Boat Rentals in Galveston, Texas

About Galveston

The past of Galveston is imbued in stories of French pirates and fighting Spain. It’s a modern city with an old town feel. Today Galveston is also known for being one of the largest ports of the United States. Located on the Galveston Island, a barrier island just off the coast of Texas, the city boasts an impressive 32-mile stretch of beach. That’s excellent news for boating enthusiasts and beach-lovers alike.

The best time of year to visit Galveston is during the shoulder seasons of summer. While the weather is temperate and pleasant year-round, the summer months are the busiest, with price hikes on accommodation and a beach full of tourists. You’ll still have heat and sunshine in April and May or September and October, without having to fight for a spot to lay down your beach blanket.

To get to Galveston, you can take a flight to one of Houston’s two major airports and then drive to Galveston. The drive takes about an hour if you don’t hit traffic. There is also a shuttle from Houston to Galveston. There is a ferry that goes to Galveston Island from New Orleans if you’d like to arrive by boat. The island itself is small enough to get around on foot or by taxi, but renting a car will be convenient if you want to explore other small cities around Galveston.

Boating in Galveston

Tourists flock to Galveston to experience the rich history that is still preserved in more than 400 Victorian homes. However, boaters find the waters of this port city especially appealing for cruising. Rent a pontoon with your group and spend the day cruising along the coast. Pontoons are great for big families and groups who want to spread out and explore at a leisurely pace.

The warm waters of Galveston Bay lure tourists from all across the United States to come to the beach, and boaters are especially in love with the cruising opportunities it offers. To venture around at high speeds, rent a motor yacht and explore the coastline of Galveston. You can soak up the sun from your private boat deck and enjoy a meal onboard or take a sunset cruise. Rent a boat on your own if you have a qualified driver in your group, or charter a motor yacht with a local Galveston captain.

For sailing enthusiasts, the gentle winds and warm water around Galveston present the perfect conditions for a sailing day. Rent a monohull or catamaran sailboat for a relaxed day of cruising around this coast of Texas.

Anglers and fishing enthusiasts will love their time in Galveston. A fishing charter provides for the perfect day of drifting in the ocean on a boat, reeling in great catches like flounder, redfish, speckled trout, red snapper, and grouper. The day will be perfect with a local captain to take you to all the best fishing spots around Galveston.

Fitness enthusiasts and active travelers visiting Galveston can book activities to incorporate exercise into their vacation. Stand up paddleboard rentals and kayak tours around Galveston are a great way to get an upper body workout while seeing some of the best parts of the island. Stop at the beach, explore little coves, and burn off the Texas barbecue you ate with a kayak rental or tour in Galveston.

Whether you’re a watersports enthusiast or a complete novice, there’s a long list of exciting ones to try while visiting Galveston. Kiteboarding, jet skiing, and surfing are just the beginning. Rent equipment to enjoy water sports on your own, or book a lesson with a professional to show you how it’s done.

A unique experience to have while touring in Galveston, Texas is a dolphin tour. Cruise in the harbor and look for dolphins jumping out of the waves. These eco-friendly tourist experiences are the best because you get to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, enjoying boating on the ocean as they swim around you.

Top Activities in Galveston

Galveston offers many opportunities to explore on-the-water activities. If you love boats, visit the several historic ships that remain preserved in the place. The list includes the tall ship Elissa, the USS Cavalla, and the USS Stewart.

Being a port town, Galveston offers some of the most delicious seafood you have ever tasted. Be sure to check out top seafood restaurants like Gaidos Seafood Restaurant, Miller's Seawall Grill, and Fisherman's Wharf.

The city also has a very thriving nightlife that includes sports bars and trendier, upscale options. Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, and Seabrook located on Trinity Bay, McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Vista, Oyster Creek, Matagorda, Port O’Connor, and Port Lavaca are a few destinations that complete a Galveston trip.

When boating in Galveston, make time to visit Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, and Seabrook located on Trinity Bay.

Other interesting spots to check out include McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Vista, Oyster Creek, Matagorda, Port O’Connor, and Port Lavaca. 

Marinas in Galveston

The top marinas in Galveston include Pelican Rest Marina, Payco Marina, and Galveston Yacht Basin. Here you can get information about boating around Galveston Island, sit and watch pretty boats cruise in and out of port, enjoy a sunset, or stop for a meal in a nearby restaurant.

Using GetMyBoat to Rent Your Next Boat

Experiencing the water has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. GetMyBoat allows you to search, compare prices, submit rental inquiries, and pay for your rental or charter from the convenience of your phone or computer. We offer a secure platform for renters to facilitate a seamless rental transaction. For boat owners, we connect millions of renters to their boat and provide the security and safety checks on each rental transaction.

Search for the perfect experience now and book your dream day out on the water.