Galveston Historic Harbor Tours

See is one of Galveston’s iconic offshore oil rigs and working harbor views, a reminder of the city’s deep maritime and industrial heritage. This striking backdrop is part of what guests experience on a Galveston Historic Harbor Tour—where history, industry, and the beauty of the Gulf Coast come together. Our tours showcase historic ships, naval vessels, and working port activity, giving visitors an up-close look at Galveston’s role as both a cultural landmark and an active seaport. The logo of Galveston Historic Harbor Tours reflects this mission: connecting today’s guests with the rich history and living legacy of the harbor.

This captures the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, one of the world’s oldest active sailing ships and a National Historic Landmark docked in Galveston, Texas. Guests aboard Galveston Historic Harbor Tours enjoy up-close views of this iconic vessel along with other historic ships, naval landmarks, and working harbor scenes. The Elissa stands as a living testament to Galveston’s maritime history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time while exploring the vibrant and bustling waterfront.

The Offshore Energy Center, a key feature of Galveston’s working harbor and a reminder of the city’s role in global energy production. Seen up close during a Galveston Historic Harbor Tour, the towering offshore rig structure represents both history and industry, giving guests a unique perspective on the vital connection between Galveston and the Gulf’s energy economy. The sight of these massive rigs, alongside historic ships and waterfront landmarks, creates a one-of-a-kind experience that blends education, history, and real-time harbor activity.

This showcases a massive offshore oil rig stationed in Galveston’s harbor, a striking example of the Gulf Coast’s vital energy industry. Guests aboard the Galveston Historic Harbor Tour get a close-up view of these engineering marvels, along with insight into their importance in maritime history and modern offshore operations. Set against the backdrop of blue skies and calm waters, the towering rig reflects the unique blend of industry and natural beauty that makes Galveston’s working port so fascinating to explore.

Check out the USS Texas (BB-35), the last surviving dreadnought battleship and a symbol of American naval history. Moored near Galveston, this historic warship is one of the highlights of the Galveston Historic Harbor Tour, where guests can admire its immense size and learn about its pivotal role in both World Wars. The ship’s imposing presence on the water offers visitors an awe-inspiring look at maritime history, blending education with unforgettable waterfront views. It’s a must-see attraction for history lovers, families, and anyone exploring Galveston’s harbor.

See the elegant bow and deck of the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, a beautifully preserved iron-hulled sailing vessel and National Historic Landmark. Docked in Galveston, the Elissa remains one of the few tall ships in the world still actively sailed. Guests aboard the Galveston Historic Harbor Tour enjoy close-up views of her historic rigging, polished woodwork, and timeless maritime craftsmanship. A living piece of history, the Elissa embodies Galveston’s seafaring legacy and provides visitors with a rare opportunity to see a 19th-century sailing ship up close on the waterfront.

See rigging and masts of the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, docked proudly in Galveston’s historic harbor. A fully restored 19th-century iron-hulled sailing ship, the Elissa is a centerpiece of the Texas Seaport Museum and a rare example of maritime history still brought to life under sail. Guests on the Galveston Historic Harbor Tour enjoy striking, up-close views of her towering masts, complex web of lines, and authentic craftsmanship that connect today’s visitors with Galveston’s seafaring past. The Elissa is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a living reminder of the city’s role as a bustling port in the Gulf Coast’s history.

Here is the USS Cavalla (SS-244), a World War II submarine permanently docked in Galveston, Texas. Nicknamed the “Avenger of Pearl Harbor,” the Cavalla gained fame for sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Today, she stands as a historic naval landmark that visitors can admire while on the Galveston Historic Harbor Tour. Set against a backdrop of palm trees and the island’s waterfront, the Cavalla provides an unforgettable glimpse into America’s naval history and the role submarines played during wartime. The tour allows guests to see this historic vessel from the water, adding depth and perspective to Galveston’s living maritime legacy.