Yes, indeed, it does. In fact, it is the second busiest port in the nation (New Orleans being #1 and New York #3). Many people don’t know that. Heck, I didn’t know that and we used to live in a Loft that was just a hop-n-skip down the street from the Denver Harbor/Port Houston. One fine day, though, someone told me it was possible to take a boat tour of the ship channel – and the tour was free! Sure enough, a quick search online confirmed that is a true fact, and you can make a reservation for your free 90-minute boat tour here —> Sam Houston Boat Tour.
Many moons and seasons passed, though, and somehow I just never really found time or excuse to take the tour… until finally this week Ivy got out of school early and I had to scramble to find something for her to do. Scratching my head while mulling over options I said, “Hey, Miss Ivy, what do you want to do with your afternoon?”
She replied, “I want to go to the Port of Houston and take a free tour of the ship channel!”
Great idea, girl! Let’s do that!
Well, okay, she didn’t really say that. In fact, all she said was “I want to play game on your phone.” But touring the ship channel sounded like a better idea to me, so I stuffed her into her car-seat and off we went to Denver Harbor to find the Sam Houston Pavilion.
Found it. Boarded the boat. Set sail.
At first, the weather started getting rough, and our tiny ship was tossed. But we forged on through the pouring rain until eventually the sun came out and the rest of the trip was breezy and pleasant. It is kind of nifty seeing all the big ships up close and in their natural environment. I also discovered why they call Pasadena ‘Stinkadena’ as we puttered past a few oil refineries that were in full operation. Phew! You can count plastic bottles floating in the water, and read the graffiti on various walls for extra fun.
Overall, for what it is, it’s a pleasant and interesting way to kill 90 minutes and see a ship channel up close and personal. Plus, you can’t beat the price!! I recommend it. 🙂
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- Braving the rain.
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- Passing under a bridge
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- Not sure what this ship carries, but it has lots of pipes.
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- Watching ships go by
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- Another big ship. This one said Venezuela on the side.
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- Ivy and me
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- Running around the boat was more interesting at this point in the tour.
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- Looking out a porthole
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