These results are also uploaded to Swim Guide at theswimguide. Luckily, bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming. Read on to learn more! There are typically spikes in bacteria concentrations following major rainfall events. This is due to runoff carrying bacteria into the Bay from a variety of land sources, such as failing septic systems, pet waste, and livestock.
Luckily, anyone can help to reduce bacteria concentrations in their local watershed in two ways: by reducing sources of pollution at home and by reducing runoff from their property through more efficient lawn irrigation, use of rain barrels, or the installation of green infrastructure.
Galveston Bay Foundation provides advice for local residents on how to improve water quality through the Galveston Bay Report Card, at galvbaygrade. In the Bay Area, there are currently close to 9, registered recreational vessels with heads on board and an average of commercial vessel transits taking place per day. Once these fecal bacteria have entered our waterways, the length of time they can survive can be impacted by several factors.
Bacteria are destroyed by the UV rays found in sunlight, so they thrive in cloudy or turbid water. Additionally, sand or mud that has been stirred up by wind, waves, or boater activity can reduce water clarity and directly release bacteria from the soil.
Bacteria also grow faster when there is less dissolved oxygen in the water. When an advisory is issued, the affected beach is NOT closed. An advisory is simply issued to inform the public of the elevated bacteria level so people can make an informed choice about swimming in the affected waters.
Once elevated bacteria levels are detected, water samples are taken daily until the levels return to normal. Click here or on the map below for beach watch advisories in real-time. Please take a minute to subscribe and we will keep you posted on all the exciting news and events taking place in our area!
Skip to content Menu. Tailor your perfect Galveston Island To make things even better, the beach is home to sand volleyball courts. And, though it has an admission fee, every penny is worth it, thanks to its superb attractions. Check out the other cool attractions and water features of this man-made beach. Bluewater Highway Galveston, TX There are no modern-day amenities available at this park.
Plus, there are tons of birds and relaxing picnic areas on this untouched beach. There are no permanent lifeguards on duty at this beach. Also, lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months. Beachtown Dr Galveston, TX With its remote location, this unique beach never gets crowded even in peak seasons.
Additionally, the water is pretty safe for swimming and the parking lot is close to shoreline. Also, there are numerous vacation rentals here that give you access to several attractions, like Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn. Aching for an extremely laid-back beach escape?
Then, head to this beachside community on Galveston Island. Pack drinks, food and equipment for snorkeling or swimming on this beach.
Related: Things to Do Near Galveston. Aside from its sandy shoreline and gentle waters, the beach also has scores of amenities in summer, including indoor showers and restrooms. The Tipsy Turtle and Grill is an excellent place to relax after hours of swimming and sunbathing. With its sun deck, the waterfront bar will reward you with a beautiful view of the beach, as you enjoy your drink.
Parking along the Seawall must be purchased via Pay By Phone. This Galveston beach area offers on-beach parking with portable restrooms from mid-March through Labor Day.
The beach is accessible by a dune walkover. Public beach access can be found at the stop light intersection of FM and Buccaneer Blvd. After Labor Day, driving is not allowed on weekends. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Texas-sized spa, lazy river, wave pool, splash pad and tower slides.
Since all Texas beaches are public, there are a number of access points throughout Galveston. The most popular ones on the West End are close to the end of the seawall. Areas like the 8 Mile Road beach access near Sunny Beach are crowded with young beach enthusiasts on the weekends.
Watch out for loose sand conditions that can make parking treacherous at any beach parking area. Drive or walk aboard the free Galveston-Bolivar ferry for an afternoon adventure in Crystal Beach.
Keep your eyes open for the resident dolphins! Hit hard by Hurricane Ike in , this beach community is still recovering. A few local restaurants and miles of drive-on beaches are ready to welcome you.
Parking requires a paid permit. The Red Snapper Inn is a popular dining destination for those looking to explore beyond the boundaries of the Island.
While some Galveston beaches charge a small fee per car, there are many beaches and West End pocket parks that are free and open to the public. Galveston beaches offer activities for all ages and skill levels. Bring your own gear or skip the haul and rent equipment from a number of local vendors. Fishing : Try your hand at catching fresh Gulf seafood by fishing from the jetties, piers or beaches.
Head to less crowded beaches in neighborhoods like Pirates Beach, Indian Beach or Kahala Beach for room to cast multiple poles. Birding : Galveston is a birding hot spot. Fall and spring migrations bring exciting visitors like Sandhill Cranes. Roseate Spoonbills and a wide variety of shore birds, songbirds and raptors can be found all year long. Summer surf is inconsistent, but spring storms often spur the right conditions for long, rolling waves.
Kite surfing and wind surfing are popular sports all year long due to consistent Gulf breezes.
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