Clear Lake at night is made easier that provide a true hurricane hole.
by several 150-foot lights at the Kemah Boardwalk
Marina. Take note that they are usually turned off by On the north side of Clear Lake, Bal Harbour Marina
midnight on the weekends and earlier during the week. is private. Clear Lake Marine Center has slips and offers
Check your depths, and watch your markers. Traffic is repairs. Back at the entrance, a channel on the north
very heavy on weekends and holidays. The Bayport Blvd. shore marked by green daybeacons will take you to the
Bridge is well illuminated throughout the night, and is Lakewood Yacht Club and the Blue Dolphin Yachting
an excellent reference for navigation in this area. Center. Facilities at the Yacht Club are not available
without reciprocal membership or by prior arrangement.
Dockage: The Seabrook Marina/Shipyard and Fuel Dolphin Yachting Center only offers long-term (month
Dock, on the north side of the channel, is a 55-acre or more) dockage.
island complex, offering complete transient amenities
and a full-service boatyard. The Kemah Boardwalk There are many other condominium and apartment
Marina is the only marina east of the highway bridge, marinas around the Clear Lake shore where transient
offering floating slips with transient dockage for vessels dockage may be available if you are able to make prior
up to 115 feet. There is easy access to all the restaurants plans.
in Kemah from this marina, which has slips dedicated to
restaurant traffic.

Portofino Harbour Marina is located just past the
bridge on the south side. This is a full service marina
with transient floating dockage. Further up the channel,
on the south side of the main channel, is a huge
assortment of marinas, condominiums, restaurants and a
shipyard.

Legend Point Marina is built around condominiums,
accessible from the gated and guarded entrance by
a stone bridge. To get to Legend Point, follow the
Watergate channel until you enter the breakwater. Turn
hard to port and follow the channel around to the left
keeping close to the docks. The last Watergate dock is
covered for powerboats. Once past it you are at Legend
Point. Waterford Harbor Marina, also located here,
with a separate dedicated channel, may have transient
space; call ahead. The large Watergate Yachting Center is
entered through the Watergate channel, which is marked
by daybeacons. The marina has 1200 slips and offers
some repairs.

Continuing 1 mile west on the Clear Lake Channel,
Marina Del Sol lies on the south shore of the lake.
This is a quiet spot with transient dockage and dry

SOUTHERN EDITION 707

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 20

Upper Galveston Bay line to approach the enclosed harbor of the yacht club. THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
Sailboat masts inside the breakwater and the magnificent
Up the Houston Ship Channel, the bustling city “Bermuda Pink” Houston Yacht Club building are
of Houston offers all the usual metropolitan sights prominent landmarks. Steer directly toward the colorful
and activities. Navigable all the way to the towering Houston Yacht Club sign on the seawall, and then turn
skyscrapers, Buffalo Bayou runs through the city from hard to port and the entrance will open up before you.
the ship channel and passes the restored Battleship Texas
at San Jacinto Park. You must obtain U.S. Coast Guard Bayland Park Marina is located on the northeast
clearance to travel past the battleship. It is advisable to corner of the Fred Hartman (SR 146) Hwy. Bridge.
call the U.S. Coast Guard before you make this trip, or The channel to the marina is located just west of HSC
call them on VHF Channel 16 to advise them of your red “100.” Shoaling in the channel and at the entrance to
plans. the marina has been a problem in the past. Call ahead for
updates and to let them know when you plan to arrive.
Dockage: The Houston Yacht Club is situated on Tie to the fuel dock to register if they have not given slip
the west shore of Galveston Bay just 4 miles northeast, directions before you arrive. This marina is in an isolated
and then 2 miles northwest, of the Clear Lake entrance location with no nearby amenities
marker 30-foot flashing red “2.” This historic yacht club
was founded in the early 1900s. It is private but offers East of the Houston Ship Channel–
reciprocal privileges to all other yacht club members. A Trinity Bay
fuel dock with gas and diesel is available. The restaurant
and lounge are located in the main club building. NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11326. Double Bayou is on the
east side of Trinity Bay, about 8 nm from the Boaters Cut
To access the yacht club, stay well clear of Red Bluff on the north side of the spoil island. The Double Bayou
Point by heading toward flashing green “73” on the Channel is about 7 feet deep. Changes to the numbering
Houston Ship Channel. A turn to the northwest, lining scheme and the deletion of a number of daybeacons have
up green can buoy “1” and then 17-foot flashing green not improved access. The red daybeacons are currently
“3” to port on the Bayport Ship Channel will put you in

SOUTHERN EDITION 709

CHAPTER 20 Galveston Bay, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

SHOREACRES

1. Houston Yacht Club 281-471-1255 70 68 90/244 8/7 F GD I – L5,C2 30/50 LPS P R
–
BAYTOWN AREA

2. Bayland Marina 281-422-8900 60 – /20 – F – IMS – – 30/30 S–

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THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX 2
1

SHOREACRES, NOAA CHART 11326 BAYTOWN AREA, NOAA CHART 11328
710 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 20

arranged as follows: 17-foot flashing red “2,” 17-foot for several miles. Pick a nice spot and nose into the THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
flashing red “4,” 17-foot flashing red “6,” red “8,” red bank. Tie your bow to a tree, or drag an anchor to the
“10,” green "11" and 17-foot “red “12.” There is a report bank. Tie the stern to a tree to keep from swinging
that red “12” has been replaced with a daybeacon. Red downstream. Use care not to block the bayou with either
“12” is at a critical turn and many boaters have come to your boat or anchor rode. Depending on your draft,
grief here. Stay on the red side of the channel. Shallow anchorage and bayou bank tie-ups are almost unlimited.
depths should not be a problem before red “8.”
Smith Point
! Use caution and go slowly and watch the depth
sounder! Do not pass commercial traffic at the Smith Point and the nearby Vingt-et-un Islands (French
turn; it’s too narrow for two. for “21”) are famous for the number of birds who call
the area home. The largest claim to fame at Smith Point
Dockage: Follow the channel markers to green “15” is the incredible oyster harvest each season.
(the last one), and then line up on the water tower
to find the deepest water. The sometimes rowdy and NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11326. Roughly 8 miles south-
popular bar and eating spot Marker 17 is to port. They southeast of Double Bayou, is Smith Point. To go to
have limited dockage and few amenities. Oak Island Smith Point, use the Boaters Cut at red flashing “62” and
Complex is also located to port with slips and fuel. then navigate through the extensive oil field located east
of the Houston Ship Channel. You can also approach
Just past the Channel Marker 17 Restaurant, the bayou Smith Point from the north from Double Bayou or from
splits into the east and west forks. On the West Fork is the south using East Bay.
Jobe Beason Park with slips for vessels to 40 feet. Next
on port is the Hurricane Club & Restaurant (409-252- Trinity Channel was a part of a project to allow barge
3269), which may have slips for smaller boats. The traffic to go to Dallas. The project was shelved in 1973
restaurant serves good, reasonably priced food, and there when lack of funding made it impossible. Some surveys
is an adjacent motel as well. were done and a land cut along the eastern shore of
Trinity Bay was laid out. It is still shown on Chart
Anchorage: Turn right into the east fork (it looks 11326, but depths have not been maintained. There are
narrow at first) and find water at least 7-feet deep no daybeacons or other marks.

SOUTHERN EDITION 711

CHAPTER 20 Channel, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

OAK ISLAND

1. Job Beason Park 409-267-2409 40 – 15/15 6/6 – – GIS – – 30/50 – – GMR

2. Oak Island Lodge 409-252-4122 25 – 18/18 6/5 – GD GIS – – 30/50 S – GMR

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2

1

OAK ISLAND, NOAA CHART 11326THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX Cut, leave the Ship Channel at green “25A” on a heading
of 180 degrees and intersect the GIWW at green “3.”
Smith Point Channel flashing green “1” marks a There is plenty of water throughout this area until you
narrow passage used mainly by the oyster boat fleet. reach green “3.” From there, stay on the GIWW. (This
New buoys are in place, but local knowledge is essential route is described in detail in the "Galveston West End"
for entering here. Smith Point Channel often changes section of this chapter.)
and shoals appear rather suddenly. On a recent survey
less than 4 feet was found at green daybeacon “3.” Green “25” the Houston Ship Channel makes a slight
Obtaining local knowledge to enter here remains turn east. You should start to see the Bolivar Ferries
mandatory transporting vehicles between Port Bolivar and Galveston
Island. Continue to GR “P” where Pelican Island and
Anchorage: Although exposed from the northeast Sea Wolf Park are to the southeast and Galveston Island
through northwest, holding is good here in 7 to 8 feet of is southwest. Take a slight turn left and exit the jetties
water. to the Gulf of Mexico, or turn right into the Galveston
Channel. Galveston Channel provides access to marinas
Galveston Island and fuel.

NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11323, 11324 and 11327. At You can leave the Galveston Channel by traveling
the intersection of the GIWW and the Houston Ship back to Bolivar Roads or continuing west to Pelican
Channel you can choose to go to Galveston Island Island Causeway Bridge. Contact Pelican Island Bridge
using the alternate GIWW route or to the Railroad and to request a bridge opening and follow the channel to
Causeway Bridges and points west by using the main the GIWW at the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridges.
GIWW route that bisects Pelican Island. (This route is explained in greater detail later in this
chapter.)
Travel south in the Houston Ship Channel past green
“27” where you can see the Texas City Dike to the west, Dockage: Galveston Yacht Basin is located just west
and Port Bolivar to the east. If you are continuing west of the Bolivar Ferry landing. The Fuel Dock, just to
in the main GIWW route through the Pelican Island

712 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

the west of the Coast Guard Station (look for the big Channel 13 for traffic. The bridge opens on signal, CHAPTER 20
Shell logo), offers transient dockage for powerboats except from 6:40 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., noon to 1:00 p.m.,
and sailing vessels if there are slips available; most slips and 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
are rented by the month or year. The fuel dock opens when it need not open.
from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. Galveston Yacht
Service, Inc. an independent repair yard located at the Once through the Pelican Island Bridge, you will see
yacht basin, has complete repair services. A drugstore, a flashing red “2” followed by a series of red nun and
grocery, motel and eateries are within walking distance. green can buoys. They may be difficult to see on windy
days when there is chop. This route returns you to
The Harbor House Hotel & Marina in the Pier 21 area the main GIWW near Mile 356.0 WHL and follows a
has a small transient marina. The marina is a block from channel to the GIWW near the Galveston Causeway
The Strand historical district. It offers electricity and Railroad Bascule Bridge and the high-rise Gulf
water, but no shower facilities, unless you rent a room at Freeway (1-45) Twin Bridges. Commercial traffic
the small hotel (which also gives you free dockage). monitors VHF Channel 16 west of the causeway bridges,
changing from VHF Channel 13 to the east. Contact
Enter and depart with caution since vessel traffic is the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge (8-foot vertical
heavy and tidal currents across the narrow entrance can clearance) before going through. Even though it has
be strong. There is free dockage if you are eating at one a bridge tender, the bridge operates automatically
of the fine restaurants beside the marina. Weekends whenever a train gets close. You must get the bridge
are fully booked in the summertime so call ahead for tenders permission (on VHF Channel 09 or VHF
reservations. Channel 13) to pass. The Gulf Freeway Twin Bridges
have a fixed clearance of 73 feet. You will not want to
Anchorage: Just east of the Galveston Yacht Basin, be in the pass between the bridges with a barge and
a local anchorage is in the small cove formed by the towboat and they will usually let you know in explicit
concrete wall sheltering the basin and some private terms.
homes along the shore. The Coast Guard station is just
to the east as are the ferryboat landings. Tidal currents Dockage: The entry to the Pier 77 Marine Service is
can be swift in either direction; you could consider a along the west side of the Gulf Freeway Twin Bridges.
two-anchor Bahamian style moor in this area. Although While the facility doesn't have transient space, they do
the commercial traffic is fairly heavy, the channel is wide offer repairs and have a 88-ton lift, 110-ton crane and
and riding “on the hook” is not too uncomfortable, a railway. Payco Marina is located on the east side of
although it will be fairly rolly when the big workboats the bridges. The narrow 6- to 8-foot-deep channel is
move in and out before dawn. Another option is west of unmarked, so mind your depth sounder. Payco Marina
the Pelican Island Bridge north of flashing red “2.” Be offers slips and has gas and diesel fuel. They also have
cautious of the submerged dike noted on the chart. a lift and repairs can be made here. You will need
transportation to go to town or get to the beach. Payco
Galveston West End Marina is primarily a fishing center, not a resort-type
marina.
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11322 and 11324. The GIWW
crosses the Houston Ship Channel and the Texas City Offatts Bayou
Channel at Mile 351.0 WHL and passes through a
narrow cut at the northwest end of Pelican Island. Offatts Bayou is the result of major dredging that
Mooring buoys placed along the north side complicate provided landfill to raise the west side of Galveston as
the passage. It is common to find several tows tied up much as 6 feet. After the dredging, it was opened as a
here and they appear to be in the channel. Plans to small boat refuge and anchorage. It cuts into Galveston
widen the channel are on the Army Corps of Engineers Island just south of the Galveston Causeway Railroad
drawing board with no current plan of action. Bridge and the Gulf Freeway Twin Bridges. Offatts Bayou
offers charted depths ranging from 10 to 20 feet with
From the cut to the I-45 bridges, the channel markers good holding ground.
alternate with floating buoys and lighted daybeacons.
To reconnect with the GIWW, head west along the NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11322. Entering westbound
Galveston Channel. The Pelican Island Causeway from the GIWW, pass through the Galveston Causeway
Bascule Bridge (13-foot closed with restricted Railroad Bridge and Gulf Freeway Twin Bridges (Mile
openings) monitors VHF Channel 16 and uses VHF
SOUTHERN EDITION 713

