Because of
heightened security measures, regularly scheduled tours
aboard the M/V Sam Houston may be canceled
without advance notice. Before making the trip to the
Port of Houston for a tour aboard the Sam Houston, please
consult this Web site for information on the status
of your tour.
Security regulations
also prohibit the carrying of any camera equipment aboard
the M/V Sam Houston and the taking of photographs
from aboard the ship is strictly prohibited.
Also, large baggage such as backpacks and oversized
purses are not allowed on board. Passengers' personal
belongings may be subject to searches in accordance
with federal regulations. The PHA reserves the right
to refuse passage to board the vessel to any person
for any reason at any time.
Get
ready for an unforgettably
spectacular waterborne tour of one of the busiest ports
in the world aboard the Port of Houston Authority's
free public tour boat!
Named for the legendary military commander
who led the fight for Texas independence from Mexico
and later statehood, the M/V Sam Houston offers free
leisurely 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston
Ship Channel.
Embarking from the port's Sam Houston
Pavilion, visiting sightseers can enjoy passing views
of international cargo vessels, and operations at the
port's Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in
length and 24 feet in width, the boat carries a maximum
capacity of 100 passengers with air-conditioned lounge
seating and additional standing room on the boat's rear
deck.
The M/V Sam Houston has been operating
as the Port Authority's public tour vessel since its
inaugural voyage on July. 30, 1958. By 1979, a total
of 1 million passengers had taken the tour.
No food or beverages are allowed to
be brought aboard the boat or into the pavilion. However,
a free beverage is provided on the boat during the trip.
We want all of our visitors to enjoy the tour experience
in a clean and safe environment, therefore picnics
in the pavilion are not allowed.
The tour is free; however reservations
are required in advance. Enhanced port
security measures require government-issued photo identification
for passengers ages 18 and older. Examples of acceptable
identification are state-issued drivers license, state
of Texas Identification card, or passport.
Register
online anytime, or call 713-670-2416, Monday through
Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please note: a
maximum of 45 reservations is allowed for any one group.
We advise that you arrive
at least 15 minutes, preferably half hour, before your
tour launches to assure that you have plenty of time
to check in through security and to board the vessel.
Tour
Times
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10 am
& 2:30 pm
Wednesday
10 am
& 2:30 pm
Thursday
2:30
pm only
Friday
10 am
& 2:30 pm
Saturday
10 am
& 2:30 pm
Sunday
2:30
pm only
Holidays
Closed
Directions
to M/V Sam Houston Pavilion:
Leave East Loop 610 at Clinton Drive (exit # 28). Proceed
west (right) on Clinton, pass McCarty to Gate 8. Enter
Gate 8 and stay to the right. A security guard and signs
will direct you to the pavilion.
Updated: 11/6/08
Port
of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North • Houston, Texas 77029
P.O. Box 2562 • Houston, Texas 77252-2562
Phone: 713-670-2400
Copyright 2006 Port of
Houston Authority • All Rights Reserved
For questions and comments, send an e-mail.
Please include company name and phone number, when appropriate,
so we may better respond to your inquiry.
