With more than 100 miles of coastline between the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay, there a lot of open water to explore in the Corpus Christi area. Whether you’re an experienced boater or a passenger looking to take in the beauty of the Texas Coast, you need to add these locations for sailing in Corpus Christi to the top of your bucket list right away.
Why Should You Go Sailing in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi is a destination for sailors throughout every season of the year. The winters are warm, and the summers are even warmer, drawing in plenty of marine life for watching or fishing. Plus, depending on where you choose to sail, you may be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset, or even the city skyline.
When you go sailing in Corpus Christi, you open yourself up to amazing experiences, including:
- Dolphin-watching.
- Boat racing.
- Island-hopping.
- Deep-sea fishing.
- Sunset cruises.
Corpus Christi gives you the opportunity to explore the Gulf Coast your way. No matter what activities you choose or where you decide to set sail, you’re guaranteed to have a unique adventure that you and your loved ones will never forget.
Top 6 Destinations for Corpus Christi Sailing
The waters of Corpus Christi have something to offer for every type of sailor. From calm, protected recreational areas to slightly more challenging waters, our list presents a variety of Corpus Christi sailing destinations so you can be sure to select the right one for your trip.
1. Corpus Christi Bay
The Corpus Christi Bay is a hotspot for both leisurely cruisers and thrillseekers. With a wide expanse of open water and strong, steady winds, there’s plenty of room in the bay for casual sailors to spend the afternoon coasting around. You can take in the stunning views of the city skyline or participate in exciting activities like racing and water sports.
The Bay also hosts a variety of sailing events throughout the year. From sailing camps to scheduled races and regattas, there is plenty for sailors of all experience levels to enjoy in Corpus Christi Bay. Check out the Corpus Christi Yacht Club’s event schedule when you plan your next trip. That way, you won’t miss out on any fun activities.
2. Laguna Madre
The Laguna Madre is a safe haven of shallow water perfect for small boat sailors. These safe waters include protected areas that are delightful for paddling and windsurfing, so make sure to bring your smaller craft with you to explore the beautiful scenery up close.
One of the best parts about sailing in the Laguna Madre is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a pod of dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are indigenous to the area and are visible throughout the day. Whether you’re out on the water at sunrise, mid-day, or sunset, you can often see these wonderful sea creatures hanging out in their natural habitat during any season of the year.
3. Aransas Pass
Located a bit north of Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass is another excellent destination for sailing in Corpus Christi. Within the Coastal Bend, sailors can access both the Gulf of Mexico and the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. This makes it a great entry point for Gulf Coast explorers.
Adventurous sailors will love navigating the various water conditions in Aransas Pass. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to catch a dolphin sighting while taking in the view of a gorgeous Gulf Coast sunset.
4. Packery Channel
You might be surprised to find a man-made waterway on our list, but Packery Channel is a great destination for Corpus Christi sailing. The Channel connects Corpus Christi Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. This gives sailors the ability to explore and navigate their way through a wide variety of coastal environments.
Since Packery Channel is only open to recreational vessels, sailors don’t have to worry about the area clogging up with commercial craft. The waters are full of wildlife, and visitors can freely use the area for everything from fishing to surfing and kiteboarding. Or, simply enjoy sailing around and soaking up some sun.
5. Oso Bay
If you’re a beginner sailor, you may want to consider checking out Oso Bay. Situated on the southern end of Corpus Christi, the Bay is a bit smaller than other waterways. It is well-protected, making it a great place to learn and test the waters.
Water conditions in Oso Bay stay relatively calm most of the time. Add the shallower waters on top of those calm conditions, and you have the perfect environment for practicing different sailing techniques. Because of this, any families looking to show their kids the ropes in a peaceful body of water will definitely want to head out to Oso Bay.
6. Padre Island National Seashore
Stretching nearly 70 miles, Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. The area is under federal protection, making it an excellent stop for boaters who want to take in the beauty of rare or endangered wildlife like the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
The Padre Island beaches also offer a variety of activities, including camping, horseback riding, and ranger-led nature programs. So, when you’re done on the water, you can come back to shore, put up your tent, enjoy an evening on the beach, and set sail again early the next morning. It’s a sailor’s dream come true!
The Best Boat Stop for Sailing in Corpus Christi
Before you hit the open ocean, you need a safe, reliable place to put your vessel in the water. The Boat Stop Marina is an exclusive private marina located right in the heart of Corpus Christi. There is a spacious 45-foot dual boat launch ramp and an easy route to the Intracoastal Waterway, so our marina is one of the top choices for water access in the area.
If you want to take your adventures to the next level when sailing in Corpus Christi, trust Boat Stop Marina to help you experience boating at its finest! Call us today to learn more about our membership and exciting upcoming events hosted at our private marina.