CHAPTER 20 Galveston Bay, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

GALVESTON CHANNEL

1. Galveston Yacht Basin 409-765-3000 – – call/497 10/8 F GD IMS HEP L75 30/100 LS P GMR
– GMR
2. Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 409-763-3321 80 68 9/9 30/10 F – GIS – – 50/50 S
– GR
OFFATTS BAYOU AREA – GR
– GMR
3. Pier 77 Marine Service 409-740-4000 71 – – – – – M HEP L88,C110,R 30/30 – P GMR

4. Payco Inc. Harbor and Marina 357 WHL 409-744-7428 65 – 5/260 5/6 F – MS HEP L60,C 30/100 S

5. Moody Gardens Marina 358 WHL 888-388-8484 60 – 17/17 6/10 – – I – – 50/50 LPSC

6. Pelican Rest Marina 409-744-2618 200 16/69 10/131 18/18 F GD IM – L 30/200+ LPS

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THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX 2 1
GALVESTON CHANNEL, NOAA CHART 11324

4 3
6
OFFATTS BAYOU, NOAA CHART 11324 5
714 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 20

357.3 WHL) and wait until you can line up the channel and a golf course. It is advisable to call ahead for THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX
markers, then head southeast on the well-marked reservations.
channel. Shoals form on both sides of the channel, so
use caution. As you pass Teichman Point and pick up On the north shore of Offatts Bayou across from
the markers indicating the main channel east into Offatts Moody Gardens is Pelican Rest Marina with floating
Bayou, keep to port and stay fairly close to the shoreline. docks and amenities. The marina features a steak and
There is an ever-expanding oyster reef on the south seafood restaurant and a fuel dock, as well as other
side. Do not turn south until you pass the last marker resort-style amenities.
(red “28”) and don’t mistake red “26” for red ”28.” It is
difficult to see the marker due to its easterly position in Harborwalk Yacht Club & Marina is located at Mile
relation to the rest of the channel markers. If you turn 362 WHL, west of Tiki Island just off of green can buoy
south too quickly, you will run hard aground on the “59.” It is described in more detail in the next section.
oyster reef, which is clearly visible at low tide. Once you
have passed the last marker, your water depth increases Anchorage: Offatts Bayou enjoys an almost constant
to the 20-foot depths mentioned above. sea breeze from the Gulf of Mexico. This popular
anchorage can be crowded on weekends, but there
! Placement of markers has changed in more is always ample room. It is popular with skiers and
recent NOAA charts, so make sure you have personal watercraft operators. It is the most popular
the most recent edition when navigating Offatts destination for those coming from the northern part of
Bayou. Check for updates at waterwayguide.com. Galveston Bay, and the only sheltered anchorage in the
southern part of the bay.
Dockage: Past red “28” on the south shore of the
bayou you will see three pyramids and a hotel that are You can anchor almost anywhere in the bayou. The
part of Moody Gardens. There is a marina there with quickest and simplest location is toward Moody Gardens,
water and electricity but few other amenities. It is well where you can anchor in 15- to 20-foot depths. In foul
worth the stop because it affords access to all that Moody weather the smaller part of the bayou at the southeast
Gardens has to offer, which includes a paddlewheel end might be a little more comfortable. This is a great
cruise boat, two theaters, a zipline course, a waterpark place to exercise your dinghy while viewing the many
interesting homes along the shores and canals.

In the far southeast part of Offatts you have easy
dinghy access to convenience stores and the dinghy
docks at Boudreaux’s on the Bayou, when it is open.

SOUTHERN EDITION 715

CHAPTER 20

The Strand, located one block south of Galveston and pedal carts are plentiful throughout the summer and CHAPTER 19
Harbor at Harborside Drive between the north-south on winter weekends.
crossings of 19th to 25th streets, will treat the eye with NEW ORLEANS TO THE TEXAS BORDER
its wrought iron fringed balconies and gas lanterns lining Special Events: The Galveston Visitors Center at
the streets, and it can easily be toured by walking, or 2328 Broadway Avenue J has information about local
by catching a ride on a trolley or horse-drawn carriage. attractions and festivals or visit galveston.com. The city
Galveston Historical Foundation developed Hendley celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way, and the Dickens
Green, which offers a relaxing park for visitors to enjoy on the the Strand festival is a long-honored Christmas
the sights and sounds of downtown Galveston. Seasonal tradition.
programming and various food trucks are also offered.
See galveston.com/hendley-green for details. Shopping: The Old Peanut Butter Warehouse (20th
Street and Harborside Drive, 409-632-7165) is an 1895
Away from the downtown area, Stewart Beach and building once used as a warehouse to store candy and
Pavilion are great places to cool off in the green water of peanut butter, now transformed into a unique shopping
the Gulf. The beach offers seemingly endless stretches experience.
of sand, making it a favorite vacation place for Texans.
A boardwalk extends along the beach for biking and Katies Seafood Market on the waterfront (1902 Wharf
walking, with restaurant and shopping stops along the Rd.) has fresh seafood, plus some frozen items and
way. The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce sauces and seasonings for cooking on the boat.
has plenty of information (galvestoncc.com) and is
conveniently located across from the beach walk. The Dining: There are far too many dining opportunities
beach is well maintained and has a beach wall with a to list them all. From the Wharf to the Strand, along the
wide sidewalk on top. Pedestrians, bicycles and electric Seawall and Post Office Street there is a vast choice that
is sure to please every palate and budget. Prepare ahead
by visiting downtowngalveston.org.

SOUTHERN EDITION 717

CHAPTER 20 Galveston Bay, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

FLAMINGO ISLES

1. Harborwalk Yacht Club & Marina 866-435-8777 125 09 8/162 8/8 F GD GIMS – – 30/100 LPS P GR

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1

THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX FLAMINGO ISLES, NOAA CHART 11322

■ GALVESTON TO FREEPORT protective spoil bank here and groundings are common
if you leave the channel. Efforts by the Army Corps of
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11322. With a little planning Engineers have improved the situation, and the large
and a mindful watch this 35-mile trip cuts through open volume of barge traffic keeps the GIWW deep enough
bays and land cut channels that are easily traversed. for most cruising boats.
After the bridges at Galveston, the waterway bends to
starboard where a long line of floating red nun buoy As you get to open water at Mile 375 WHL, you
have earned the name “red can bend.” If the wind is have West Bay on your port and Chocolate Bay on your
over 15 knots, barge captains would prefer if you did starboard. Heavy weather will cause a fairly stout chop
not attempt to pass them in red can bend. The channel and the floating aids will be difficult to see. Use the
shoals very quickly on the green side of the channel, and range at the beginning of the next land cut to line up
it’s easy to get caught aground with tows in the area. Be the channel. Tows encountered in this and other open
cautious and listen to VHF Channel 16. Talk to the tows bay areas will appear to be using the entire channel as
about how they want you to proceed. they slowly make their way. High winds push their bow
off course, and they spend a lot of time re-centering the
At Mile 359 WHL, green “39,” a pair of buoys to vessel in the channel.
the south marks an inlet into West Bay. The water in
West Bay outside of the GIWW is too shallow for most Chocolate Bay has a tow channel that ends in a “Y”
cruising boats. for barge traffic in and out of Chocolate Bayou. Pay
attention to VHF Channels 16 and 13 as the tows will
At 17-foot green “63” the channel bends to port and announce their positions in either the GIWW of the
enters a land cut. At Mile 371 WHL, green “75” marks Chocolate Bayou channel and the direction they intend
the beginning of what is referred to as the Wash-Out. to travel.
West Bay has a nasty habit of washing away the

718 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

The next land cut starts at about Mile 378.0 WHL and CHAPTER 20
the GIWW reaches the Freeport Ship Channel at Mile
395.0 WHL. THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX

! Use caution at Mile 390.5 WHL. This area,
known as the Freeport Wiggles, causes
problems for extremely long tows and they may
ask you to wait to pass or cross until after they make
their turns.

Dockage: Harborwalk Yacht Club & Marina is part
of a large planned community. The 600-yard entrance
channel is located at Mile 362 WHL, west of Tiki Island
just off of green can buoy “59.” Shoreside facilities
include gas and diesel and a ship store. The community
is also home to a restaurant with panoramic views.

City of Freeport

The Brazos River has played a significant part of the
history of Freeport. In the 1800s steamships and
other boats carrying passengers and goods for trade
traveled the river extensively. The banks were lined by
plantations and used for transportation and business.
The rising and falling waters of the river caused
continuous flooding of the towns of Freeport and
Valasco. Eventually, dams and a lock changed the river.
Finally, it was rerouted and diverted to the west leaving
the Old Brazos River as what appears today as a salt
water lake. Shrimp boats and commercial boat traffic to
Brazosport use it extensively.

Dockage: Just west of Mile 392 WHL, Oyster Creek
leads north 2.5 miles to Kirby Marina. Depths of 6 feet
are charted both in Oyster Creek and dockside in the
marina; however shoaling is possible in the channel.
Kirby has gas and diesel fuel, along with transient slips
and repairs. This marina is located in a rural part of
Freeport, which means you will likely hear cattle rather
than traffic. Provisioning requires a car.

At Surfside Beach, the Bridge Harbor Yacht Club offers
a pleasant break and a convenient place to refuel for the
long run to Matagorda Bay and beyond. The entrance to
this well-protected marina is at Mile 393.5 WHL, just
prior to rounding the bend to the Surfside Beach (SR
232) Bridge (73-foot fixed vertical clearance). A three-
story condominium building marks the south side of the
entrance channel, with the fuel docks just beyond. When
entering the basin from the GIWW, the fuel dock is
across the first side-channel, which branches off to port.
Transient slips line the west side of this side-channel.
Note that getting a boat with a 6-foot draft up to the fuel

SOUTHERN EDITION 719

CHAPTER 20 GIWW, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

FREEPORT AREA

1. Kirby Marina 395 WHL 979-239-1081 60 16 call/76 6/6 – GD M HEP L60 30/50 S – –
P GMR
2. Bridge Harbor Yacht Club 395 WHL 979-233-2101 100 68 8/300 10/8 – GD GIMS – L70 30/100 LPS – GMR
P GMR
3. Surfside Marina 394 WHL 979-230-9400 70 16 4/38 12/8 F GD GIMS HEP L30 30/100 S

4. Freeport Marina 979-373-0800 150 16/68 10/149 13/13 F GD I – – 30/50 LS

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1

THE TEXAS BORDER TO FREEPORT, TX 4

2
3

FREEPORT AREA, NOAA CHART 11322 The Freeport Municipal Marina has floating slips
accommodating vessels up to 150 feet in length and sells
docks or any of the slips can be tough during low tide. fuel. It is located close to downtown Freeport on the Old
Sportfishing boats dominate the marina, which hosts Brazos River.
fishing tournaments and other summer events. Cruisers
should consider making reservations ahead of time. Cruising Options

The Surfside Marina is at the base of the Surfside Continuing westward, Waterway Guide’s coverage takes
Bridge on the east (or south) side of the GIWW. A full- you all the way to Brownsville and the end of the GIWW
service facility, the marina has stacked and floating wet in the next chapter, “Freeport to Brownsville.”
slips and caters especially to large offshore fishing boats
up to 70 feet. The marina has a fuel dock with gas and
diesel that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The
marina is on the east end of the bridge; there is access to
restaurants along the beach road, some within walking
distance.

720 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

Freeport to Brownsville, TX CHAPTER 21

ICW Mile 395 WHL–Mile 682 WHL TX: Channel 13

CHARTS 11301, 11302, 11303, 11304, 11306, 11307, 11308, 11309, 11311, 11312, 11313,
11314, 11315, 11316, 11317, 11319, 11321, 11322

You have to be motivated to reach the southwest end Galveston MILE 350 WHL
of the GIWW. It is remote, and there is no quick easy
way to get there. The closest large metropolitan area Freeport
is Monterrey, Mexico, 225 miles south. The closest
large U.S. city is San Antonio, TX, 285 miles north, Colorado River Matagorda MILE 440 WHL
and then Houston, TX, at a distance of 367 miles. The
results of this distance are evident in the culture and Palacios Matagorda Bay FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
in almost everything you will see and do. It is uniquely
beautiful and picturesque. It is the best of what you can Port Lavaca Gulf of Mexico
experience in a mix of South Texas and Mexico. Port O'Connor

For most cruising boats traveling southwest along the San Antonio Bay
Texas Coast it is possible to make offshore runs during
daylight hours from one coastal cut to another. Some Ingleside Fulton
of these cuts do not offer easy access to a marina, and Corpus Christi Rockport
it may be more practical in these areas to find a safe
and comfortable anchorage. Boats making an overnight Aransas Pass
passage can easily reach a major jetty entrance with
access to marine facilities. Prevailing winds can make MILE 545 WHL
the Texas Coast a windward shore, so be aware of wind
and sea conditions before attempting these passages. Baffin Bay

While the off-shore passages follow sandy beaches for Port Mansfield Port Isabel
the entire distance, the somewhat isolated intracoastal Brownsville MILE 682 WHL
waters of southeast Texas provide frequent points of
interest, abundant wildlife, ports and anchorages. The
GIWW meanders through land cuts and large open
bays. There is significant commercial traffic from
Freeport to Port Aransas and Corpus Christi on the
GIWW. Commercial traffic is almost nonexistent from
Corpus Christi Bay to Brownsville.

