IVORY BILL Tour Charters available now.
New Rates will apply for 2025
For available dates, the registration system will show that, or you may call the office -- the phone number is at the bottom of this page.**
Private Charters on Ivory Bill -- Relax on the River!
"The Ivory Bill" Meeting and Event Charters
The Ivory Bill is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected 45-ft. covered pontoon boat operated by the Big Thicket Association. Excursions are typically two hours. Your excursion will take you on the open waters of the Neches River and into the Big Thicket National Preserve. Visit a bald cypress - water tupelo swamp and travel farther down river to experience the Port of Beaumont and learn about local commerce and regional water management of our local community.
The Ivory Bill is a unique setting for your next business meeting, social gathering, or special event. Our trips have included celebrations for birthdays, wedding receptions, holiday parties, retirements, retreats, club outings, and reunions.
Each charter can be customized to your needs, from a relaxing boat ride on the river to an interpretive tour of local ecology, natural history, conservation, history, commerce, and water management.
LENGTH OF CHARTER TRIP
2 hours (a longer trip time can be scheduled for an additional cost - contact our office). Passengers must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled charter departure time. If the charter is unable to depart at the scheduled time, the total tour time may be reduced.
CHARTER FEES for 2025
Private Charter: $550 + 6% convenience fee for 2 hours - Rate applies to “for-profit” businesses and industries.
Non-Profit Charter: $450 + 6% convenience fee for 2 hours –Rate applies to non-profit organizations that have a 501(c)3 status, churches, & governmental agencies – also includes private groups for meetings, club outings, reunions, birthdays parties, celebrations, etc.
If you wish to extend the hours of your charter, contact the BTA Office prior to your reservation. For charters over 2 hours, there will be an additional charge of $100 per hour for every hour over 2 hours. The additional hour charged is calculated in 1-hour increments. Fuel surcharges may be added to tours that require more fuel than is normally used for the average tour. Fuel surcharges are based on total distance covered on personalized tours.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS ALLOWED
The Ivory Bill can accommodate 30 passengers and 3 crew members. Perimeter benched seats provide comfortable seating.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that a passenger list be recorded in the event of an emergency. Upon boarding you will be asked to sign in. The passenger list is forwarded to onshore Big Thicket Association management.
IVORY BILL CREW
The crew consists of a U. S. Coast Guard Certified Captain, a Deckhand, and an Interpreter. Both the Deckhand and Interpreter can serve in the role of Safety Officer. A designated Safety Officer is required for each excursion.
SAFETY INFORMATION
The crew has been instructed in emergency man overboard drills. Crew members have first aid and CPR training. The vessel is equipped with fire extinguishers and a first-aid kit. Personal flotation devices for adults and children are onboard for your use.
DEPARTURE and RETURN LOCATION ADDRESSES
Charters will leave from Beaumont RV & Marina, 560 Marina Dr. in Beaumont. Free parking is available.
On occasion, charters can also depart and return from the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA) Saltwater Barrier, 6790 Bigner Road, Beaumont, Texas 77708.
Prior to your trip, you will be contacted by us to confirm your reservation, including the departure location.
The boat is equipped with a CD player with stereo system and microphone.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
There are no concessions on the boat or at the departure locations. Guests are welcome to bring snacks/food and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are allowed on Charter trips at the sole discretion of the captain.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
There are public restrooms located at each departure location. The Ivory Bill vessel is equipped with a restroom as well.
SMOKING, PETS, SERVICE ANIMALS
Smoking is prohibited on the vessel. Pets are prohibited on the vessel. Service animals are allowed on the vessel.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
For hearing impaired guests, please contact our office prior to making your reservation. We utilize the services of local individuals for sign language interpretative tours and have provided descriptive tours for the visually impaired.
The Ivory Bill can accommodate 2-3 wheelchairs/scooters on deck. Please contact our office/boat phone prior to making your reservation. We can provide measurements of the access ramp, boat doors, and spacing between seats, and discuss options for group trips that have multiple wheelchairs/scooters.
WHAT TO BRING
Binoculars, cameras for wildlife observation and photography.
Typically, the air temperature is ten degrees cooler on the water. Guests may want to bring a sweater or jacket for the trip. Blankets are available on the boat if needed.
The boat is covered but you may wish to have a hat, scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Generally biting insects are not an issue, but you may want to bring insect repellent.
HOW TO PAY?
Debit cards, Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted.
Personal or Organization/Agency checks will be accepted.
No physical cash is accepted.
A minimum deposit of $100 is due for Charters when your Charter Agreement is submitted, or you may pay in full.
The balance of the fee is due the day before the Charter trip.
You will choose date/time and pay when you use the link at the top of this page to register.
Proceeds benefit the mission of the Big Thicket Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the Big Thicket region, its natural resources and cultural history, for the enjoyment and well-being of present and future generations through advocacy, education, and research.
TIPS/DONATIONS
The Ivory Bill does have a secure donation box. We appreciate your generosity!
LEAD TIME FOR RESERVATIONS
Reservations for private charters must be made two weeks prior to the desired day of your trip.
IF YOU MUST CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION.
Please notify us within 5 days of the trip date if you need to cancel or reschedule your charter.
CHARTER CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER, NATURAL EVENTS, OR OTHER ISSUES
Charter trips may be cancelled due to inclement weather or operational considerations beyond our direct control.
Weather and water conditions and forecasts will be evaluated by the Captain and BTA staff. Charter trip cancellation is at the sole discretion of the captain to ensure passenger and crew safety. Charter trips will not sail if there is a greater than 50% chance of precipitation or gusty winds, or the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
We will do our best to reschedule charters to accommodate your needs. Deposits for cancelled charters that cannot be rescheduled will be refunded.
Thanks for reading this information. REGISTER using the link at the top of this page.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR ASSISTANCE CONTACT THE BIG THICKET ASSOCIATION.
409-790-5399 OFFICE (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) or leave message.
409-651-5326 IVORY BILL BOAT
Big Thicket Association 700 North Street, Suite 79 Beaumont, Texas 77701