This is a level 2 trip, however it is somewhat long. We will circumnavigate Goat Island in Galveston's East Bay. The trip is approximately 14.25 miles, with only two or three stops, and part of it is in the Intracoastal Waterway. Please read all of the description below.
To get to the put in - drive to Galveston and cross the Bolivar Ferry. Drive east on Highway 87 to Crystal Beach and N. Stingaree Drive, turn left at the Valero station and go to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Stingaree Marina and Restaurant. From Houston the drive is approximately 70 miles. Lat Lon of Stingaree - 29 degrees 28.8863' North, 94 degrees 36.3290' West. Allow time for the ferry crossing, as there is not a long line of cars in the early morning but there are few ferrys and you may have to wait awhile to cross to the Bolivar Peninsula. Another metric - once you get off the ferry on Bolivar, the Valero gas station at the turnoff to Stingaree Drive is approximately 13-14 miles.
At the put in there is ample parking and a boat launch. Launch fee is $2.00. There is a place to change, restrooms and a good restaurant for after the paddle.
Caution - the first six miles of the paddle we head west in the Intracoastal Waterway. We will have to stay together and be wary of the barges, but it is usually the pleasure boaters and fishermen that create troublesome wakes. The ICW is generally pretty flat water. After the first six miles we cross the ICW and head into East Bay and around Goat Island, where the water can be a little more lumpy, depending on wind direction. On a clear day you can see across the bay to Smith Point. We will end up back at the Stingaree Marina for our take-out and well-deserved meal overlooking the ICW and East Bay.
It is still hot, so we will try to start the paddle at 8:00 am. Although it means an early start from Houston to get to the put in, we will avoid the hot afternoon. Everyone needs ample water and Gatorade type drinks, snacks, hats and sunscreen. Wear bright clothes if possible. If there has been rain there is some grass at the put in so there may be some mosquitos. The launch is fairly good, but there are the usual oysters and slippery concrete at the boat launch. We will try to snack during the paddle, and save the big meal for the take-out when we are done.
Emergency number - Galveston County Sheriff - 409.766.2300
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
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Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.