One way to look at this stretch of coast is as
it compares to the busy seaports of Houston and
Galveston. The waters from Freeport to Brownsville
are more like a trip to nowhere filled with incredible
sights, sounds, places and people. The waters from
Corpus Christi to Port Isabel are miles stretching into
days of complete solitude and isolation. From east to
west–Freeport to the border of Mexico–is a relaxed style
of living and boating with a unique history and many
interesting things to see.

SOUTHERN EDITION 721

CHAPTER 21 ■ OFFSHORE: FREEPORT TO Channel at flashing green “3” on a course of 225 degrees
THE MATAGORDA SHIP magnetic, you reach the Old Colorado River Channel
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX CHANNEL in 42.5 nm. From offshore, the first buoy you see is
the 17-foot flashing red “2” at the end of the new east
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 1117A, 11316, 11317, 11319 jetty. This channel is used exclusively by local boaters.
and 11321. Clearing the Freeport jetties, it is a good Approach and enter with caution. The Army Corps of
idea to stay offshore at least 4 nm, in 40 feet of water, Engineers dredged the channel to 12 feet when it was
to avoid the shoaling and flotsam of the Brazos River. reopened.
A rhumb line with a heading of 225 degrees magnetic
from flashing green “3” leaving the Freeport Channel, to Travel north in the Colorado River Channel and in
flashing red “4” at the Matagorda Channel is just over approximately 6 miles there is a bypass channel (Braggs
60 nm. Cut) that only goes east to the GIWW. The channel
allows small boats to bypass the east Colorado River
Following this rhumb line you will encounter many Floodgate. The bypass channel is for small boat traffic
offshore rigs and platforms. With a constant and careful only. Vessels over 30 feet with drafts greater than 4.5 feet
watch they present little danger and can be avoided by should not attempt to enter the narrow bypass channel.
traveling 10 nm offshore in the shipping lane. Actual The Colorado River Locks are .2 nm to the north.
ship traffic is limited. Monitor VHF Channel 16 and 13,
and contact commercial vessels working in the area as ■ GIWW: FREEPORT TO
needed. MATAGORDA

This coastline has few features and is mostly It is 45 statute miles from the Freeport Intersection
uninhabited. Matagorda Bay has two charted channels: (Mile 395 WHL) to the Matagorda Municipal Marina
Matagorda Ship Channel and, 4 nm to the east, Pass (Mile 440 WHL). There are no bays or open water
Cavallo. Pass Cavallo is a dangerous and largely through this stretch of the GIWW. The channel simply
unusable natural pass. The Matagorda Ship Channel is follows the shore of the land cut. This stretch of the
the main entry to Matagorda Bay and Port O’Conner GIWW has few anchorages, navigational aids and
(immediately west) and Port Lavaca and Palacios facilities for cruising boats.
(further to the north).
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11319 and 11322. In great
Authorized by Congress in 1958 and completed in contrast to the open nature of the Texas coast to the
1966, the Matagorda Ship Channel opened Matagorda south, this stretch of the GIWW has one swing bridge
Bay to deep water traffic. Changes in the discharge and two sets of floodgates to transit. Commercial traffic
from the Colorado River and the new channel reduced is fairly heavy, especially in the vicinity of Freeport,
the tidal discharge that flows through Pass Cavallo. the Brazos River Floodgates and the Colorado River
This new (1966) jetty, that extends nearly .75 of a mile Floodgates. At Mile 395 WHL, the Freeport Harbor
seaward from Matagorda Peninsula, is described by Channel (referred to as the Freeport Intersection)
boaters as one of the most difficult to enter on the Gulf crosses the GIWW from the Gulf of Mexico. Ships and
Coast, especially when the tide is in opposition to the trawlers entering from the Gulf, towboats transiting
wind. the GIWW and commercial vessels hopping between
the commercial docks within the harbor converge here
Entering the Matagorda Jetties, at red marker “8,” you creating challenging traffic situations.
can pick up Range “A” bearing 310 degrees magnetic.
There can be a pretty heavy sea at the jetty entrance Listen closely to the VHF radio before reaching
and the tidal currents normally run several knots. the intersection; ships entering from the Gulf often
The currents at Pass Cavallo and The Matagorda Ship move fast and are hidden by a bluff until very near the
Channel can exceed 4 knots on the ebb, especially if a intersection. Stay clear of the submerged vessel on the
north wind is blowing. Once you reach markers “13” south side of the GIWW at Mile 395.5 WHL.
and “14," it is best to stay in the marked channel.
A LNG terminal located on the southeast corner of the
From offshore, there is one channel between Freeport intersection of the channel and the GIWW will cause a
and the Matagorda Ship Channel. Leaving the Freeport

722 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

delay if an LNG vessel comes to port. These vessels have 1,050 miles from the city of Clovis, NM, to Freeport, CHAPTER 21
a moving security zone, usually 500 yards, and an armed TX. North of the GIWW the river is 8 feet deep with
escort. All traffic must stop while the vessel transits the two fixed bridges (50- and 37-foot vertical clearances) FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
channel. and overhead power lines (57- and 47-foot vertical
clearances) within the first 4 miles. Submerged pilings
From the south side of its intersection with the of unknown depths are at the first bridge. Continuing
Freeport Harbor Channel, the GIWW leads through a north the river carries depths of 8 feet extending to
steep-sided land cut to the Freeport (Bryan Beach) Bolivar Landing 32 miles upriver.
Bridge (Mile 397.6 WHL, 73-foot fixed vertical
clearance). Three miles beyond the fixed bridge, the San Bernard River–GIWW Mile 405 WHL
Brazos River crosses the GIWW between the Brazos
River Flood Gates. Call the operator of the nearest NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11319 and 11321. Beyond the
gate (e.g., call the “East Brazos River Flood Gate” if Brazos River, the GIWW bends to port and follows the
westbound) on VHF Channel 13 for an opening and steep bank to the San Bernard River at Mile 405 WHL.
check for traffic headed toward you. The floodgates The river is navigable to the north and south. Going
usually open on signal but may remain closed when south, a short distance to the Gulf of Mexico, the river
river currents run strongly or while repairs are made. It tends to shoal on the west side, so favor the east bank.
is possible and prudent to call ahead and inquire about Upriver to the north carries 15 feet of water for several
the status of the gates at 409-233-1251(east)/-5161 miles. Approximately 6 miles upriver from the GIWW is
(west). Strong currents and floating debris are common an overhead cable with a 38-foot vertical clearance. West
in the Brazos River. Give commercial vessels plenty of of the San Bernard, in the GIWW, submerged pilings are
room and proceed with caution. charted on the north side of the waterway from Mile 404
to Mile 406 WHL.
The Brazos River (Mile 401 WHL) south to the Gulf
is not navigable and is subject to shoaling at any time. Dockage: There are no overnight facilities for
The Brazos is the longest river in Texas, stretching cruising boats on this stretch of the GIWW. One half

SOUTHERN EDITION 723

mile upriver, the River’s Edge Motel (979-964-3814)CHAPTER 21at the park. No services are available. The dock is on the
has slips for guests staying overnight at the motel. banks of the GIWW and has alongside dockside depths
Depths alongside are reported to be 3 feet. This is aFREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TXof about 4 feet. Don’t be confused by its looks; it appears
modest motel. Call ahead for information. 2J’s Café and to be a crew-changing zone for towboats. Nearby Crab
Marina (979-964-3233) is 3.5 miles upriver from the Trap Bar and Grill (979-244-4141) is a short trip up
GIWW. Call ahead for times they will be open and slip Caney Creek with docking for very large and small
availability. Twenty miles upriver is Dido’s Restaurant cruising boats. Sting Rae's Waterfront Grill, on the north
(979-964-3167) with slips to accommodate most side of the GIWW (immediately west of the pontoon
cruising boats that are stopping for dinner. Call ahead to bridge) was closed at press time (spring 2017) but was
make sure room is available. scheduled to reopen as Hooker's in the summer.

Anchorages: Good anchorage can be found anyplace Matagorda–GIWW Mile 440 EHL
south of the GIWW. The best anchorage in the San
Bernard is close to the river entrance to the Gulf, off Matagorda is a quaint village immediately west of the
the beach separating the river from the Gulf. Going municipal marina, Mile 440 WHL. It was an important
downriver, favor the east (port) side. Depths should be part of early Texas history, founded in 1829. By 1834 it
6 feet or more. Anchor on the east side. The bottom is was the third largest town in Texas. The Christ Episcopal
a mix of mud and sand. Holding is fair to good. This Church is said to be the oldest Episcopal Parish in Texas,
beach is only accessible by boat. It is a great place to dating from 1839.
walk, look for treasures and build a fire. Stay in the
river. Do not attempt to enter the Gulf through this pass NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11316, 11319 and 11321. At
unless you are in your dinghy and the waters are calm. Mile 440 WHL, the entrance to Matagorda Harbor and
Currents are tricky, so make sure your anchor is set, as the municipal marina is just east of the fixed Market
dragging anchor here could be disastrous. Street Bridge (73-foot vertical clearance).

You can also anchor above the GIWW in 9 feet of Dockage: The Matagorda Harbor municipal marina
water with good holding in sandy mud. Boats can has transient dockage with a generous turning basin
anchor anyplace upriver where they can find a spot away that can accommodate large boats. A friendly staff
from commercial traffic transiting the river. Upriver the manages the well-protected marina. There is gas and
San Bernard is used extensively as a safe harbor from diesel, a small store for supplies and a restaurant.
passing storms. More restaurants, groceries and other amenities within
walking distance. Follow the road over the dike near
To Sargent (Caney Creek)–GIWW Mile the harbormaster’s office and turn left on the main road.
418 WHL Spoonbills Restaurant, at 773 Cypress St. west of the
marina, may offer rides from the marina and has a fine
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11319. A No-Wake Zone is wine list and full bar (979-863-7766). It is a good idea to
present from GIWW Mile 413 to Mile 419 WHL due call ahead to see if they are open. Stanley Food Market is
primarily to residential properties on the waterway. The just 2 blocks northwest from Spoonbill’s at 752 Market
Farm Road 457 Bridge (also referred to as the Caney St.
Creek Pontoon Bridge), crosses the GIWW at Mile
418 WHL. The bridge opens on request (VHF Channel Anchorage: There is all-around protection and 8 feet
13 or 16). Wait until the bridge is fully open. The cables of water in Matagorda Basin.
used to pull the bridge open should not be approached
and be sure the cables have had time to sink to the Colorado River–GIWW Mile 442 WHL
bottom before proceeding. The south side of the bridge
has a short ramp that, when lifted, provides a 13-foot- The Colorado is the longest river wholly in Texas with
wide opening to allow small boats through. This opening a length of 862 miles, stretching from West Texas to the
is too small, however, for most cruising boats. Gulf of Mexico.

