Best Boats For Cruising Corpus Christi Waters

Corpus Christi, Texas, is a great destination for boating enthusiasts. The city, also known as the Sparkling City by the Sea, offers a beautiful downtown bayfront, a scenic seawall, and a marina known as the T-Heads to locals. With its gulf coast shoreline and pristine bays, Corpus Christi beckons boaters with popular water sports activities such as fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing. The area is also known for its excellent inshore and offshore fishing. For those without boats, there are plenty of charter options available, such as Harrison's Landing, which offers dolphin-watching cruises and sunset cruises, and Handsome Sailor Yacht Charters, which provides a variety of packages for groups of all sizes.

Fishing Charters

Corpus Christi is a great place for boating and fishing, with its gulf coast shoreline and pristine bays. The city offers a range of fishing charter options, suitable for anglers of all skill levels and interests. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best fishing charter for your needs:

Types of Fishing Charters:

• Inshore Fishing Charters: These charters are perfect for beginners and families, as they offer calm waters and short trips. Inshore fishing targets Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. Most inshore trips are four hours long, and you can expect to fish in the bay or nearby lagoons.
• Nearshore Fishing Charters: Nearshore fishing offers a mix of bottom fishing and light tackle fishing. You can target delicious fish like Red Snapper and hard fighters like Cobia. Nearshore trips are ideal for anglers looking for a longer day on the water, usually requiring at least six hours.
• Offshore Fishing Charters: If you're an experienced angler seeking a challenge, offshore fishing charters are for you. These trips venture further out to sea, targeting big game pelagic species such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Billfish. Offshore charters typically last a full day, around eight hours or more.

Popular Fishing Charter Companies:

• Southbound Fishing Charters, LLC: Consistently ranked as one of the best fishing charter companies in Corpus Christi. They offer exciting and relaxing fishing experiences, ensuring you find the hot fishing spots.
• Captain Len's Fishing Guide Service: Specialising in private tours, Captain Len provides an early start and a productive day of fishing. This charter is perfect for couples or small groups.
• Padre Island Expeditions, LLC: Led by the knowledgeable Captain Colin, this charter offers sightseeing tours and fishing expeditions along the 60-mile stretch of North Padre Island. It's a great option if you want to combine fishing with exploring the island's natural beauty.
• Saltwater Cowboyz: Guided by the polite and skilled Dusty, this charter ensures you limit out on your catch. They provide a memorable fishing experience and are highly recommended by their customers.
• Team Liberty Guide Service: Captain Jack delivers a professional and passionate fishing experience. He caters to anglers of all skill levels and is known for his attention to detail, ensuring a productive day on the water.
• Fish On Guide Service: Captain Allen is highly recommended for his knowledge and teaching skills. He caters to both beginners and experienced anglers, offering guidance on casting, jigging, and reeling.
• Leeward Fishing Adventures: This charter is an excellent choice for handicapped anglers, as Captain Lee Wehring goes out of his way to accommodate special needs. They also offer senior and military discounts, making it a cost-effective option.
• Sharka Brah Charters: If you're seeking an adventure fishing for big sharks, look no further than Tristen and his team. They provide an unforgettable experience, ensuring you land that giant catch.
• South Texas Outcast Guide Service: Roger from South Texas Outcast Guide Service will show you a memorable time on the water. Their charters are highly recommended for their flexibility and dedication to customer satisfaction.
• Clear Water Adventure Guide Service: Shayne from Clear Water Adventures is your go-to guide, according to previous customers. He offers a top-notch service and is known for his expertise in the Corpus Christi waters.
• McCain's Shallow Water Experience: Ryan McCain provides a fun and affordable experience for the whole family. Their fishing trips are engaging and productive, ensuring you stay occupied and busy catching fish.

Booking Tips:

When booking a fishing charter in Corpus Christi, it's essential to plan according to the fishing seasons and weather conditions. February is typically the coldest month, while spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and more predictable weather. Most charters require a valid Texas fishing license for anglers aged 17 and above, so be sure to obtain one before your trip. Additionally, some charters offer discounts and special programs, so don't hesitate to inquire about any available deals.

Wildlife Boat Tours

Corpus Christi in Texas is a great place for boating, and there are plenty of options for boat tours in the area. If you're looking for a wildlife boat tour, Padre Boat Tours offers a 1.5-hour Dolphin Expedition where you can see native dolphins in their natural habitat. Their 35' open pontoon boat allows for an up-close and personal view, with the boat sitting only 36 inches off the water. The knowledgeable captains provide insights about the island and its wildlife. This tour is perfect for families, with tickets for adults and children available, and life jackets provided.

If you're looking for a longer excursion, Padre Boat Tours also offers a Sunset Cruise/Dolphin Watch tour, which is a 2-hour trip. This tour provides a relaxing experience on the water, taking in the scenic views at sunset, while also offering the chance to see dolphins and other wildlife.

