Lined with soft sand beaches (alcohol-free and family-friendly in most parts, including the main visitor areas), Galveston’s 32-mile Gulf coastline provides a surf and sand bonanza for groups, with activities ranging from eco excursions to deep-sea fishing.
Planners basing their clients at Galveston’s three Wyndham-flagged properties—Hotel Galvez, Tremont House and Harbor House at Pier 21—have a unique in-house excursion and transportation resource through
Galveston Charter Boats (409.632.6412) and its sister company Galveston Shuttle Bus, providing sedan transfers and limousines along with van, minibus and motorcoach charter services.
"Located in the main lobby of Hotel Galvez, we are Galveston’s only full-service charter boat company," says Jim Harrison, president and owner of the company. "From powerboat rentals to guided deep-sea fishing trips where we clean and package your catch to team-building yachting regattas, our adventures are ideal for business groups."
While not offering groups-specific tours, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (832.459.5533) welcomes groups to each of its four annual nature events. While smaller groups are preferred for Breakfast with Sandhill Cranes, Sea Turtle Saturday and East End Nature Safari, Sue Reed, marketing director at the company, encourages big attendance at the signature FeatherFest birding and nature festival.
"Held annually on the second weekend of April, it’s the state’s biggest birding festival," she says.
Private corporate, family and social groups up to 38 can experience historic Galveston Harbor while spotting dolphins with Baywatch Dolphin Tours (832.859.4557). In addition to seeing dolphins up close in their natural habitat, passengers on the 45-minute narrated tour aboard the Bay Watch I will see a World War II submarine and destroyer, the Elissa tall ship, drilling rigs, ferry boats and Galveston’s mighty ship channel. Catering is available from several local restaurants or groups are welcome to bring their own food, drinks and adult beverages.
Recently acquired by The Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston Island Tours (409.765.8687) provides comprehensive destination management services throughout the Galveston-Houston region. Among the company’s engaging group activities is Galveston Storm Stories, a two-hour program that includes a 1.5-hour historical driving tour, presentation of the "Great Storm Experience" at Pier 21 Theater and viewing of tree sculptures carved from trees damaged by Hurricane Ike.
The Galveston Historical Foundation (409.763.1877) also offers a range of educational sea-going outings including marine biology, birding and environmental science tours.
