Laffite's Retreat

All of us on Galveston Island are closely tracking the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Making sure that our information is from trusted and reliable sources is key to ensuring our plans and responses are accurate to protect your vacation experience.

At this time, it is too early to know where, and how severely, the Gulf coast will be affected. Currently, there is no impact predicted to Galveston Island or Texas beaches. As of today, there is no visible oil, odor or any other impact from the spill anywhere on Texas beaches. Our shores are clear and open for fishing, swimming and other water activities. If the oil slick reaches our beaches, there will be an immediate response to clean and re-open the beaches for your enjoyment.

Click here to see our beaches right now!

We suggest you follow the steps below in order to prepare for your stay with us:

INFORMATION:  Find and follow trusted sources of information on the spill. Updates are posted often and conditions can change greatly in a single day. There are links below to help you access the latest information on a variety of websites.

If you are planning a trip to Galveston and are concerned about potential impact from the oil spill, we encourage you to check this website for up-to-date information:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THESE WEBSITES

• Click here to monitor the oil spill and see impacted areas.
• Click here to see NOAA's daily written update.
• Click here to see NOAA's map.
• Click here to see live Galveston Beach surfcams.
• Click here to see the official Deep Water Horizon Response website.

MESSAGE FROM GALVESTON ISLAND
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU - May 11, 2010

At this time, Galveston has not been affected by oil or tar and no tar balls have been reported. City officials and the Convention Visitors Bureau are closely monitoring the oil spill off the Louisiana coast. Both entities are in close contact with the Coast Guard and state officials. The Island will be informed of any changes to the direction of the spill. this summer season. There are no official warnings that the Texas coast will be impacted.

Galveston’s beaches are still looking great and the concern is still minimal about oil reaching Galveston.

Any visitors with concerns are encouraged to contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau at 409-797-5123, 888-425-4753 or check the webcams on the Galveston.com. For updates on specifics about the oil spill please contact NOAA officials directly.

At this time, it is too early to predict if tar balls will actually reach Galveston Island. Wind, water currents and the capping of the oil spill can all change the course of the oil spill.

Locally, the Coast Guard and the Park Board will be monitoring the shore for any substances and will take appropriate action if tar balls are reported on Galveston’s beaches.  The Coast Guard does have emergency clean up plans in place if necessary.