Boat Trips

The R/V Katy

The R/V KATY is a 57-foot research vessel located on the campus of the UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas, and is available to visiting groups through a reservation. This research vessel takes groups out into the Mission-Aransas Estuary for educational programs to investigate our unique ecosystem.

Capacity

· Maximum capacity is 25 passengers, not including crew.

Age Requirements

· Participants must be at least 5th grade.

· For homeschool groups, the minimum age is 10 years old.

What to Bring & Dress Requirements

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience aboard the R/V Katy, please keep the following in mind:

· Dress appropriately for the weather and temperature and bring water and snacks if desired.

· Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants boarding the vessel.

· Glass containers, alcohol, and tobacco products are not permitted on board.

Required Forms

All required forms must be completed before your group arrives. Please print and complete all required forms prior to your trip. Forms will be collected by vessel crew before departure.

Meeting Location

Please meet at:

UTMSI Marina

750 Channel View Drive

Port Aransas, TX 78373

Pricing and Payment

Pricing information is available upon request. Payment may be made by check, providing a purchase order number at scheduling, or by credit card upon receipt of an invoice. The group leader is responsible for submitting payment. Individual payments cannot be accepted. Please make checks payable to “The University of Texas”.

Weather Policy

Trips aboard the R/V Katy are subject to changing weather conditions. Inclement weather may require schedule changes or cancellation. It is the responsibility of the group leader to contact the Marine Research Vessel Naturalist before the scheduled visit to receive the latest weather and trip status updates.

Inquire about the R/V Katy

Please contact the Marine Research Vessel Naturalist at kimber.montanye@austin.utexas.edu or (361) 749-3155, or complete the form below and select “R/V Katy Excursion” as the program type.

Small Boat Education Programs

Small Boat Education Programs are available for educational groups seeking hands-on experiences aboard UTMSI small research vessels. Availability is dependent upon vessel scheduling, university operational needs, and existing commitments.

Capacity: Small boats can accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers, not including crew.

Pricing information is available upon request.

Inquire about a Small Boat Education Program

Please contact the Marine Research Vessel Naturalist at kimber.montanye@austin.utexas.edu or (361) 749-3155, or complete the form below and select “Small Boat Education Program” as the program type.

Additional Vessels

Additional boats may be available by special arrangement. Availability depends on existing scheduling commitments.

For More Information

To inquire about the R/V Katy or other boat trips, email kimber.montanye@austin.utexas.edu or call (361) 749-3155. 

Boat Trips at Mission-Aransas Reserve