For a more comprehensive wildlife experience, you can consider the Padre Island Expeditions, LLC. They offer sightseeing tours of North Padre Island, where you can explore the island's inner parts and learn about its history and wildlife, especially the seabirds.

Another option is the Yachting Center at Harrison's Landing, which offers various sailing options, including dolphin-watching cruises and water tours.

With so many choices, you're sure to find a wildlife boat tour in Corpus Christi that suits your needs and provides a memorable experience on the water.

Sunset Cruises

Sunset Sail Charters

Ranked as the number one boat tour in Corpus Christi, Sunset Sail Charters offers half-day and full-day sailing adventures in the bay. You can sail on their 36-foot Soveral or opt for their 18-foot Promaster or 22-foot Century. The charters are led by captains with local knowledge, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy adult beverages while taking in the breathtaking views. If you're feeling adventurous, let the captain know, and you might even get a chance to steer the boat!

Japonica Bay Tours

The Japonica is a 50-foot, open-air touring boat that offers one-hour cruises around Corpus Christi Bay. You'll get to see highlights of downtown Corpus Christi, including the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, Art Museum of South Texas, and the downtown business district, all from a unique perspective. The Japonica also offers private event cruises, which can be a great option for a special celebration with your loved ones.

Texas Tease

The Texas Tease is a 74-foot-long boat with a capacity of up to 60 passengers. It offers two-hour tours of Corpus Christi Bay and can travel up to 50 miles off the shoreline. The Texas Tease provides a full-service bar during its cruises and often features live music or a DJ in the evenings. It's a great option for sunset cruises, and they also offer private charters if you prefer a more intimate experience.

Buccaneer Cruises

If you're looking for a combination of sunset viewing and wildlife watching, Buccaneer Cruises offers a 6 pm sunset/dolphin cruise. Their friendly and competent crew will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable ride. You'll get to see beautiful sunsets, dolphins, and perhaps even birds and fish!

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

For a unique and entertaining sunset cruise experience, consider the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. This family adventure features pirates, sword fights, a water gun battle, and tales of the sea. You'll also get to enjoy dolphin watching near Port Aransas' Turtle Cove. It's a fun and engaging option for those seeking more than just a sunset cruise.

Jetty Boat Rides

If you're looking for a chance to escape from civilisation, the Jetty Boat ride in Corpus Christi offers the perfect getaway. Located at Fisherman's Wharf (900 Tarpon St.) in Port Aransas, the Jetty Boat will take you on a five-minute trip to San Jose Island, a natural, undisturbed barrier island.

San Jose Island offers a tranquil escape where you can enjoy a private beach, go fishing, birdwatching, and explore the island's hidden treasures such as seashells and sand dollars along the coast. It's the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature, with the soft sounds of the sea and birds all around you. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views and the unique wildlife you may encounter, such as pelicans, sea turtles, and dolphins.

The Jetty Boat ride is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in Corpus Christi. With its short travel time, you can easily access the pristine and secluded San Jose Island, where you can enjoy a variety of activities or simply unwind and take in the natural beauty of the Texas coast.

Sailboat Charters

There are several sailboat charter options in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is one of the top boating states in the US.

Handsome Sailor Yacht Charters

Handsome Sailor Yacht Charters, located in the North Bay area, offers a variety of packages that can accommodate groups of all sizes. Their offerings include the 2-Hour Sailing Charter, the Texas Coastal Zone ECO-CHARTER, the Caribbean Sunset Cruise, and the Concita Beach Bash, among others. The standard half-day charter is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while the special charters depart at 5:00 p.m. and return after sundown. They also offer deluxe charters that are available for nine hours, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Harrison's Landing - Yachting Center

Harrison's Landing, situated in the Downtown/Bayfront area, provides a range of sailing options, all of which offer excellent views of Corpus Christi. Their cruises are BYOB, and you can choose from various options, including the Japonica water tour, dolphin-watching cruise, Full Moon cruise, Lunch Break cruise, and Sunset/Harbor Bridge Cruise. They also offer a 2-Hour Bay Cruise on the Nell Betty II, a 38-foot Catalina, and a Cruise & Dinner package. Additionally, they provide opportunities for hands-on sailing lessons and team-building activities on the water.

Sailing Corpus Christi

Sailing Corpus Christi, recommended by a local on Reddit, offers sailing charters in the bay area.

Red Dragon Pirate Cruise

The Red Dragon Pirate Cruise provides a unique sailing experience aboard a pirate ship. This family-friendly cruise includes entertainment such as sword fights, water pistol battles, music, dancing, and a treasure hunt. They offer various cruises like the Be A Pirate Adventure Cruise and the Bet Yer Booty Cruise, as well as special packages for birthdays, weddings, field trips, and private charters. The ship sails seven days a week and has a full bar for adults.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, these sailboat charter options in Corpus Christi offer a chance to explore the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions