Port O'Connor - Bar Room Bay

For experienced kayakers seeking a unique nighttime adventure, the Bar Room Bay Tour offers an exciting route rich in both history and wildlife. We begin our journey at the historic O'Connor Inn, a Port O'Connor landmark since the early 1900s. This iconic spot serves as both a launch point and an option for overnight stays, making it easy to immerse yourself in the full Port O’Connor experience.

Our adventure starts right at the marina, where you might spot the resident American alligator—perfect for a quick photo op before we paddle off! From there, we’ll cross the Intracoastal Waterway, a deep channel of 12-15 feet, taking us into one of Port O'Connor’s most scenic and storied locations: Bar Room Bay.

Bar Room Bay holds a special place in local history. In the early 20th century, this area was known for its lively gatherings, and a dance hall once stood along its shores, where fishermen and locals would come together to relax and celebrate after a day on the water. Although the dance hall was eventually destroyed by a hurricane, its memory endures as part of Port O'Connor’s maritime heritage. The bay’s name itself pays homage to this vibrant past.

As we continue through “Fisherman’s Cut” and enter Bar Room Bay, GlowRow’s powerful, 20,000-lumen lights reveal a variety of marine life below. Stone Crab, Blue Crab, Stingrays, Flounder, and multiple fish species call this bay home, and on a lucky night, you might even spot a curious Herring.

With our Texas-made, patented Glow-Paddles, you’ll see the underwater world come alive, giving you an unforgettable view of both nature and history. Book now to paddle into the heart of Bar Room Bay and experience the rich heritage and magic of the Gulf Coast under the stars!