Sam Houston Boat Tour

Another one of our tourist activities was to take a boat tour of the Houston shipping channel.  The tour aboard the M/V Sam Houston is totally free as part of the Port of Houston.  The following is from the Port of Houston Authority website:

"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 aboard the M/V Sam Houston can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port's Turning Basin Terminal. The 95-ft. vessel has capacity for up to 90 passengers and features air-conditioned lounge seating as well as standing room outside on the boat's rear deck
.
The M/V Sam Houston has been operating as the Port of Houston's public tour vessel since its first voyage on July 30, 1958. In 2010, the vessel received new low-emission fuel engines and a new generator. The environmental upgrades were made possible through grants from the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding through EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program."

Please enjoy the pictures and imagine that you were on the tour with us!!



Car carrier that can carry 5,000 cars and be loaded/unloaded in 24 hours.

Mike and Joanne on tour boat with Susan





Tug pushing ship into port.

One of many refineries.



Another refinery



US Gypsum facility



Salt being unloaded.



Bridge over the shipping channel

Another car carrier

EASY LIVING!!