DESTINATION GUIDE

DESTINATION GUIDE

Port Aransas, TX
July 2000

Click for larger image

We visit Port Aransas at least once each year . . . enjoying the beach and pool at our favorite condo. This year, in preparation for a potential 2001 mid-winter cruise of the area surrounding Port Aransas, I spent more time near the harbor checking out available ramps and transient slips.

The city's municipal docks appear to be well maintained and some slips include water and electricity. I was told the facility includes showers but could not view them because they were locked. Apparently, tenants and guests are provided keys. The Harbormaster's phone number is (361) 749-5429; daily office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Harbormaster was monitoring channel 16 when I was in town. Here are the rates that were posted during July 2000:

Vessel Length	Daily Rate	Daily Rate (w/utilities)
Up to 29'	$8.00	$10.00
Up to 39'	$12.00	$15.00
Up to 49'	$16.00	$25.00
Over 50'	$21.00	$30.00

An alternative to the municipal docks is the Trout Street Docks managed by Port A Outfitters - (361) 749-6936. Although Trout Street doesn't really have any transient slips, you might call them before you visit as slips do open up from time to time when permanent tenants leave. They'd be happy to let you rent one of these slips for a short period of time. I was told by a Trout Street tenant that their shower facilities are better than those at the municipal docks. And, the restaurants are much closer.

Here is a photo tour of the municipal docks and Trout Street docks (larger images are available by clicking each image):

Municipal ramps adjacent to the ferry landing in Port Aransas	A better view of one of the three ramps
Courtesy docks at the municipal ramps	There's plenty of space to park your vehicle and trailer. You can see the ferry landing in the background to the left
The municipal marina has very nice transient slips	Some of the transient slips have water & electric hookups
The Harbormaster's office (includes shower facilities)	The pavilion adjacent to the Harbormaster's office
The entrance to Port Aransas Harbor	Another view of those transient slips . . . pavilion in background
Trout Street docks are managed by Port A Outfitters	Sundown viewed from Trout Street . . . you can see the municipal docks across the harbor
	Here is another map of the Port Aransas area. Click for a larger image.

So, why select Port Aransas as a cruising destination or departure point? The water is clean; commercial traffic is not overly heavy; the Gulf of Mexico is just outside the jetties; Corpus Christi Bay and the city of Corpus Christi are a short cruise to the southwest; anchorages are plentiful in the scenic Lydia Ann Channel and bays to the north. Dinner is only a hook away. You should have no problem landing a redfish, speckled trout or one of the many other species of game fish that inhabit the local bays. The well-stocked local IGA grocery is within walking distance of the harbor . . . albeit a long one. And, finally, the island is home to a multitude of condominiums and hotels if you want to enjoy a few days ashore. This town is busy during the summer and Spring Break. You will want to call ahead to reserve that condo.

[MTM - 07/31/00]