Dockage: Although there are no overnight facilities, NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11316 and 11319. Just west
the City of Sargent (Caney Creek) provides a rest stop of the entrance to Matagorda Harbor, the Market
for visiting boaters at a public park .75 mile west of the Street Bridge (Mile 440.7 WHL, 73-foot fixed vertical
swing bridge. Boats are allowed to tie alongside the dock clearance) crosses the GIWW. Immediately west of the
bridge is a bypass channel to the south, called Braggs
724 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 21

Cut. The narrow and shallow Braggs Cut allows small you are planning to go upstream or downstream tell the FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
boat traffic to bypass the east flood gate and enter the lockmaster ahead of time, so he can manage traffic and
river to the south of the Colorado River Flood Gate. not open the gates of the far lock.
Boats larger than 30 feet with a draft of more than
4.5 feet should not attempt to use Braggs Cut. While in the river, keep a lookout for brush, trees and
floating debris. Upstream (north) you can anchor along
Once through the bridge, the east lock of the the banks of the Colorado when the current is light, but
Colorado River stands plainly ahead. The Colorado you will have to pick a wide spot away from the outside
River Locks open on the hour for pleasure boats. If of a bend; tows transit the river as far north as Bay City.
proceeding west on the GIWW, contact the Colorado The South Texas Nuclear Plant, about 5 miles upstream
River East Lock on VHF Channel 13 to request an of the GIWW, has a cooling lake 10 miles square and
opening and to check for any oncoming traffic. The 10 feet deep. Water from the Colorado River was used
narrowness of the locks and the often-strong current to fill the lake; the lake now boasts its own habitat for
of the Colorado River make passage across the river fish, fowl, game and reptiles.
difficult for long tows, so stay away from the locks until
the lockmaster tells you to go ahead, even when slow Downstream (south) the Colorado River discharges
currents allow the locks to remain open. into East Matagorda Bay. This diversion channel is not
navigable. Once you pass through the east gate, take the
The Colorado River Locks regularly close for repairs channel that branches east or to port when going down
and during periods of strong currents, so you may river. Along the Colorado River, private homes and fish
want to call (979-863-7842, ext. 2005 ) or radio (VHF camps line the channel’s east bank. The river/channel
Channel 13 or 16) in advance of your intended passage. leads nearly 6 nm from the GIWW to the jetty entrance
The locks are usually fully open and there is no delay. If at the Gulf of Mexico. Follow the daymarks from green
daybeacon “15” to flashing red “2” and flashing green
View updated postings on “1” at the river’s discharge into the Gulf of Mexico. This
navigation and hazards alerts channel is used exclusively by local boaters. Approach
and enter with caution.
waterwayguide.com
Dockage: River Bend Restaurant and Tavern, located
adjacent to a pair of launch ramps about 1 mile south of

SOUTHERN EDITION 725

CHAPTER 21 Matagorda Bay, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

MATAGORDA

1. Matagorda Harbor 440 WHL 979-863-2103 120 – 14/222 14/10 F GD GIS – – 30/100 S P GMR

PALACIOS P GMR
– GMR
2. Serendipity Bay Resort 361-972-5454 50 16 60/120 14/7 F – GI – – 30/30 LPS
P GMR
3. South Bay Marina 713-846-3219 45 – 20/41 5/5 – GD – – – 30/50 –

PORT LAVACA

4. Nautical Landings Marina 361-552-2615 50 16/68 call/72 4/4 F – – – – 30/30 LS

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1

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX MATAGORDA, NOAA CHART 11319

3
2

PALACIOS, NOAA CHART 11317
4

PORT LAVACA, NOAA CHART 11317
726 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

the GIWW on the Colorado River Channel, may allow Older versions of Chart 11319 may not have CHAPTER 21
patrons to dock overnight. Call ahead (979-863-7481). the corrections that the NOAA 2006 “print
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
Colorado River Channel Offshore ! on demand” paper edition has. The same be
Approach
true of older chart plotters that have not been updated.
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11316 and 11319. The Old Specifically, the newer chart shows a preferred alternate
Colorado River is an improved channel that links the route north of the previous GIWW channel. Matagorda
Gulf of Mexico with the Texas GIWW. For details, refer Bay Chart 11317 shows the correct route. It is especially
to information at the beginning of the chapter, "Offshore: important to follow this more northern route when
Freeport to the Matagorda Ship Channel."Many past conditions on the Bay are windy and rough. Refer to
issues and dangers have been resolved and this recently waterwayguide.com for daily alerts and updates.
dredged jetty entry into the Gulf opens the Matagorda
area to both cruisers and sportfishermen. When heading southwest from flashing red “30,”
you will pass one or a pair of markers at approximately
■ MATAGORDA BAY 1-mile intervals. The first will be flashing red “2,” then
“2A,” “4” and “4A.” Just before reaching 17-foot flashing
Matagorda Bay is rich in history. In earlier years this red “6,” you can turn north to head to Palacios in the
huge body of water may have experienced development marked channel or continue on toward Port O’Connor.
on the scale of Galveston and Houston. However,
development was prevented at that time due to the At 17-foot flashing red “10,” the GIWW makes a
strong currents of Pass Cavallo, which were too difficult southerly turn. Just past green "13A" the GIWW crosses
and expensive to conquer. Also, in the middle and later the Matagorda Ship Channel. The ship channel goes
parts of the last century the area was ravaged by several north to Port Lavaca and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
severe storms. By any measure this bay is big. In the
1900s, Matagorda Bay and Matagorda East Bay stretched Continuing west to Port O'Connor, the GIWW passes
for a length of just over 50 miles. green "15" and "17" as well as red "18" and "20" before
reaching the number "1" and "2" buoys marking the
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11317, 11319, 11316. South short jetties at Port O'Connor. On approach to the Port
of the Colorado River, there are no additional locks or O'Connor jetties, you will pass a green "121" buoy.
flood gates and only two bridges until Port Isabel. (These Green "121" to green "111" and red "112" mark a
bridges and passes will not be encountered in this more southerly route to the Matagorda Ship Channel.
section. They are on GIWW between Rockport and the These buoys are remnants of the old more southerly
south end of Corpus Christi Bay.) channel that crossed Matagorda Bay, as discussed in the
navigational alert above. They are only useful for boats
Fifteen miles south of the Colorado River, the GIWW making an offshore transit to and from Port O'Connor.
meets open bays and barrier islands. After passing
through the locks, the land cut continues to Mile 455 Boats heading east from the Port O’Connor jetties
WHL, where Matagorda Bay begins. For many years, the planning to go across the Bay, should take special care
land cut was plagued by erosion of its banks caused by to look north to red “20” and not be tempted to follow
the heavy prop wash of commercial traffic until the Army green "121” through green “111”.
Corps of Engineers placed a stone bank along the north
side of the GIWW to prevent further problems. Anchorage: In prevailing southeasterly winds, exit the
green side of the GIWW almost anywhere to anchor in
During spring months migrating songbirds land at the the lee of Matagorda Peninsula. The most popular spots
nearby Mud Island Wildlife Management Area to rest along this stretch are just south of old channel Mile 464
after their lengthy flight. Keep an eye out; sometimes WHL near Greens Bayou between the tall back range
there are so many they show up on radar. (south of green “57”) and shore, and off the bulkhead
near the old Matagorda Club Airfield (Mile 467.2 WHL).
Stilt houses and a wrecked plane on shore are visible
along this stretch.

Anchoring farther down the peninsula, nearer the
inside of the jetties, is unwise due to tidal currents that
run swiftly, making the frequently shifting shoals more
abundant than suggested by even the latest chart.

SOUTHERN EDITION 727

CHAPTER 21

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX A few private moorings have been placed outside "resort like" in any way, but it is an interesting place to
the green side of the Matagorda Ship Channel behind stop and visit.
Decros Island. They are rarely occupied on weekdays but
should be used at your own risk. When leaving these NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11317. The Palacios Channel,
anchorages, return to the new route across the bay; do marked by a series of red daybeacons, both lighted and
not attempt the passage along the peninsula to the ship unlighted, meets the GIWW at Mile 466 WHL and
channel. Uncharted dangers exist here. leads north across Matagorda Bay, into Tres Palacios
Bay and directly through the breakwaters of the harbor
For more anchoring options refer to the Explorer at Palacios. Westbound boaters can shorten the run to
planning page at waterwayguide.com. Palacios by exiting the red side of the GIWW anywhere
along the stretch bound by red daybeacon “2A” and
Palacios flashing red “4,” and traveling across the 9- to 13-foot
depths of Matagorda Bay to angle into the Palacios
Pronounced "Pa-lash-us," this is a small quiet location Channel (125 feet wide and 12 feet deep).
at the far northeast corner of Matagorda Bay. Palacios
makes a pleasant stop for a couple of days. It offers When taking this shortcut, be certain to pass well west
haul-out facilities, a friendly sailing club and well- of the charted Half-Moon Reef’s 30-foot flashing light,
protected easily entered marinas. which extends 3 miles into Matagorda Bay from Palacios
Point. When traveling along the Palacios Channel, stay
It is only a few blocks to the quaint downtown area clear of the spoil areas north of the channel extending
where you can find a bank, restaurants, shopping, a from the GIWW to Palacios.
hardware store and Hilltop Marine Supply. One mile
from the marina at Serendipity and one-half mile from Dockage: Palacios Channel passes through two
the marina at South Bay is the uniquely different, parallel breakwaters and enters the harbor between
picturesque and historic 110-year-old Luther Hotel. flashing green “49” and flashing red “50.” After passing
It appears to have fallen on hard times but is worth a through the outer rock breakwater, continue on a
visit and may be a place to consider for a night ashore. straight course past the short wooden breakwater that
Nothing about these marinas or the community are extends from the east side of the channel. Then turn

728 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

to starboard and follow the channel a short distance to Matagorda Ship Channel into Lavaca Bay, and then CHAPTER 21
the docks of Serendipity Bay Resort to port. Pull into an follow the relatively short Lavaca Channel.
empty slip on the central pier but be aware that some of FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
the slips lack adequate cleats and many boats in double For local boaters a shortcut through the spoils that
slips have strung dock lines across the vacant slip next lie along the red side of the Matagorda Ship Channel
to them (thus barring entry). can cut a considerable amount of distance off the trip
to Port Lavaca from red flashing “30.” However, due to
The Palacios Navigation District operates South Bay extensive dredging of the channel, some passes noted on
Marina, which lies just east of Serendipity Resort, next Chart 11317 may be closed. Seek local knowledge before
to the public boat launch. South Bay has slips and fuel. attempting to cut through the spoil areas.

Anchorage: South of Palacios, a small cove leading Follow the Matagorda Ship Channel markers past
to Oyster Lake sometimes provides a comfortable Indianola and Magnolia Beach to the green-over-red
anchorage. However, calm winds are necessary to enjoy intersection buoy “PL” just past markers “65” and “66.”
it. Leave the Palacios Channel between flashing red “32” At this intersection, the well-lighted Matagorda Ship
and “30” and head east toward the concrete bridge about Channel angles to the north toward the industrial docks
three nautical miles away. If you dinghy to shore, do so of Point Comfort, and the 6- to 8-foot-deep Lavaca
near the bridge. The land near Hotel Point is private. It Channel splits off to the west-northwest and leads to
is also possible to anchor outside the Palacios Channel Port Lavaca. Every other green marker is lighted, making
in 5 to 7 feet in mud. night entry less difficult. Foul ground lies immediately
outside the line of red markers of the entrance channel;
Port Lavaca don’t turn from the Lavaca Channel too late.

This is a quiet community that is larger than Palacios, Red daybeacons for the marina entrance are topped
and where you will find the only hospital located with white anti-bird cones, making them somewhat
between Freeport and Corpus Christi. The municipal confusing to a newcomer. The single piling (tacked with
marina (Nautical Landings Marina) is in old downtown reflectors) between the last of the entrance channel’s
Port Lavaca. The breakwater-protected marina is also red markers and the end of the wooden breakwater may
home to the Port Lavaca Yacht Club. Since long time be passed on either side. A short wooden breakwater
harbor master, Jim, passed away, no single person has extends from the tall bulkhead just inside the basin and
been employed for the position. Currently, the parks must be kept to starboard. Be careful of the exposed
director is fulfilling those duties. Contact him at 361- pilings and sunken vessels at the entrance to the harbor.
484-3953 for slip assignments. Transient boats are
welcome and he is very helpful. Dockage: Enter the marina through a narrow channel
between two wooden breakwaters. Once inside you will
The shopping and dining area (about four blocks find good floating slips with reported 4-foot dockside
long) is across the street. A long walk on the road in depths. Wave reflection from a stepped cement bulkhead
front of the marina leads around the shrimp boat basin makes the final entry into Nautical Landings a bit
at the end of the Lavaca Channel to the Lighthouse rougher in southeast winds, but provides a pleasant
Beach and Bird Sanctuary near the causeway. This place to stroll, sit or fish at the water’s edge in Bayfront
park includes a manmade beach; the elevated Formosa Park. There is also a steep boat ramp.
Wetlands Walkway, stretching over coastal wetlands and
the tidal exchange basin; a bird-watching tower; a pier Anchorage: For boats with drafts of less than
extending out into Lavaca Bay; playgrounds; and picnic 5.5 feet, Lavaca Bay has several easily entered
areas. Across the street the Bauer Convention Center anchorages. Although spoil banks line most of the red
is the home of the Half-Moon Reef Lighthouse. It has side of the Matagorda Ship Channel, the channel may
resided there since retirement from service. be safely exited by heading northwest from red “56” to
anchor off Sand Point in southeast to east winds and off
For adventures further afield, taxi service is available, Rhodes Point in north to east winds.
and local boaters tend to be generous with rides. Many
businesses are clustered along Highway 35 (a short drive Boats with drafts of less than 5 feet can enter Keller
but a very long hike from the marina). Bay for a somewhat open anchorage, with nearly
all-around protection from waves. Returning to the
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11317. To travel the 17 miles Matagorda Ship Channel from any of these anchorages,
to Nautical Landings Marina from the GIWW, take the head toward the orange picnic shelters on the southeast

