Yachtcations

Rentals from Yachtcations include life jackets, fuel, cooler storage, fishing gear, a bimini top, a Bluetooth stereo, GPS navigation and an onboard restroom. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

For a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft on Texas public waters, the minimum age to operate without supervision is 13, but the rental operator decides the minimum age for renting. Under Parks and Wildlife Code Sections 31.106 and 31.107, an operator under 13 must be supervised by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the craft and is on board while it is under way. Boater education is based on birth date: to operate alone, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must meet the requirement for a motorboat over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or any personal watercraft, and carry photo ID and the certification card. Confirm the operator’s age policy when booking.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators in Texas need boater education certification, though the state does not call it a boating license. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires certification for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a PWC, motorboat over 15 horsepower, or sailboat over 14 feet. Covered operators must carry photo ID and proof of certification.

A person must be at least 13 to operate alone; younger operators need an eligible operator age 18 or older onboard. Renters are not exempt. Alternatives include onboard supervision, a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator license, or a one-time 15-day deferral, which is available only to those 18 or over. Approved online courses provide a 60-day temporary certificate.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

From Kemah, you can cruise Clear Lake, follow Clear Creek inland, pass through Clear Lake Channel, or head onto Galveston Bay. Clear Lake is the more enclosed, brackish recreation boating area; Clear Creek is a narrower inland waterway; the channel is the direct connection between the lake and bay; and Galveston Bay is the broad, open water choice.

Nearby launch points shown on Seabrook’s regional waterfront map include the TX-146 Boat Ramp at the channel, Lake Shores Public Boat Ramp on Clear Lake, and FM 270 Boat Ramp on Clear Creek.

Source: City of Kemah (kemahtx.gov)

From Kemah, practical Galveston Bay day trips include Redfish Island, the Texas City Dike and Galveston Harbor. Redfish Island is a restored boating destination for a stop on the bay; the Texas City Dike combines beach time with fishing access and picnic shelters; and Galveston Harbor draws sightseeing crews for dolphin spotting and views of historic waterfront landmarks. Together, they offer anchoring, shore recreation, fishing and harbor cruising.

Source: Port Houston (porthouston.com)