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Here are 8 Houston-area cruises, boat tours perfect for summer

For those interested in all things afloat.

Briana Zamora-Nipper , Community Producer

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

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

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Ivory Bill, Big Thicket National Preserve

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

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

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

Southern Empress, Conroe

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

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

Dinner-cruise tickets start at $74.95.

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

Boardwalk FantaSea, Kemah

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

Boardwalk FantaSea launches from the Kemah Boardwalk Marina.

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

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

Seagull II, Galveston

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

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

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

Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Galveston

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

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

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

Bayou Ranger II, Pasadena

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

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

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

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

Spirit of the Bayou, Houston

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

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

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

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

M/V Sam Houston, Houston

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2022 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Briana zamora-nipper.

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

Dinner Cruise

Home » Activities » Dinner Cruise

Sunset Sails & Dinner Cruises

Enjoy a private 4 hour dinner cruise or sunset sail aboard our 33+ foot sailboat for up to 6 people or a 47 foot sailing catamaran which can accommodate up to 12 people. 

Dinner Cruise We will depart Watergate Yachting Center and serve your choice of delicious foods from one of our menus while we leisurely cruise through Clear Lake and out into Galveston Bay.  When dinner is finished we will raise the sails and enjoy the peace and tranquility that only a sailboat can offer.  It is like dining in your own private restaurant on the sea.

Choose our Mexican Fajita Buffet or speak with Suzie, your cruise director, about other options. Alcoholic beverages cannot be provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

Price for our 33.5 sailboat, Opus, is $600 which can accommodate up to 4 people and for larger groups you can chose our 47 foot catamaran The Flying Pig which can comfortably handle groups up to 12 people for $1,200. This price includes a captain (and mate if needed) who will cater to your every need.

The prices do not include dinner. The dinners are priced according to our  Mexican Fajita Buffet Menu  or you are welcome to have it catered by your favorite local restaurant. Be sure and let us know if it is a special occasion so we can help make this an evening to remember.

For a Sunset Sail without the dinner please visit our Go Sailing page.

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Lake Conroe Dinner Cruise

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3 hour cruise only.

The Dinner Cruise offers a complete package of entertainment and relaxation. Lasting for three hours, it includes dining, drinks, and dancing. The “Boiler” deck features a bar and DJ or live music, guests can enjoy a lively party atmosphere as they socialize and dance the night away. For those seeking a more serene experience, the “Texas and Hurricane” decks provide a stunning view of the sunset. As the lake glides beneath, it creates a picturesque backdrop for a peaceful and romantic evening during a beautifully curated three course meal. Whether you prefer a vibrant party or a tranquil ambiance, the Dinner Cruise offers the perfect combination of entertainment and scenic beauty.

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New Year’s Eve Lake Conroe Cruise

Get ready to ring in the new year in style and experience an unforgettable night on our New Year’s Eve cruise. Tickets are limited. Reserve your spot aboard the Southern Empress today!

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Windward SeaVenture

Sailing & charter company in kemah texas.

Get away for the day on Galveston Bay with Windward SeaVenture! We are a sailboat charter company providing bareboat and captained sailing charters to the Houston, Clear Lake, Kemah and Galveston areas.  We are an ASA certified sailing school with top instructors in the industry that provide beginning through advanced sailing lessons.  We offer corporate team building & events, dinner cruises, special ceremonies, sailing abroad & much more!

Check out the links below to find out more information:

Asa sailing school, bareboat & captained charters, charter management, team building & corporate events, windward's wayward pub, windward sailing club, private dinner cruises, sail on air inflatables, windward racing team, sailventure charters, group practice sails, youth summer sailing camp, weddings with windward, windward apparel, who is windward seaventure.

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A sailboat charter company and sailing school in the Houston/Galveston/Kemah TX area! #sailboatcharters #sailinglessons #thingstodoinhouston #sailing

Questions? Call us: 281-467-2279

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With a panoramic view of Galveston Bay, the Houston Yacht Club dining room has a reputation for fine cuisine served in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect place to bring  family,friends or business associates for lunch or dinner. From seafood and steaks to salads and pasta, our chef offers a menu for every appetite. We also offer a selection of cocktails and fine wine. 

With its historic clubhouse and breathtaking view, the Houston Yacht Club offers an elegant setting for your special event, such as weddings, birthdays,  anniversaries, business meetings and more. Easily reached from downtown Houston, the club features four private rooms appropriate for small or large meetings or parties. Outdoor facilities are also available. Our Event Director will arrange all the details for you. 

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Dinner Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

Moody Gardens | 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX ( Directions ) Phone: (409)744-4673 | Buy Tickets

Enjoy beautiful views of Offats Bayou, plus a dinner buffet and cash bar with dinner cruises aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This cruise features an Asian Sunset menu with fried coconut shrimp with spicy mango drizzle, egg and vegetable fried rice, teriyaki salmon grilled pineapple relish, spicy honey garlic chicken with charred scallions, Mongolian beef with mushrooms and peppers, sautéed seasonal vegetables and mango cheesecake.

