Kayak Drop Off Locations
Whether you have years of paddling experience or are just learning we have the perfect drop off locations for your PaddlePOC adventure.
Little Jetties
The shallowest of all drop off points is right smack in the middle of an estuary on the north side of the jetty. Paddle over to the beach to check out the end of the pier in a unique way. Feeling a little more adventurous? The Texas Parks & Wildlife provided a launch area right here on the south side, which is a nice starting point for the nearly 40 trails offered by TPWD.
Fishing Center
Caution and always look both ways before crossing the Intercoastal Waterway. The fishing center is the best option for getting back into the Barroom Bay and accessing the many miles of paddling trails that Texas Parks & Wildlife has setup for the public. From this point you may access almost every route through the bays, flats and cuts. Not to mention the many dolphins that frequent this area.
Froggies
Caution and always look both ways before crossing the Intercoastal Waterway. The closest of our launch points. This launch point has everything you would ever need to go catch a big one (we are not fishing guides). Departing from this point you will have a nice paddle down the Intercoastal Waterway to check out some of the subdivisions and awesome scenery only viewable by boat. You may just pull up to 475 Bar and Grill for a awesome shrimp taco or beer.
Boggy Bayou Park
This launch location is our most remote. Make sure you come prepared for a emergency situation in the case of cuts or scrapes. Boggy is a well known spot by locals and provides an excellent area for our prominent southeast wind in the area. Plenty to explore and even more to see!
Port O'Connor Paddling Trails
The Port O'Connor Paddling Trail comprises six interconnecting trails covering around 40 miles of trail, including the shores of Espiritu Santo and Matagorda Bays and their boundary saltwater marsh Mules Slough/Fish Pond. The trail offers opportunities to paddle, birdwatch, fish, and relax, with the main spine trail ending near the picnic area on Matagorda Island.
Remember to estimate 1-2 miles/hour on each trail depending on water levels, wind speed, and your skill level.
~25 miles
Winds through the several bayous and across open water ending at the Picnic Area on Matagorda Island *Not recommended as a day trip.
~11 miles
Take a trip back in time on this paddling trail through Pass Cavallo, a major port of entry and captured by the Union during the Civil War.
~8 miles
Enjoy a smooth paddle around protected Barroom Bay. Lots of oyster reef, so watch your tides.
~13 miles
Follows the Matagorda Island Trail through shallow, protected marsh before turning east into Mules Slough.
~16 miles
Follows the Matagorda Island Trail into Fish Pond, then loops into Mules Slough.
~17 miles
Start out heading west before looping back into Lighthouse Cove and Fish Pond. Return trip follows the Matagorda Island Trail back to POC.
Safety
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip while paddling, wear a lifejacket, apply plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, and plan your trip to bring enough water. Watch out for fast-moving powerboats and oyster reefs, check the tides before departure, and be aware of the local weather forecast. Tides above 1' are generally suitable for paddling, while those below 0.0' may require kayakers to pull their kayaks across shallow spots. The wind is the biggest potential hazard, and weather can change rapidly, especially from strong northers in Fall through Spring. Waterfowl hunting is also a popular activity in the area.
Wildlife
The small islands near Matagorda Island are home to a diverse range of migratory and shorebirds, including several federally listed endangered species. Visitors may also spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and whitetail deer. The area is also popular for fishing, with redfish, speckled trout, drum, and other species commonly caught year-round.
Private Property
Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down while paddling. Some paddling trails are adjacent to private property, and the use of private land without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing under the Texas Penal Code. Notice of private property can be given verbally, by sign or fence, purple paint on posts or trees, or by the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.