PORT O'CONNOR

• Latitude: 28.4295
• Longitude: -96.4485
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in US

Location: US

Port O'Connor is a small coastal community located in Calhoun County, Texas, on the shores of Matagorda Bay. As a marine port, Port O'Connor serves various roles, including commercial and recreational activities. While it is not a major commercial shipping hub like Houston or Corpus Christi, it is still an essential local port with unique attributes.

Location

• Latitude: Approximately 28.4512° N
• Longitude: Approximately 96.4125° W
• Water Body: Matagorda Bay, which opens into the Gulf of Mexico
• Nearest Major Cities: Approximately 140 miles southwest of Houston and 95 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.

Port Specifications

Harbor Details:

• Type: Natural harbor with modifications.
• Depth: The port area's depth varies but is generally suited for smaller commercial vessels, fishing boats, and recreational crafts. Depth might range between 8 to 20 feet.
• Navigation Aids: Buoys, markers, and potentially local navigational aids due to the presence of recreational boating.

Facilities and Services:

• Docking: Multiple docks and piers to accommodate smaller vessels, fishing boats, and pleasure crafts.
• Marinas: Several marinas with facilities for refueling, repairs, and general maintenance.
• Boat Ramps: Public and private boat ramps available for launching smaller boats.
• Fishery Services: Fish cleaning stations, bait shops, and storage facilities for fishing gear.
• Cargo Handling: Limited due to the smaller scale of commercial operations. Focused mainly on local industries like fishing and recreational boating rather than large-scale logistics.

Commercial and Recreational Activities:

• Fishing: Major activity, including commercial fishing and charter fishing for tourism.
• Recreational Boating: Popular for sailing, kayaking, and leisure boating.
• Tourism: Attractions including bird watching, water sports, and angling, drawing many tourists, especially during peak seasons.
• Local Industry: Some small-scale marine-related industries, including boat repairs, fishing supply shops, and seafood processing.

Amenities

• Hotels and Lodging: Multiple options available, mostly catering to tourists and fishing enthusiasts.
• Restaurants: Several local restaurants, particularly those specializing in seafood.
• Retail and Supplies: Local shops offering fishing gear, boating supplies, and general retail items for residents and visitors.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects:

• Environmental Protections: Being a coastal area, it is subject to state and federal environmental regulations aimed at preserving water quality and habitat.
• Security: Governed by local and federal regulations, often with oversight from institutions like the U.S. Coast Guard for navigational and maritime security.

Connectivity:

• Road: Accessible by road via Texas State Highway 185.
• Air: Nearest major airport is in Victoria, Texas, about 50 miles away.
• Sea: Proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allows for coastal and offshore navigation.

Summary

Port O'Connor is a versatile port, heavily leaning towards recreational and tourism activities while supporting local commercial fishing. Its strategic location in Matagorda Bay provides ample opportunities for various marine activities, making it a vital community hub in Calhoun County.