SOUTHERN EDITION 729

shore of Lavaca Bay to find the cut beside marker “56”CHAPTER 21Lavaca Bay before passing under the causeway, and then
and re-enter the ship channel. turns sharply to starboard to the Lavaca River’s mouth.
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
Magnolia Beach, reached by leaving the green side of The fixed Lavaca Bay Causeway (SR 35)
the Matagorda Ship Channel between markers “57” and Bridge has a 42-foot vertical clearance followed
“63,” makes an enjoyable day anchorage and overnight by a power line with a 69-foot vertical clearance.
anchorage in settled weather. Although usually quiet, Rehabilitation of the bridge was underway at press time
this fine shell beach draws crowds on spring and (spring 2017).
summer weekends. Anchor out from the two-story
building in depths that shoal gradually from 6 feet. Just before reaching the last markers in upper Lavaca
Bay, a bar with depths of less than 4 feet extends across
Hiking along the beach to the granite statue of La the channel. Beyond the bar, depths range from 6 to
Salle and the site of the old town of Indianola is an 15 feet in the river. Before making this passage toward
enjoyable trip. Indianola rivaled Galveston as Texas’ the Lavaca River, cruisers should check for local
most important port before being devastated twice by knowledge and for navigation alerts at waterwayguide.
hurricanes. The foundations of the buildings of old com due to frequently changing conditions.
Indianola still lie beneath the surface of Lavaca Bay, as
does the locomotive that sat on the long wharf during Anchorage: Although small cruising boats can nose
one of the 19th-century hurricanes. Bird watching is into the bank for a quiet anchorage at several spots, the
spectacular along the wetlands adjacent to Indianola best anchorage lies by the twin bridges (one road and
and Magnolia Beach. one railroad) that mark the end of the route for most
vessels, about 10 miles up the Lavaca River.
Closer to Port Lavaca, Gallinipper Point offers
a pleasant anchorage with excellent protection in Two sturdy dolphins by the bridge offer a convenient
southeast through southwest winds. (Gallinippers place to moor. Boats with heights of 10 feet or less
are mosquitoes the size of small hawks and just as (depending on river stage) can pass under the bridge
predatory. Make sure your screens are in place before and anchor in the 7-foot depths of the Navidad River,
dark!) To reach the anchorage, start into the Lavaca which enters the Lavaca River immediately beyond the
Channel from the intersection buoy in the Matagorda railroad bridge, or they can anchor in the Lavaca River
Ship Channel but head southwest from the Lavaca itself. When anchoring in the Lavaca River, stick well
Channel once past the low range marker, head toward to the side and burn a bright anchor light. Outboard-
the house with the windmill and drop anchor in 5- to powered ski and fishing boats often transit the river at
7-foot depths near the wrecks of three scuttled shrimp high speeds.
boats. Dredging of the Lavaca Channel resulted in spoil
being deposited in the bay between this anchorage and ■ PORT O’CONNOR TO CORPUS
markers “1” through “5” of the Lavaca Channel, so you CHRISTI BAY
will have to leave this anchorage the same way you
entered. Offshore Option: Matagorda Ship
Channel to Aransas Pass Channel
Side Trip: Lavaca River
Aransas Pass is one of the most famous passes on the
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11317. For vessels with drafts coast. It was used by Spain and Mexico to access their
of no more than 3.5 feet and mast heights of less than port on Copano Bay and to then supply the Presidios
35 feet, the Lavaca River offers an interesting side (forts) at Refugio and Goliad. The first buoyage along
trip with peaceful, protected spots to drop a hook. To the Texas coast appeared at Aransas Pass in 1845 to
reach the mouth of the Lavaca River, exit the Lavaca mark the route over the ever-shifting sandbar.
Channel near red “8” in 6-foot depths. Locate the
distant red markers before exiting the Lavaca Channel. NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11312, 11313, 11314, 11316
The markers are widely spaced, so frequently sight and 11319. On this leg, the contour of the coast changes
them ahead of (and behind) your position to monitor to a more southwesterly slant. Follow a course of about
drift and stay in the channel. Depths are quite shallow 240 degrees magnetic. Dominant coastal features will
outside the channel, which turns sharply to port in be the barrier islands of Matagorda and San Jose. The

730 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 21

Need PHOTO
BIRDS

distance to run is 60 nm, and the number of oil and gas channel separates San Jose Island to the east and Mustang FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
platforms diminish significantly. Pass Cavallo can be Island to the west.
problematic due to currents but this can be avoided by
giving it a wide berth of 4-plus statute miles. If you enter when the tide is going out, the swells and
current at the jetties can be a challenge. Immediately
Along the largely featureless shore there are two inside the jetties you can choose multiple destinations
privately maintained lighthouses. The first is a slender through waters with enough depth and vertical clearance
black spire on the northern end of Matagorda Island. for almost any cruising boat.
The second is located on the Lydia Ann Channel just
east of Port Aransas. Matagorda Island is a part of the A moving safety zone surrounds LPG tankers whenever
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and consists mainly of they use the channel. They unload at a terminal at the far
a sandy beach backed by clumps of low bushes. end of La Quinta Channel.

Separating Matagorda Island and San Jose Island is a GIWW Option: Mile 473 to Mile 518 WHL
pass called Cedar Bayou. It was closed during a 1979
oil well blowout in the Bay of Campeche. This short- Port O’Connor is located on the west shore of Matagorda
term effort protected bay waters from oil intrusion. The Bay on the north side of the GIWW. In the 19th century it
extended affect had a negative impact on the waters of was originally a fishing community called Alligator Head.
the bays and subsequent dredging resulted in the Pass The 43-mile-long run on the GIWW from Port O’Connor
being reopened in September of 2014. Nevertheless, to Aransas Bay offers no marinas or other amenities
Cedar Bayou is not a navigable channel accessible by but does provide a beautiful cruise through the Aransas
cruising boats. National Wildlife Refuge (beginning at Mile 500 WHL)

San Jose Island is privately owned and used primarily Note: The GIWW actually changes direction from west
to graze cattle. Some buildings on the island can be to southwest and then to the south as you head to
spotted about 12 miles before you reach Aransas Pass. Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Corpus Christi is as far
south as Tampa, and South Padre Island is comparable
Aransas Pass Channel is a major offshore inlet with to the Everglades with regard to latitude. We will
a fair amount of large ship traffic. On approach, you continue to refer to the banks as north (land side) and
will see numerous buildings, a water tower, microwave south (gulf side) as we continue “west” on the GIWW.
tower, the usual buoys and a lighted range mark. The
jetties extend about .5 nm into the Gulf of Mexico. The

SOUTHERN EDITION 731

CHAPTER 21 before entering Aransas Bay at Mile 515 WHL. This is a submerged and exposed rocks along the north bank of
truly beautiful stretch of waterway. the GIWW.
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
Depending of the time of year, it is possible to see At the east end of San Antonio Bay at Mile 491.8
hundreds of birds. It can be easy to spot herons, egrets, WHL, red nun “2E” marks the beginning of the Victoria
terns, ducks, and many other birds, including whooping Barge Canal. It does not mark the GIWW; the next mark
cranes with their 7.5-foot wing spans. For the winter (bifurcated buoy RG “A”) marks the GIWW. Over the
months, whooping cranes migrate 2500 miles from years, the entrance to the barge canal has been the site
northern Canada. In the spring they display courting of numerous groundings, because the buoys are often
rituals before flying back to Canada to nest and raise moved or removed by commercial traffic making the
their new chicks. sharp turn into or out of the canal. Floating marks in
the vicinity may be unreliable so use caution in this area.
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11313, 11314, 11315, 13316 The Army Corps of Engineers has plans to remove the
and 11317. From Mile 475 to Mile 485 WHL, stay mid- spoil in the “Y” which should alleviate problems here.
channel to avoid the shallow water along the banks.
Starting at Mile 479 WHL the red daybeacons are placed At Mile 501.5 WHL, on the north side of the channel,
in 2 to 3 feet of water to avoid having them knocked is a shallow canal leading to an Aransas National
down by commercial towboats. Wildlife ranger station. Five-foot depths have been
unofficially reported in the canal. This is a ranger
A small settlement at Mile 485 WHL has several station, so if you should need refuge, be prepared to
private piers, a couple of boat ramps and dockage for explain why you are there.
shallow-draft vessels. (Space for transient boat tie-up
is questionable at best.) On weekends, the area is often Mile 503 to Mile 504 WHL is a “wiggle,” so buoys
humming with small fishing and other pleasure boats as are often knocked out of position. The wiggle is marked
they cross the GIWW and disappear through a narrow by 17-foot flashing red “48” and 17-foot quick flashing
cut in the spoil bank and into Espiritu Santo Bay. Just green “53,” which are firmly located on the banks. A
east of red daybeacon “10” to red “2E,” be careful of

732 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

levee on the north bank prevents intrusion from the ■ FULTON TO ROCKPORT CHAPTER 21
marshlands.
A careful and cautious skipper can navigate Aransas FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
In the vicinity of Mile 507 WHL, midway along Bay outside of the GIWW once west of red buoy "18".
Sundown Bay to the north, a privately maintained There are almost continuous spoil areas on the north
channel leads south from the GIWW into Mesquite Bay. (west) side of the GIWW. Openings in the spoil areas
The channel and Mesquite Bay are quite shallow, with are marked on charts and these openings can be used to
charted depths of 4 feet or less. Fishing boats, park reach destinations north of the GIWW. You can leave the
rangers and workboats that maintain the petroleum GIWW to the south at almost any point.
production platforms south of the waterway use the
channel. The passage and the bay are too shallow for City of Fulton
most cruising boats.
The first boating facility in the Rockport area is in
At Mile 510 WHL, the GIWW leaves the wildlife Fulton Harbor. Fulton is a small, friendly community.
refuge at 17-foot flashing green “1” and enters Aransas Birding, fishing and boating provide an abundance of
Bay for the 10-mile-long run to the Key Allegro and outdoor recreation. An annual Oyster Festival, celebrated
Rockport area. The Bay and the spoil areas are well the first week of March, crowds the harbor to capacity.
marked; however, the Coast Guard discontinued some
buoys and moved others from Mile 510 to Mile 525 NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11314. Leave the GIWW
WHL in April 2015. See the Waterway Guide Explorer between red buoy “22” and green buoy “23” and head
(waterwayguide.com) for the latest updates. northwest on a course of approximately 285 degrees
magnetic for 2.6 nm to Fulton Harbor.
Stay in the marked channel; avoid the submerged
pilings to the south, and the shallow water to the north Dockage: The marina at Fulton Harbor is managed
of the waterway. Petroleum production platforms are by the Aransas County Navigation District and has a
numerous and well marked. limited number of reserved transient slips. It is home
to many commercial fishing and shrimp boats. On-site
Dockage: At Mile 478 WHL a 7-foot deep channel, Fulton Yacht Yard is a service center with a 70-ton lift
marked with daybeacons and flashing lighted marks, and complete ship’s service and repairs. The adjoining
extends southward from the GIWW into Espiritu building houses Seaworthy Marine Supply (361-727-
Santo Bay and terminates 6 miles later at Matagorda 9100), a chandler who can get any boat part needed.
Island State Park. A small dock with 5-foot depths
can accommodate a handful of boats, but there is no Key Allegro
shore power or other facilities. This is an unusual
destination, both for its remote location and its features. The 5-foot depths around the small islands in Little
Often referred to as the Army Hole, the park contains Bay behind Key Allegro are favored for water skiing, jet
a massive WWII-era landing strip, an unspoiled (and boating and partying on Tiki-hut barges equipped with
mostly deserted) beach and a lighthouse built in 1852. bars, grills, entertainment and sunbathing platforms. If
It is a popular destination for local boaters. Contact the you have a rod and reel, try fishing at the docks or on
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 979-244-6804 or Little Bay. Fishing is excellent here, especially at night.
361-983-4425 for more information. Local boaters have
knowledge of the passage and docks at the Army Hole NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11314. If you are going to
and will be happy to share their experiences. Key Allegro or Rockport continue west in the GIWW
until you come to the 17-foot flashing green “29”. On
At Mile 478.5, there is a channel to the north just the north side of the GIWW is an opening between
before red "2" that leads into a housing development two spoils marked by daybeacons “1” and “2.” Proceed
with a very nice marina. Transient slips may be available. through the cut, and set a heading of about 272 degrees
It is probably not possible to check ahead of time, so if magnetic for 1.9 nm to the Rockport Harbor. Proceed
necessary, take a vacant slip and check in if you can find through the cut and set a heading of about 300 degrees
someone at the office. Power, water and restrooms with magnetic for 1 nm to the jetties leading to Key Allegro.
showers have been available in the past. Follow the marked channel for about 1 nm to the
marina.