Moody Gardens

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Private Charters

Private charters and special events.

Planning a wedding, corporate gathering, holiday celebration or birthday party? With a gorgeous interior, ample dining space and a host of menu options available, the Boardwalk FantaSea holds the ideal setting for your most important events – all on the water. Our yacht gives us the ability to throw some of the best private parties and events in the Houston, Kemah, Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.

We have a number of features to help you customize a range of special events. See right menu.

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© 2012, Boardwalk FantaSea ∙ #8 Kemah Boardwalk Suite G Kemah, TX. 77565. Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Charters is wholly owned by Landry's Inc. Certain activities provided by this website may be covered by U.S. Patent No. 5,930,474

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Houston Party Boats

Get ready to party, let's cruise... houston party boats. the most sought after entertainment boats.

Let's Cruise

The original Houston Party Boat accommodates up to 49 guests.

About the Boats

Our newest boat, Celebration, accommodates up to 75 guests.

Celebrate With Us

Houston party boat & celebration.

Get ready for an incredibly exciting experience! Finally, a refreshing change! Houston Party Boats operates the most modern sought after entertainment fleet along the entire Gulf Coast. We exclusively provide for privately chartered events for small and large groups. Every feature and amenity was specifically designed for the safety, enjoyment and outstanding level of service we are very well known for. 

The original, Houston Party Boat accommodates up to 49 guests along with the NEWEST boat of its kind in North America, Celebration accommodating up to 75. Identical in design, layout, features and amenities, both boast more passenger square footage along with the largest dance floor of any boat including that of the yacht style boats providing for more of a casual festive atmosphere. Perfect for any event you are planning, whether that be a birthday, corporate team building, engagement, anniversary, weddings, graduation, celebration of life/remembrance.

Our Happy Clients!

Loved it! Had a great time. Will def be booking. Thumbs up to the boat crew as well.

20+ Years Experience

We offer personalized private charter events tailored to your unique preferences, rather than generic experiences found elsewhere.

Affordable Flat Rate Pricing

Our pricing structure provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to bring your own choice of catering (finger foods) and alcohol without any additional fees.

Fully Equipped Boats

Our boats feature an excellent layout and amenities, including the largest dance floors on Galveston Bay, a top-quality sound system, and attractive decorative lighting.

Having a Party?

Book a cruise with Houston Party Boats and elevate your celebration beyond what you ever imagined!

Get the Rates!

Celebrating an upcoming event? Send us a quote request with information about your party, and one of our representatives will contact you with special pricing. *ALL FIELDS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE REQUIRED.

First Name*

Party For/Company*

Type of Event* Birthday Corporate Event Anniversary Graduation Engagement Wedding Field Trip Remembrance/Celebration of Life Bachelor/Bachelorette Other

Age Birthday

Phone Number*

Can we call you? Yes No

Email Address*

Boat Selection* Select One... Up to 49 (Houston Party Boat) Up to 75 (Celebration)

Date of Event

Discounted Rooms 1-3 Rooms 4-5 Rooms 6-10 Rooms 10+ Rooms

Cruise Times* Select One... Morning Mid-Day/Before 4pm Evening/After 4pm

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Boardwalk FantaSea Dinner Cruise 2

Saturday, January 01, 2022 Boarding: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cruising: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Departure Port: Kemah Boardwalk

Come on board the Boardwalk FantaSea for a fun-filled Dinner Cruise. Enjoy dinner, dancing and beautiful views of Clear Lake, Kemah and Galveston Bay.

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Description

Just want to get away? Join us for a relaxing night on the beautiful waters of Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Relish aboard the Fantasea with great appetizers, a 3-course meal, specialty drinks, and all genres of music with our Live DJ. Great for groups of all sizes, cruises are a fun alternative for birthday parties, anniversaries, or any other occasion!

Cobb Salad with Romaine Lettuce topped with Hard Boiled Egg, Tomato, Ham, Cheese, and Croutons served with a Chipotle Ranch

Top Sirloin served with a Au Jus Sauce

Chicken Francese served with a Piccata Sauce

Chefs Special Wild Rice

Xangos Cheesecake

Entertainment

LIVE DJ ENTERTAINMENT!

Advance Purchase Required on All Dining Cruises

Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase. To purchase tickets for groups of twenty or more guests or to book a private charter go to Special Occasions

Purchase Tickets:

* Gratuity, sales tax and port charges are additional.

You will have an opportunity to review your order and add enhancements in the steps that follow.

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© 2012, Boardwalk FantaSea ? #8 Kemah Boardwalk Suite G Kemah, TX. 77565. Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Charters is wholly owned by Landry's Inc.