There may be no other city in Texas that is better suited to boaters than Houston. Houston is a massive urban sprawl that leads to Galveston Bay, which reaches out into the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous lakes, rivers, and bays around the city are ripe for exploration, contributing to its popularity with boaters.
There’s a lot to learn about boating in Space City. This guide will discuss some crucial details about boating in Houston, from key boating locations to important rules.
Where to Explore
Many destinations in and around Houston are very popular among boaters. Let’s look at some of these nearby bodies of water.
Lake Conroe is just an hour’s drive north of Houston that includes several boat launches. This huge lake is teeming with freshwater fish, so bring the fishing gear and enjoy the sparkling blue waters.
Lake Houston is a large freshwater reservoir 15 miles from downtown. It has marinas and boat ramps, so getting out on the water to access its amazing aquatic wildlife is a breeze.
Lake Livingston is the second-largest lake that is wholly set in Texas and is a popular destination for Houston residents. It is the ideal setting for boating with a great fishing scene, and is a hotspot for picnics, swimming, and more.
Galveston Bay is a short drive from Houston and leads into the Gulf of Mexico. This massive bay provides plenty of marinas, boat ramps, and rentals, and it is one of the most heavily traversed waterways in the country.
Major Houston Boating Events
Boating is a major activity beloved by many Houston residents, and there are ample boating events in the city. Let’s look at some of the most significant.
The Houston AutoBoative Show combines the Houston Boat Show and the Houston Auto Show. This late January event takes place at the NRG Center, and the boating portion hosts a huge number of vendors displaying the latest models in boats and boating equipment.
Yachty Gras is America’s largest Mardi Gras boat parade just outside of Houston in Clear Lake. It is a large boat party in which owners can register and decorate their boats to ride in the parade, compete for awards, and celebrate one of the biggest holidays in the area.
Important Texas Boating Rules
Boating laws in Texas are overseen and enforced by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and boaters in Houston are subject to Texas’s state laws. There are several key rules that Houston area boaters should be aware of before they take to the water.
First and foremost, boating while intoxicated is illegal. The threshold for intoxication is a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more, and it is a criminal offense to exceed this. Boaters born after 1993 are required to take a boater education course. They must carry their Boater Education Card with them on the vessel if operating a personal watercraft or a water vehicle with a horsepower of more than 15. All boaters must be 13 years of age or older.
A fishing license is required for those 17 and older while fishing in the public waters of Texas.