SOUTHERN EDITION 733

CHAPTER 21 Aransas Bay, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

ROCKPORT AREA

1. Fulton Harbor 520 WHL 361-729-6661 60 16 5/96 12/6 – – IMS HEP L49,C100 20/50 LS P MR
P GMR
2. Key Allegro Marina 520 WHL 361-729-8264 160 16/18 2/159 8/7 – GD GIMS – L8 30/100 LS P GMR
–
3. Rockport Harbor 522.8 WHL 361-729-6661 70 16 8/126 11/7 – – GIMS – – 20/50 LS P R
– GR
4. House of Boats 526.5 WHL 361-729-9018 50 – – 12/12 – – M HEP L50 30/30 S GMR
P
5. Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack 525.5 WHL 361-790-5438 50 – 15/173 7/8 F GD GIS – – 30/50 S P GR
GR
6. Palm Harbor Marina and RV Park 527.3 WHL 361-729-8540 50 16 10/55 7/6 – GD GIMS – – – LS P
– GMR
ARANSAS PASS P MR
R
7. San Patricio County Navigation Dist. Marina 361-758-1890 50 – 1/157 10/12 – GD GIS – L 30/30 –

8. Redfish Bay Boat House 361-758-9000 100 – – – F G IS – L9 30/50 S

MUSTANG ISLAND

9. Port Aransas Marina 533 WHL 361-749-5429 100 16/68 40/240 12/8 F – I – – 30/50 LS

10. Woody's Sports Center 361-749-5252 50 – – – – GD IS – – ––

11. Island Moorings Marina & Yacht Club 888-749-9030 100 16 50/350 8/8 F GD IMS – – 30/50 LPS

Internet Access Wireless Internet Access Waterway Guide Cruising Club Partner (Information in the table is provided by the facilities.)

See WaterwayGuide.com for current rates, fuel prices, web site addresses, and other up-to-the-minute information.

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX 5
4

61
2

3

ROCKPORT AREA, NOAA CHART 11314
734 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 21

8
7

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX

11
9
10

ARANSAS PASS, MUSTANG ISLAND, NOAA CHART 11314

SOUTHERN EDITION 735

CHAPTER 21 Dockage: Key Allegro Marina is the first marina and Seabreeze Dr., 361-749-6832) and The Aquarium at
it will be to starboard. Enter Little Bay to Key Allegro Rockport Harbor (702 Navigation Circle, 361-729-2328),
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX through two short jetties marked by a flashing green “1” which are all open to the public. A cab or other ride is
and a flashing red “2.” Follow the channel keeping the required for provisions. Check with the harbormaster
homes to starboard and the Rockport Beach Park to port. for information. The public beach and adjacent park
As you round the bend into the very shallow Little Bay playground are next to the harbor to the east.
follow the channel markers that head directly toward
the houses at the point next to the marina. Monitor NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11314. On your heading of 272
your depth carefully. Key Allegro is a modern marina degrees, Rockport Harbor is about 1 mile farther than
with quality, upscale facilities. There are no shoreside Key Allegro. The entrance is marked by 17-foot flashing
amenities or services close to the marina. Large homes green “1” and a series of green daybeacons leading into
and condominiums border the many canals that provide the harbor. Keep the 17-foot flashing red “6” close to
water frontage and private docking, creating a very laid- starboard when entering.
back atmosphere. The Key Allegro Yacht Club is on the
island but is not accessible by water. Dockage: A rubble dike with a concrete walkway is
near the entrance to the marina at Rockport Harbor,
Anchorage: Behind Key Allegro in Little Bay, you can about 1 mile from Key Allegro. Easily seen during the
drop the hook in 4 to 7 feet with all-around protection. day, at night its lights will add to the background. The
lights are bright white and fixed on tall poles, and
City of Rockport there are also very bright fixed green lights near the
water to attract fish. (Avoid a night entry if possible.)
Rockport is a favorite of the sailing crowd and popular Proceed along the starboard side of the basin and keep
with all boaters. It is also home to the Texas Maritime the recreational boat dock to port. Check in at the
Museum (1202 Navigation Circle, 866-729-2469), harbor office in the small brick building behind the arts
Rockport Center for the Arts (902 Navigation Circle, building.
361-729-5519), the Bay Education Center (121

736 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

Rockport Municipal Harbor is also home to the Download CHAPTER 21
Rockport Yacht Club, whose building is adjacent to the
transient slip area. Yacht club members are friendly and Marinas App FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
will be happy to provide local knowledge to visitors.
They welcome other yacht club members on their Wherever you are
docks. Fresh seafood (oysters, crabs and shrimp) can Anytime
be purchased right from the boats in the harbor. Across
the street is Latitude 28º 02’, a local landmark restaurant Find Your Marina
serving seafood in a casual setting among works of art
from the thriving local artist community.

Anchorage: Rockport Bight offers 8 to 10 feet of water
and protection from all but the south through southeast.
Across Aransas Bay from Rockport, a good anchorage can
be found in an alcove at Paul’s Mott, 2 miles southeast
of 17-foot flashing green "21" at Mile 518 WHL, where
it joins with Long Reef. This is a favored anchorage,
although open to northwest winds. Seven-foot depths can
be carried fairly close to shore.

A more popular spot, but equally exposed to northerly
winds, is located in the bight formed by the tidal flats
of Mud Island and San Jose Island to the south. Anchor
outside the two private channels in 7- to 8-foot depths.
Anchorages in Aransas Bay are plentiful. Anchorages
should have soft mud bottoms with very good holding.

■ GIWW ROUTE: ARANSAS BAY
TO CORPUS CHRISTI

NAVIGATION: Use Charts 110309, 11312 and 11314. WG
Near the 17-foot flashing green "33" the GIWW divides
and splits into two channels marked with a bifurcated waterwayguide.com
buoy, RG "N." The passage to starboard leads to a land
cut, sometimes called the Rockport Cut. The passage to SOUTHERN EDITION 737
port leads to the Lydia Ann Channel.

The Lydia Ann Channel (to port) is used for boats
going to Port Aransas and for sailboats with mast heights
greater than 48 feet. This channel is covered in more
detail in the next section. The two routes rejoin at Mile
539.5 WHL before the GIWW enters Corpus Christi
Bay through a narrow cut aptly named the “Eye of the
Needle.” Because the two routes differ so obviously,
reasons for choosing one over the other will vary.

The Rockport Cut (to starboard), takes the more direct
route to Corpus Christi Bay. The entrance from Aransas
Bay into the GIWW channel (Rockport Cut) is marked
by green “7” with numerous daybeacons and floating
marks beyond that point. Stay mid-channel, as shallow

CHAPTER 21

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TXwater is found outside the marked passage. Note againdockage. The entrance is narrow (maybe 16 feet) and
that we are referring to the right bank of the GIWW as depth is reported to be 6 feet.
the north bank and the left bank as the south bank.
Continuing on in the Rockport Cut, the busy
The Rockport Cut passes by the town of Aransas Aransas Channel (Mile 533 WHL), used mainly by
Pass, where the Aransas Pass Bridge with a fixed the shrimp fleet at Conn Brown Harbor and numerous
48-foot vertical clearance at Mile 533.1 WHL limits the small sportfishing boats, connects Aransas Pass to
height of vessels using this route. Immediately before Port Aransas, 6 miles to the southeast. To use Aransas
the bridge is the Port Aransas Channel with unlimited Channel, travel just past GIWW red nun buoy "26"
vertical height. It is included in detail later in this then turn to port (southeast) just before the Aransas
section. Pass Bridge and leave red daybeacon “22” to port.
Remember, when entering a non-GIWW channel, the
Dockage: If you choose the Rockport Cut, at the buoyage reverts to red-right-returning. (Red daybeacon
first bend to port (Mile 525.5 WHL), 17-foot, quick- “22” will be to port, because you are outbound on the
flashing red “12” marks the entrance to Cove Harbor Aransas Channel.)
where the House of Boats and the Cove Harbor Marina
and Drystack are located. In this service complex are a Conn Brown Harbor is located at Mile 533 on the
restaurant (JD’s Seafood Restaurant at the far southwest north side of the GIWW directly across from the
corner of harbor, 361-729-1202), fuel docks, marine Port Aransas Channel. To enter Conn Brown Harbor,
supplies and other transient facilities. Full repair service pass GIWW red nun "26" and leave daybeacon “24”
is offered, and do-it-yourself repairs are permitted. to starboard. Initially, Conn Brown Harbor was a
commercial port for Gulf trawlers and some offshore
Palm Harbor Marina and RV Park, located farther supply boats. At the entrance to the harbor, repairs may
west on the north bank opposite 17-foot flashing green be made at Mile 533 Marine Ways. Although they cater
“13” (Mile 527.5 WHL) may have transient space with to large commercial vessels and use a marine railway
very limited facilities. There is a restaurant that also to haul them, they also service yachts with a 150-ton
has ice and limited supplies. A bulkhead, alongside the lift. Diesel fuel can be found at the Ericson Jensen
restaurant, immediately north of the GIWW, is available (361-758-5642) dock, about halfway down the harbor
for customers and may be available for overnight

738 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

to starboard, and gasoline at the Redfish Bay dry stack ■ ALTERNATE ROUTE: CHAPTER 21
facility at the far end of the harbor (361-790-5438). ARANSAS BAY TO CORPUS
Redfish Bay Boat House is full-service marina with CHRISTI BAY FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
floating docks, a restaurant and a ship store with limited
supplies. Call ahead for availability. NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11308, 11309, 11312 and
11314. Until the construction of the Rockport Cut, the
At Mile 534.2 WHL, just before the 17-foot flashing Lydia Ann Channel was the only route between Aransas
green "29," the channel to the San Patricio County Bay and Port Aransas (now known as the alternate
Navigation District Marina heads to the north. Do not route).
cut the corner; a shoal encroaches on the north edge of
the channel. The channel should have a depth of The route begins at bifurcated buoy RG "N” near
6 feet; exercise caution. The San Patricio County Marina flashing green "33" heading in a southerly direction.
has one short transient pier attached to the concrete If your destination port is Corpus Christi, this route is
bulkhead in the main channel. Between the two basins, approximately 5 miles longer than the Rockport Cut.
Hamptons Landing, a small private marina, has gasoline Sailboats with mast heights over 48 feet must take this
and dockage for fishing boats in the 20-foot range, and route, because of the height of the Aransas Pass Bridge
Mickey’s Bar and Grill (361-758-1562). in the Rockport Cut. Numerous lighted marks and
floating buoys make this alternative route easy to follow.
Continuing on the GIWW Rockport Cut, once clear Land on either side of the channel, often submerged,
of the 48-foot vertical clearance Aransas Pass Bridge at supports marsh grasses and brush.
Mile 533.1 WHL, the GIWW continues through the land
cut to its eventual joining with the Corpus Christi Ship Near the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, an area of mangroves
Channel at Mile 539.5 WHL. known as Lighthouse Lakes caters to kayakers with
trails marked by buoys. The buoys help guide kayakers
Corpus Christi Ship Channel–GIWW Mile through the confusing group of mangrove islands.
539 WHL Across the channel from the lighthouse, the WWII
wreck of the SS Worthington, marked by special “A” and
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11308,11309 and 11312. From “B” daybeacons, is now completely submerged. The
Mile 536.5 WHL (20-foot flashing red “A”) to Mile 539 wreck was towed to this position after being torpedoed
WHL (Corpus Christi Channel), the GIWW is marked during WWII.
only by green daybeacons. The Corpus Christi Channel
has heavy traffic, inbound and outbound. Tows with The Lydia Ann alternative route ends at a four-way
long barge strings, Gulf-bound tankers and freighters, intersection with the Aransas Channel (Mile 534.2), the
fast offshore supply boats, Coast Guard vessels and Corpus Christi Ship Channel and Aransas Pass Channel
fishing trawlers are plentiful. Berthed tankers and large (jetties to the Gulf) at Mile 534.4 WHL. If you choose
offshore production platforms under repair on the to go offshore at this point, simply follow Aransas
northwest bank at Port Ingleside sometimes impair Pass Channel between the jetties and enter the Gulf of
visibility. Mexico.

The channel to Corpus Christi and the continuation To continue on the GIWW, turn to starboard/inbound
of the GIWW west are covered later in this chapter. and follow the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, keeping
in mind the red-right-returning rule now applies.
Naval Station Ingleside closed April 2010 and (GIWW marks continue to be identified with either
cautions/warnings on Charts 11308, 11312 and yellow squares or triangles). On the south bank (the
11314 concerning naval vessels no longer apply. north shore of Mustang Island), the resort town of
Port of Corpus Christi has leased the property to an Port Aransas can be accessed through a short granite
oilfield supply company. Expect traffic in the form breakwater marked by flashing green and flashing red
of large supply vessels and other commercial traffic marks. Heavy ferry traffic will be encountered about
concerned with the offshore oilfield supply service. one-quarter mile west of the entrance to Port Aransas.

