If you’ve spent any time around Kemah or Clear Lake, you know we have one of the best boating communities in the country. But let’s be honest, sometimes we all get into the habit of just doing the “Kemah Loop.” You pull out of the slip, cruise around the boardwalk, maybe drop an anchor near Red Bluff, and call it a day.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s a GREAT day. But if you’re looking for something a little more unique (and maybe a little adventurous), Texas has some hidden gems that most people never see from the water.
Our team here at Little Yacht Sales has been supporting and sponsoring local events for years because we truly believe that families that boat together stay together. We want you out there using your boat! Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or you’re just starting to look at new vs. pre-owned sailboats, these five adventures will totally change how you look at Galveston Bay boating events.
1. The “Secret” Pasture at Double Bayou
If you want to feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a primitive, untouched version of Texas, you have to go to Double Bayou. The Texas Mariners Cruising Association (TMCA) organizes a legendary trip here often called the “French Picnic” or the “Return to the Pasture.”
It’s about as rustic as it gets. You sail or motor across Trinity Bay and wind your way into a narrow, quiet bayou where the oak trees are draped in Spanish moss and the only neighbors are the local alligators. There isn’t a marina or a fancy restaurant in sight, just a quiet anchorage where the TMCA fleet rafts up for a massive cookout.
It’s the ultimate way to improve your work-life balance because, frankly, the cell service is spotty and the peace and quiet are absolute. If you’ve never anchored out in a bayou and watched the sunset over the marsh, you haven’t lived!
2. Cruising the Ship Channel to Allen’s Landing
Most people see the Port of Houston from a bridge on I-610, but seeing it from the deck of your own boat? That is a whole different world. TMCA occasionally organizes a cruise that takes a fleet of pleasure boats right through the heart of the Port of Houston ship channel.
You’ll feel incredibly small as you cruise past massive tankers and container ships (seriously, they are HUGE). The trip takes you all the way up Buffalo Bayou to Allen’s Landing in the middle of downtown Houston. It’s a surreal experience docking your boat right where the Allen brothers first stepped ashore to found the city.
It takes some coordination and a bit of nerve to navigate the commercial traffic, but it’s one of those bucket-list items that every Texas boater should do at least once.
3. The Resort Life: Moody Gardens in Galveston
If the rustic bayou life isn’t your speed, you’ll love the TMCA cruises to Moody Gardens. Usually happening around Easter or Labor Day, this event turns the Moody Gardens Marina into a giant floating party.
It’s one of the best Galveston Bay boating events for families because you have the pyramids, the IMAX, and the resort pools right at your fingertips. We love this cruise because it’s so social. There are “docktails” every evening, potluck dinners on the pier, and plenty of dinghy exploring around Offats Bayou.
It’s basically a luxury vacation where you get to bring your own bed and your own kitchen! If you’re worried about the logistics of a trip like this, you can always ask a pro. What does a yacht broker actually do? Well, among other things, we help our clients learn the ropes (and the routes) for trips just like this one.
4. The Epic Harvest Moon Regatta
Okay, sailors, this one is for you. The Harvest Moon Regatta, hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club, is the biggest offshore race on the Gulf Coast. Every October, under the light of the full harvest moon, a massive fleet of sailboats races from Galveston all the way down to Port Aransas.
It’s about 140 nautical miles of offshore sailing. Whether you’re in the competitive racing division or the cruising class, there is nothing like the feeling of being miles offshore at 3 AM with a giant moon reflecting off the waves. The party in Port A afterward is the stuff of legends, too.
Little Yacht Sales is a proud supporter and sponsor of the HMR. We have many brokers who have done this race dozens of times. If you’re thinking about entering but aren’t sure if your boat is up for the offshore trek, give us a shout. We know the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the offshore routes like the back of our hands.
5. Finding Your Own Adventure
The best part about being a boater in Texas is that you don’t always need an “official” event to have an adventure. With our year-round boating weather you can create your own memories every single weekend.
Maybe it’s a spontaneous trip down to Harborwalk, a weekend at the Pelican Rest Marina, or just a quiet night anchored out in the San Leon “pocket.” The water is there, waiting for you.
Ready to get out there?
If you read this and realized you’re missing out because you don’t have a boat yet (or you need a bigger one for those overnight bayou trips), we can help. Our team has over 150 years of combined experience, and we specialize in finding that perfect “adventure vehicle” for you.
Give us a call at 844-LYS-BOAT or shoot an email to info@LittleYachtSales.com. Let’s get you on the water so you can join us for the next TMCA cruise or the next Harvest Moon Regatta!
See you on the bay,
The Little Yacht Sales Team