Get in touch with nature in Galveston
Connecting with nature is easy to do in Galveston and best of all, it’s good for you.
According to MentalFloss. com’s article, 11 Scientific Reason Why Being in Nature is Relaxing, the health benefits are more than you think. It begins with unplugging and centering your mind. With some downtime, your brain begins to recharge which can also lead to lowering stress hormones and improving blood pressure.
If looking to get away from it all while in Galveston, there’s plenty to do after walking the beach, surfing the waves, and collecting keepsake shells.
Start with a dolphin boat tour. Barbara Garnett, manager at Baywatch Dolphin Tours, said they go nearly 3 miles through Galveston Harbor with a guided historical tour while watching Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins play.
“Some things to see are the WWII Submarine and Destroyer Escort at Seawolf Park, the ferry landing, drilling rigs, the Tall Ship Elissa, and more. You may also see different types of birds. From time to time, coyotes on Pelican Island come out,” Garnett said.
Baywatch 34’ boats have a maximum capacity of 36 passengers with inside and outside seating available. The first tour departs at 10 a.m. then every hour until 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children ages 2-12. Non-aggressive pets are welcome. Infants and pets ride free. For information, go towww. bay watch dolphin tours. com.
“We welcome everyone from individuals, couples, families, or various groups. We also have private charters available,” she said.
Does riding off into the sunset or feeling the ocean breeze sound like the perfect ending to your Galveston visit? Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides (GIHPR), a locally owned, family-oriented trail riding
operation, offers visitors an exceptional experience.
“The rides follow the shoreline around the outskirts of the East Beach sea-turtle/seabird nesting area,” said Diane Lewis with Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides.
After passing the South Jetty on the farthest southeast tip of the Island, the ride goes around the ship-channel side of the park. The trail includes a beautiful natural lagoon teaming with wildlife with serene beachfront on the other side. Seeing dolphins is very common in the ship channel.
“It’s a very peaceful ride. Due to the sea-turtle/seabird refuge area, there are no vehicles permitted on this part of the beach,” Lewis said.
Reservations are highly recommended with no payment due until after the ride. Dressing for the elements is advised. More information at www.gihpr.com/ gihpr-home.