You can continue inbound (west) on the Corpus
Christi Ship Channel, through the Humble Basin. On the

SOUTHERN EDITION 739

CHAPTER 20

south side of the channel, in 2.5 miles, is the entrance to leads to a full service marina, Island Moorings Marina & CHAPTER 21
the Mustang Beach Channel leading to Island Moorings Yacht Club. The channel is well marked and depths are 8
Marina. feet, but the cut is narrow, so stay in the middle. FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX

Returning to the Corpus Christi Channel, it is then As you approach the Island Moorings Marina, there
just a 5-mile run west to the GIWW before it threads the are side canals that extend to private home sites. The
“Eye of the Needle” into Corpus Christi Bay at Mile 540 channel to port (north) leads to the marina. The full-
WHL. Corpus Christi Bay can be entered through the service marina has floating docks, gas and diesel, a ship
Eye of the Needle, or by continuing west in the Corpus store, a restaurant and bar and an airport next door.
Christi Ship Channel. The GIWW continues its westerly Beach access is less than 1 mile away, and a bus (trolley)
trek, and it is approximately 11 miles to the City of provides transportation into Port Aransas just 3 miles
Corpus Christi on the west side of Corpus Christi Bay. away.
(The GIWW and Corpus Christi are presented in more
detail later in this chapter.) Anchorage: Across from the lighthouse on the Lydia
Ann Channel, just before quick-flashing green “97” is
Dockage: The 240-slip Port Aransas Marina, on the one of the area’s most popular spots to anchor. A buoyed
starboard side as you enter the harbor, has transient wreck is just beyond the light. High-speed offshore
docks to handle boats of 100 feet and more. Restrooms, fishing boats throwing huge wakes may disturb your
bathhouse and laundry are on site. The marina is part sleep at daybreak and your leisure hour at dusk. Aside
of a large city park complex. Port Aransas is a favorite from these possible disturbances, this is an excellent
stop for cruisers traveling the Texas Coast. Both gas anchorage with a clean sand beach and the Gulf of
and diesel are available at Woody’s Sports Center on the Mexico less than 1 mile away.
mainland (south) side of the harbor.
Another anchorage can be found north of the Corpus
Approximately 3 miles west of Port Aransas Harbor Ship Channel flashing red “14” in the old Morris and
the Corpus Christi Ship Channel passes Mustang Beach Cummings Cut. Watch the depth finder and anchor in at
Channel on the south side of the channel. This channel least 6 feet.

SOUTHERN EDITION 741

CHAPTER 21 ■ CORPUS CHRISTI BAY TO North Shore Boat Works is located at the end of
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND the Jewel Fulton Channel adjacent to the cove. They
FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX have a 35-ton lift and offer engine and propeller repair.
Corpus Christi Channel to Ingleside Groceries and marine supplies are located on site. No
transient slips are available.
NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11309. At the junction of the
GIWW (Mile 539.5 WHL) and the ship channel, you Corpus Christi Bay and the
may continue west in the GIWW by turning to port and City of Corpus Christi
going through the “Eye of the Needle.” Moving further
west in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel you cross NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11309, 11311 and 11312.
La Quinta Channel in 1.8 miles. The channel turns to If you are traveling to Corpus Christi, stay in the
the north at red “36” terminating at the north side of well-marked Corpus Christi Channel and steer west,
Corpus Christi Bay in 4.5 miles. From red “36” the La or turn slightly south (recommended route) at green
Quinta Channel enters Ingleside Cove in 1.2 miles. The "43" and enter the bay. Then stay south of the spoil
La Quinta Channel continues with depths of 45 feet and areas and steer a westerly course to Corpus Christi.
a width of 300 feet to a couple of industrial plants. Strong south or southeasterly winds are common in the
afternoon and the bay can be very choppy. Water depths
Dockage: There is one marina, Bahia Marina, on throughout the bay average 10 to 12 feet.
the south side of Ingleside Cove. The marina has a
restaurant that is open on weekends only. Caution: Do If you stay in the Corpus Ship Channel and approach
not cut the corner going into the unmarked marina the enclosed basin protecting Corpus Christi’s
channel. If your vessel draws over 5 feet, call the marina waterfront from the north, stay in the ship channel until
for a depth check before entering. passing 17-foot flashing green “85.” Then steer south
between the rocks of the protected basin and shoreline.
Stay in the middle at 8- to 10-foot depths, and proceed
to the marina.

Amenities

• Credit Cards: MC/Visa/Amex/ • Boat Lift: 25 Tons

Disc • Free Bilge Water Pump out

• LOA Max 150 ft. • Free Internet/WiFi

• Fixed & Floating Docks • Free Boat Ramp

• Storage: Wet/Dry • Free Pump out Station

• Electric: 30, 50, 100, 200-Amp • Office Hours: Mon-Fri

• Gasoline & Diesel 8am-5pm, After hours please

• Showers/Laundry Facilities call 361-826-3980

• Boat Repair Facilities • On Site Staff 24-7

* Ask about our special offers for new customers & existing tenants

400-A North Shoreline Blvd. – Lawrence Street, T–head
Corpus Christi, TX 78401

www.cctexas.com/departments/marina – Email: [email protected]
(361) 826-3980 – Fax (361) 826-4459

742 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

The most common (recommended) and often used CHAPTER 21
entrance to the Corpus Christi Marina is further south
between the rock breakwater. Enter between the 17-foot About 30 miles north of Port Mansfield Channel, the FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
red “2” and green “1”. Do not cut the breakwater Padre Island National Seashore begins and civilization
entrance too sharply, and do not ignore the floating ends. There are no prominent features along the shore.
green cans just inside the breakwater. They mark an On a historical note, in 1553 a hurricane drove a Spanish
obstruction. Note: Recreational vessels are restricted treasure fleet ashore a few miles north of the Port
from entering the commercial basin north of the Harbor Mansfield jetties. The Spaniards recovered most of the
Bridge. treasure later, but some of the treasure remained until
discovered and recovered in 1967. It is on display in
Dockage: Across the Bay and inside the harbor at Austin, TX.
Corpus Christi, is Corpus Christi Municipal Marina
with air-conditioned showers, restrooms and laundry. There are no offshore lights or buoys to guide a boat
A special work area is provided where tenants may into the Port Mansfield Channel. The first markers
do their own maintenance and minor repairs. A boat are on the end of the rock jetties. The short jetties at
repair facility with a 25-ton lift is available for contract the entrance channel are difficult to see and a boat
repairs. Both gas and diesel are available. It would be could easily sail past and miss them entirely. This is an
good to call ahead for reservations. The marina is the extremely remote area. There are no shoreside facilities or
permanent home of the massive Texas International amenities. The only shelter will be an anchorage.
Boat Show, held every April. There are two yacht clubs You can continue 7 miles in a marked channel to the
in the harbor as well: Corpus Christi Yacht Club and GIWW, or 8.6 miles to the tiny boating community of
Bay Yacht Club (private). Take a peek at the web cam Port Mansfield.
atcorpuschristimarina.com/citywebcams/index.

Corpus Christi is somewhat unique among major
cities on the Gulf Coast in that the downtown area is
right along the water, only a few steps from the marina.
The marina is part of a popular family walking and
driving route, which includes the waterfront pathway of
the city. On weekends, you will see a steady stream of
“local tourists” out to see the boats.

Offshore: Aransas Pass to Port Mansfield

NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11304, 11306, 11307 and
11312. On a course of about 190 degrees magnetic, the
short Port Mansfield jetties are 78 nm. It is another
28 nm to the major shipping channel, Brazos Santiago
Pass. Brazos Santiago opens into Laguna Madre where
cruising boats have access to all that is offered on South
Padre Island, and in the City of Port Isabel.

During the Mustang Island part of the passage,
buildings, towers, hotels, RV parks, etc. are visible
on shore. At night, the green and white aero beacon
at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station may be visible,
despite the fact that it is 10 miles inland. When the
JFK Causeway, which crosses the GIWW, appears to
be abeam, the features ashore begin to change, and the
developments on Mustang Island and North Padre Island
begin to dwindle, both in size and quantity.

SOUTHERN EDITION 743

CHAPTER 20

a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., stop. Across from the aquarium, the USS Lexington CHAPTER 20
with free admission on Thursday (1902 N. Shoreline Museum helps you imagine life aboard one of America’s
Blvd., 361-825-3500). most famous aircraft carriers (2914 N. Shoreline Blvd.,
361-888-4873).
The Museum of Science and History (1900 N.
Chaparral, 361-826-4667) is home to replicas of Shopping: There is no grocery store or convenience
Christopher Columbus’ ships and artifacts of natural and store within walking distance, so a taxi ride is necessary.
cultural local history. The downtown farmers' market is open every Wednesday
evening at from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Art Center
Across Oso Creek (transportation required), the South of Corpus Christi. The Water Street Market at 309 N.
Texas Botanical Garden and Nature Center (8545 S. Water St. is in the heart of Corpus Christi, with an
Staples St., 361-852-2100) has exhibits, a water garden, open-air courtyard and a few little shops. See details at
bird and butterfly trails, a wetlands boardwalk and waterstmarketcc.com
picnic areas (open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily except on
Mondays). Dining: Landry's Seafood on the waterfront (more
upscale) and Tavern on the Bay at Harrison's Landing
The second largest bridge in Texas, Harbor Bridge, (more relaxed) are both good options for dining near the
goes from the port and connects Corpus Christi Beach to municipal marina. Closer to the yacht club is Joe's Crab
the downtown area. You can get there over land from the Shack, a fun chain restaurant.
marina three ways: 1) by taxi, 2) by ferry via the landing
at the marina or 3) by public bus, with a stop at the You can get more ideas plus a list of current events
Cooper’s Alley T-Head. (Buses do not run on Sundays.) and discount coupons at the Corpus Christi Chamber of
Commerce (120l N. Shoreline Blvd., 361-881-1800).
The Texas State Aquarium (2710 N. Shoreline Blvd.,
361-881-1200), located across the bridge, is a popular

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX

SOUTHERN EDITION 745

CHAPTER 21 Corpus Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car
Christi Bay, TX

INGLESIDE COVE

1. Bahia Marina 2NW of 540 WHL 361-776-7295 50 16/68 6/56 6/6 – – GIS – – 30/50 LPS P GR
– GMR
2. North Shore Boat Works 2NW of 540 WHL 361-776-2525 – – – 18/10 – – M EP L35 ––
P GR
CORPUS CHRISTI – R
P GMR
3. Bay Yacht Club–PRIVATE 361-356-7156 – – – – F GD GIS HEP L,C 30/100 LS
– GR
4. Corpus Christi Yacht Club 361-883-6518 60 – 2/ 9/6 – – I – – 50/50 PS P R

5. Corpus Christi Municipal Marina 361-826-3980 150 16/68 70/651 12/8 F GD IS HEP L25,C2 30/200+ LPS

LAGUNA MADRE

6. Marker 37 Marina and Pier 553 WHL 361-949-4750 40 72 call/35 4/4 – G GIMS – L 30/30 –

7. Padre Island Yacht Club 361-949-2248 – – 4/30 4/4 – – I – – 30/30 S

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2

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX 1

INGLESIDE COVE, NOAA CHART 11309

746 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 21

Featured FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX

5

4
3
CORPUS CHRISTI, NOAA CHART 11311

76

LAGUNA MADRE, NOAA CHART 11308

SOUTHERN EDITION 747

CHAPTER 21 Corpus Christi Bay to North Padre Island Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX NAVIGATION: Use Chart 11308. After crossing the NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11306 and 11308. Numerous
Corpus Christi Ship Channel, the GIWW passes through floating green cans, occasional red nun buoys and
a narrow cut (“Eye of the Needle”) into Corpus Christi flashing green marks show the way along the 75-mile
Bay. Shoaling occurs on both sides of the cut, and tidal GIWW voyage to Port Mansfield through Laguna
currents are sometimes strong. One vessel at a time Madre. There are no “wide spots” to relax in, so stay in
should pass through this narrow cut. The cut can be the channel. Just before Mile 565, past green can buoy
detoured by following the Corpus Christi Ship Channel "77," a marked channel to North Padre Island brings
west from Mile 539.5 WHL for 3 miles into Corpus fishermen and windsurfers into Laguna Madre from the
Christi Bay and then turning southeast just past flashing last launching ramp on the island. Submerged pilings are
green “43” to return to the GIWW. located from Mile 564 to Mile 587 WHL on the east side
of the GIWW. There are no facilities between Corpus
Channel markers, including 17-foot-high flashing Christi and Port Mansfield. This is sparsely populated
green "51" flashing red "58" and green daybeacon "61" King Ranch country.
identify the GIWW to the middle of Corpus Christi Bay.
A 2-mile unmarked stretch leads past the 17-foot white The marked channel into Baffin Bay joins the GIWW
flashing Morse code (A) marked with the letter "C," at Mile 579.5 WHL. Although it may look promising,
and ends at the 17-foot "1" that will take you through Baffin Bay has numerous uncharted shallows and no
a narrow part of GIWW into the shallow waters of facilities for cruising boats. The numerous “stars” on
Laguna Madre. This begins the start of a 5-mile run to your chart designate rocks. Baffin Bay is navigable for
the 73-foot fixed vertical clearance JFK Causeway 15 miles to a small marina with the alluring name of
Bridge at Mile 552.7 WHL. Riviera Beach, a great spot for shallow-draft fishing craft.

