FAQs

Where are you located?

We are located at Louis' Bait Camp located at 3510 Hwy 6 in Hitchcock, Texas. It's just a short drive from Galveston. Our location includes a casual dining restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, a bait shop, RV Park, hotel, and free parking.

What are your boating hours?

Boating hours are sunrise to sunset daily, weather permitting.

What are your reservation and information phone line hours?

Our reservation and information line (409-440-5200) is open daily 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. If you call after hours, please leave a message. We will return your call the next business day. Or you may send us an email at galvestonislandboatrentals@gmail.com. We will reply within 24 hours.

You may also book online. We apologize, but online reservations cannot be made for same-day rentals. If you do not see the desired time you are looking for online, please call us or send us a message to check availability. 

Are advance reservations required?

Advance reservations are required (especially for weekends and holidays) to ensure the boat you want is available. We are happy to accommodate same-day rentals, if we have boats available. Please allow a 1-2 hour window for us to get same-day rental boats ready. Same-day rentals require full pre-payment over the phone since there is no cancellation policy for same-day rentals.

What is your rental policy?

Boat renters must possess a current state issued Boater's License (from any US state) or must be born before September 1, 1993. All renters must have a current state-issued ID (such as a Driver's License) and a valid major credit card (or a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo on it) in their name. Rental reservations cannot be made until you send us a copy of your driver's license. 

Please call ahead to advise us which type of vessel you are interested in, Pontoon Boat, Deck Boat, Fishing  Pontoon Boat, or Jon Boat. We need the date you are interested in, the number of people in your party, and if you prefer morning or afternoon. We will ask for your name, phone number, and credit card information to book your rental.L You will be charged 1/2 of your base rental as a deposit, then pay the balance at the dock before you start your day on the water. We accept all credit cards and cash. (If you will be paying your balance in cash, please bring the exact amount, as our dock staff cannot make change.) Renters must have at least one person in the group with prior experience driving a boat, or will be required to take an on-the-water boat-driving and navigation lesson immediately prior to rental. (Lesson cost is $50 per person plus tax.) 

What is included/What do we need to bring?

We provide bare boats with all required safety equipment (life jackets, throw cushion or life ring, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, sound signaling device, and an anchor line). We also provide a cooler, for your beverages and snacks. You will need to supply ice. Please bring your own cooler for your fresh catch if you are fishing. You will also need to bring fishing gear, towels and sunscreen. Our Sunset Cruises and Guided Outings include one of Our Professional Crew Members. 

What about the weather?

The area usually has mild weather, which is excellent for boating, fishing, and swimming. However, if inclement weather, such as high winds, rough seas, lightning, or heavy rains jeopardizes the safety or comfort of your trip, we will make the best effort to reschedule your rental at your convenience, or we will refund your deposit in full. Overcast skies and light rain are not deemed inclement weather for boating purposes.

What time can we start boating?

Boat Rentals and Guided Outings start as early as sunrise. Sunset Cruises usually depart 2-hours before sunset.

What if we run late?

Your rental time is your reserved slot. Due to scheduling , we apologize, but we cannot hold your boat if you are running late. Your rental time starts at the time reserved. Please allow enough travel time (especially on weekends and holidays) to reach your meeting location.

Should I arrive early for my rental?

We suggest arriving approximately 15-20 minutes before your reservation time so you can complete necessary paperwork and load your gear. 

How late can we go boating?

Rental Boats are always due back at the dock before sunset and it gets dark, which varies by the time of year. Return times may also be altered before sunset depending on tide conditions.

Where do we meet to go boating?

Your boat will either be in the water waiting at the boat ramp specified in your email confirmation or launched quickly upon your arrival allowing you to step right on.

What is your Refund and Deposit policy?

Your 50% deposit (of the rental rate), confirms your outing at the date and time you select. If you need to cancel your reservation, due to the high demand for boats, you must give a minimum 30-days notice to receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 15-29 days before scheduled reservation receive a 75% refund, cancellations made 8-14 days before scheduled reservation receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made seven days or less before your scheduled reservation, receive no refund. A $35.00 Administrative Fee applies to ALL Cancellations. By booking with Galveston Island Boat Rentals, you agree to this policy. We apologize, but there are no exceptions.

In cases of inclement weather such as, lightning, high winds, rough seas, or heavy rain, rescheduling or a full refund will be provided the day of the scheduled outing. Overcast skies and light rain are not deemed inclement weather for boating purposes. Management will make all weather-related decisions. 

Where on the water can we take rental boats?

Boat Rentals must follow Crew instructions and the navigation chart provided at the time of your rental. Additional charges will incur if you navigate out of bounds. Our primary boating area is Galveston Bay. You cannot take our boats past the 51st Street Bridge, Texas City Dike, Seawolf Park, or offshore (to the jetties or Gulf). Please refer to the map of our boating area.

https://galvestonislandboatrentals.com/boating-area-%2F-map

Our Jon Boat rentals are available for use exclusively in the water adjacent to Louis' Bait Camp off of HWY 6 in Hitchcock, TX

We are renting a canal house in the Galveston area. Can you deliver a rental boat to our rental house?

Yes, we deliver to anywhere in Galveston for a $200 round-trip delivery fee. This fee covers bringing the boat to you and launching it and picking it up and returning it to our dry storage facility. Full 8-hour rental required. Boats may be rented overnight for use on consecutive days with management approval. You must have access to a boat ramp in or near the community in which you are staying. Please inquire for more details. 

Is it safe?

Our primary goal is safety and within these constraints, have as much fun as possible. Our professional Crew members follow all maritime guidelines. All boats are subject to weight and capacity limits and as deemed safe by our Crew.

Are kids allowed?

Yes, all ages are welcome. We have life jackets for all sizes, including infants.

How about pets?

We are pet-friendly as long as any pets brought onboard are well-behaved. For our public Sunset Cruises, all parties must consent to an animal being onboard. Any pet damage or accidents are the owner's responsibility.

What is the level of disabled access?

The nature of boat docks create limited access for physically disabled persons, however, our flat decked pontoon boat is suitable to physical limitations. Please call to discuss specific options. We try to accommodate all disabilities to the best of our ability to do so. 

Do you offer a Military or First Responder discount?

Yes, we respect and appreciate all who serve or have served. Thank you! Please inquire when you book your reservation, as documentation/identification is required.

What if we bring our rental boat back early?

There’s no credit for early return since your reservation time slot is exclusively yours and the company is unable to rent to somebody else without advance notice.

Do you offer renter's insurance?

We do not have renter's insurance available at this time. Renters take full financial responsibility and liability for all boats and equipment.