Dockage: The Marker 37 Marina and Pier is located Traveling south of Baffin Bay along the GIWW, cruisers
at green can “37,” just to the southwest, and almost should be aware of many uncharted rocks in Laguna
under the JFK Causeway Bridge. A short walk around Madre. Stay in the channel for safety. From Mile 587 to
the boat ramp leads you to Snoopy’s Pier and Ice Cream Mile 612 WHL, submerged and exposed pilings populate
Parlor (361-949-8815), Doc’s Seafood and Steaks (361- the west side of the GIWW, and then the east side of the
949-6744) and Da Boathouse, a private dock. Transient channel through to Port Mansfield.
dockage is limited and depths are 4.5 feet or less. Both
restaurants offer temporary dockage while dining with The Port Mansfield water tower is prominent and
4-foot depths alongside. can be seen from miles away. The entrance from the
GIWW to the municipal marina is just 1 mile west of the
A private channel at green can “39” leads into a home diamond-shaped intersection at Mile 629.5 WHL. Turn
subdivision and offers no transient facilities. Immediately west at flashing red “PM,” and then pass between green
past Mile 555 WHL (green can buoy “55”), a private daybeacon “29” and red daybeacon “30.” Farther on,
channel leads to the Padre Island Country Club and the after you pass green daybeacon “31” and red daybeacon
Padre Isles Yacht Club. Padre Isles Yacht Club welcomes “32,” you will enter the harbor between green daybeacon
visitors but has limited dockage. “33” and red daybeacon “34.” If entering at night, follow
the range markers since none of the daybeacons are
Anchorage: The private channel at green can “39” is lighted.
an anchoring possibility with 9 feet of water and good
holding in mud. At green can buoy “55” is an anchorage Note: Local boaters report depths in the channel to be
known as Sand Dune Lagoon or Spinnaker Hole that has just 3 feet; proceed with caution.
depths of 6 feet or more in the canals that were dug for
homes yet to be built. Turn east into the channel and just If traveling from the GIWW toward the Gulf of
past the Padre Isles Yacht Club, take a turn to starboard Mexico, start from the intersection at Mile 629.5 WHL
into the canals. Visible sand bars at some corners are and travel east between red daybeacon “26” and green
easily avoided. daybeacon “25” along the channel (200 feet wide and 7
to 10 feet deep). Continue along the channel for
Shamrock Cove at Mile 544.9 EHL (behind Shamrock 8.5 miles to the jetties at flashing red “2” and flashing
Island) in Corpus Christi Bay has 6 to 9 feet of water green “3.”
with good holding in mud.

748 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

CHAPTER 21

Dockage: The Port Mansfield harbor entrance at Mile 585 WHL in the Yarborough Pipeline area near FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
channel was dredged in 2015 and depths are reportedly green "17" where you will find 6 to 7 feet of water.
improved. Harbor Bait & Tackle includes a small
marina that can be used by transient boats up to 60 feet. At Mile 593.6 WHL, past green "3," there is a channel
Electricity is not provided at the slips; water is available. with anchoring potential at Portrero Cortado in 5 to
They specialize in bait and tackle and have a well- 6 feet of water. At Mile 602.9 WHL, just before green
stocked grocery, snacks and beer. "13," is El Toro, which has 5.5 to 7 feet of water with
good holding in mud. These anchorages can be difficult
The Willacy County Navigation District Marina is when spring winds are blowing. Once you reach Port
located to port just beyond Harbor Bait and Tackle’s Mansfield, you can drop the hook in 8 feet outside the
docks. Both covered and open slips are available for main channel at Mile 629.8 WHL.
transients up to 60 feet. The harbormaster’s office is
located on site. Phone the office (956-944-2325) or call Port Mansfield to Queen Isabella Bridge
“Port Mansfield Harbormaster” on VHF Channel 16 to
make sure that someone is on duty. NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11302, 11303, 11306. A
little more than 1 mile south of Port Mansfield, the
There are a surprising number of restaurants, all “GIWW West” turns to a heading of about 150 degrees.
within reasonable walking distance. Options include Continuing from Port Mansfield along the GIWW, the
Skipper’s Galley, Pelicans Cove (956-944-2848), channel (12-foot reported depths) remains well marked
Windjammer (956-944-2555), and Sweet Gregory P’s with submerged pilings along the east side. At Mile 644
Smokehouse and Grill (956-944-2440). There is also a WHL, the forked entrance of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff
liquor store and grocery store. joins the GIWW from the west and marks the beginning
of the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge (famous for
Anchorage: There is room to anchor at Mile 561 WHL having the last remaining wild ocelots in the U.S.) and
(North Bird Island) between green cans "65" and "67" in the channel to Port Harlingen.
6 feet. The next anchorage possibility is 24 miles away,

SOUTHERN EDITION 749

CHAPTER 21 Laguna Madre, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

PORT MANSFIELD

1. Harbor Bait & Tackle 956-944-2367 60 – 14/14 8/8 – – GIMS – – – L – GMR

2. Port Mansfield Harbor/Willacy County Nav. Dist. 956-944-2325 60 16 15/124 12/6 – GD IMS E – 30/50 S P GMR

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1 FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX Near Mile 650 WHL, where fishing camps line the east
2 bank and a large house stands prominently just west of
the GIWW, the water tank and high-rise hotels of South
PORT MANSFIELD, NOAA CHART 11306 Padre Island begin to emerge from the horizon off the port
750 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018 bow. The high arch of the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge
comes into view. It connects Port Isabel on the mainland
with the resorts and beaches of South Padre Island. A half-
mile before the bridge, the marked channel leads west to
the Port Isabel Small Boat Basin.

To protect the ecosystem of Laguna Madre,
authorization for dredging is limited. The channel from
the GIWW to the small boat basin remains a problem. It
is shallow and may not be navigable except with a very
shoal draft. Seek local knowledge for assistance and check
the Local Notice to Mariners and waterwayguide.com for
the most current information.

There is a way into the harbor utilizing an old natural
channel that parallels the shore; seek local knowledge
before attempting this passage. These are shallow waters.
Cruising boats drawing 4 feet or more should not attempt
to reach the city dock through the channel east (north)
of the causeway bridge. All others should proceed with
caution.

Dockage: On the chart, the Port Isabel Small Boat
Basin looks like a pair of hands with fingers spread apart.
Between the fingers are canals leading to a variety of
residential dwellings from trailers to fancy stucco multi-
story homes. The Port Isabel City Dock at the end of
Pompano Avenue has sturdy bulkheads and slips large
enough for the typical cruising vessel. Electricity and
restrooms are provided.

A walk down the main street (Highway 100) from the
Small Boat Basin will take you past a liquor store, a minor
emergency clinic, several restaurants, convenience stores,
banks and the post office. West from the Small Boat Basin
is a Walmart and an HEB grocery store. Some marine
stores are located south of the highway, including a canvas

CHAPTER 21

repair shop, a tackle shop and a few diesel and marine Queen Isabella Bridge to GIWW Mile FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
electrical service shops. To fully appreciate all that Port 682 WHL
Isabel has to offer, a visit to the Chamber of Commerce
office, located at the lighthouse, would be helpful (956- NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11302 and 11303. At Mile
943-2262). 665 WHL the GIWW passes under the Queen Isabella
Bridge. Just before passing under the bridge, a marked
Anchorage: At GIWW Mile 644.2 WHL, there is an channel runs very close to the bridge east toward Padre
anchorage inside the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff Canal Island. This shallow channel leads to the “Condo
with 8 feet of water. Anchor near the spoil area located Channel” along the backside (west side) of Padre Island.
3 nm from the entrance channel. The Condo Channel is dredged to 7 feet and provides
access to docks located near apartments, condominiums
Offshore: Port Mansfield to Brazos and restaurants. Without local knowledge, this area is
Santiago (South Padre Island) better suited to a small fishing boat or dinghy than a
cruising boat.
NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11301, 11302, 11304 and
11306. From Port Mansfield to the pass at Brazos The Port Isabel–Long Island Pontoon Bridge
Santiago the course is 160 degrees magnetic, for a crosses the GIWW at Mile 666 WHL in the Port Isabel
distance of 25 miles. Sand dunes will be the main Channel. The bridge opens on signal, except Monday
shoreside attraction. The first landmark to come through Friday, from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the bridge
into sight will be the Queen Isabella Causeway need only open on the hour for pleasure. It opens on
Bridge, (73-foot fixed vertical clearance),which crosses signal for commercial vessels at all times and allows
the GIWW and connects South Padre Island to Port recreational boats to go through with them.
Isabel. Soon after, prominent buildings and the radio
beacon antenna on the South Padre Island Coast Guard Past the pontoon bridge, a series of canals lead from
Station will guide you to the channel entrance. The the waterway into a mobile home park on Long Island.
channel is marked by a lighted sea buoy “BS,” about 2 The GIWW continues along the Port Isabel Channel
miles from the entrance to the 1-mile-long jetties. Enter and the Cutoff Channel until the GIWW meets the
the channel close to buoy "BS" to avoid wrecks near the Brownsville Ship Channel at Mile 668.5 WHL. The
jetties. GIWW continues along the Brownsville Channel (250
feet wide and 45 feet deep). Pleasure vessels may use

SOUTHERN EDITION 751

CHAPTER 21 Laguna Madre, TX Laundry, PoMoli,nS/MhoawxeArsm,pCsourtesy Car

PORT ISABEL

1. Port Isabel City Dock 668.5 WHL 956-943-2682 50 – – 7/6 – – – – – 50/50 – – GMR

2. Sea Ranch II at Southpoint 668.5 WHL 956-943-7926 60 68 10/41 8/8 – – GIMS HEP L50 50/50 LS – GMR

3. South Shore Bait & Tackle 956-943-1027 – – – /12 – GD IMS – – – – – GMR

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

4. Sea Ranch Marina 668.5 WHL 956-761-7777 70 16 5/64 6/6 – GD GIMS HP L 30/200+ LS – GMR

Internet Access Wireless Internet Access Waterway Guide Cruising Club Partner (Information in the table is provided by the facilities.)

See WaterwayGuide.com for current rates, fuel prices, web site addresses, and other up-to-the-minute information.

FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX 13 4
2

PORT ISABEL, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, NOAA CHART 11302
752 WATERWAY GUIDE 2018

the Brownsville Fishing Harbor at Mile 677.5 WHL Guard Station and Sea Ranch Marina, where dockage, CHAPTER 21
in an emergency, but dockage and other facilities are gas, diesel fuel and provisions can be found. Approach
very limited. The channel continues to the Brownsville and dockside depths are reported to be 6 feet or more. FREEPORT TO BROWNSVILLE, TX
Turning Basin at Mile 682 WHL.
Anchorage: An anchorage is located just north of the
Sea Ranch II at Southpoint lies at the “Y” of the marina entrance at South Padre Island. Anchor outside
GIWW and the back entrance channel heading to the the marked channel to Sea Ranch and the Coast Guard
Port Isabel Small Boat Basin, which is restricted by a Station in the lee of South Padre off of Isla Blanca Park
highway bridge with limited clearance (about 5 feet). or the marina entrance. Depths in this area range from 7
to 14 feet.
South of the marina, at 17-foot quick-flashing red
"90," a turning basin for commercial vessels extends Just inside of the jetties for Brazos Santiago Pass, to
from the GIWW. The waterway then makes a westerly the south, is a visible opening called, Barracuda Cove
turn to Port Brownsville and the end of the GIWW West, that provides a well-protected anchorage with 6- to
682 miles from the Harvey Lock on the Mississippi 7-foot depths. On the north side a smaller opening
River. called Dolphin Cove provides a place to anchor in 5-foot
depths.
Dockage: Sea Ranch II is the largest and only full-
service marina in Port Isabel. It is also the home of the To the Gulf
Laguna Madre Yacht Club and the U.S. Border Patrol.
Transient vessels can use a pump-out service on the NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11302 and 11303. If traveling
corner of the “Y.” South Shore Bait & Tackle nearby to the Gulf of Mexico from the GIWW, at Mile 668.5
sells fuel. The dock location can be confusing to find WHL, steer northeast along the Laguna Madre Channel.
since it requires navigation of a short side channel off Pass 17-foot flashing red “28” and continue to flashing
the GIWW. Check your chart! Call 956-943-1845 for red “4.” Stay in the channel due to shoaling to the north
directions. and submerged pilings to the south of the channel (250
feet wide and 44 feet deep). At flashing red “4,” change
■ SOUTH PADRE ISLAND course to due east and run for 1.5 miles to the Gulf
through Brazos Santiago Pass.

South Padre Island is famous for its white sand beaches, Cruising Options
warm weather, superb fishing and proximity to the Padre
Island National Seashore and the border of Mexico. This ends your Texas GIWW cruising experience. It
During college spring breaks and again during Holy could be the beginning of your trip, but is probably
Week, when thousands of affluent Mexican tourists visit, considered the end of the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway.
the island’s hotels, motels, restaurants, nightclubs and From here the GIWW only goes one way, or you can
beaches fill to capacity. Isla Blanca Park, adjacent to Sea proceed south along the coast Mexico via the Gulf of
Ranch Marina on the island’s southern tip, and Andy Mexico.
Bowie Park, at the north end of the city, provide popular
places to enjoy the beach.

NAVIGATION: Use Charts 11302 and 11303. From
Mile 668.5 WHL, travel northeast along Laguna Madre
Channel (Brownsville Ship Channel) to flashing red “4.”
When turning north toward Sea Ranch Marina, avoid the
wreck at flashing red “4.” Steer north to green daybeacon
“1” and red daybeacon “2” to the entrance of Sea Ranch
Marina. The marina, located less than 2 miles from
Brazos Santiago Pass, is the last marina and the last pass
to the Gulf from the United States.

Dockage: Just inside South Padre Island, a private
channel of about 9 feet deep leads north to the Coast

SOUTHERN EDITION 753