Stingaree Marina: The Social Hub of the Bolivar Peninsula
If the Bolivar Peninsula has a town square, it is Stingaree Marina. This bay-side spot is where people eat, dock their boats, book fishing charters, and catch up with their neighbors.
About Stingaree Marina
Stingaree Marina sits on the bay side of the Bolivar Peninsula in the Crystal Beach area. It is the biggest commercial operation on the peninsula and serves as the social hub for locals and visitors. The marina has boat slips, a fuel dock, bait and tackle shop, and it is home to Stingaree Restaurant and Bar.
The name comes from the old Texas word for stingray. You will see actual stingrays in the shallow bay water near the docks, so the name fits. The marina faces East Bay, which connects to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico through Bolivar Roads.
Stingaree Restaurant
Stingaree Restaurant is probably the most popular dining spot on the peninsula. The menu is heavy on seafood, burgers, and fried everything. The atmosphere is casual. Flip-flops and sandy feet are perfectly normal. They have live music on weekends during the summer season.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating with views of East Bay. Sunset from the outdoor deck is one of the best views on the peninsula. It gets busy on summer weekends, so plan ahead or be ready to wait for a table. They serve lunch and dinner.
Boating and Fishing Charters
Stingaree Marina is the primary boat launch and docking facility on the Bolivar Peninsula. If you bring your own boat, you can use the boat ramp for a fee. The marina has wet slips available and a fuel dock for both gasoline and diesel.
Several fishing charter captains operate out of Stingaree. You can book half-day or full-day trips targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead in East Bay. Offshore trips for snapper and other Gulf species are available too, though the run to deep water is longer from here than from Galveston.
The bait and tackle shop carries live shrimp, mullet, and other bait plus basic fishing gear. It is not a full-service tackle store, but it covers the essentials for a day on the water.
Getting to Stingaree Marina
Stingaree Marina is on the bay side of Highway 87 in the Crystal Beach area. Look for the signs on the highway. It is easy to find. The turn takes you down a short road to the marina and restaurant.
If you are staying in a Crystal Beach vacation rental, Stingaree is likely within a 5 to 10-minute drive. It is the kind of place you will probably visit multiple times during your stay, whether for dinner, bait, or just to see what is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stingaree Marina have a boat ramp?
Yes. Stingaree Marina has a boat ramp available for a launch fee. The marina also has wet slips and a fuel dock with gasoline and diesel. It is the primary boating facility on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Can you book fishing charters at Stingaree Marina?
Yes. Several fishing charter captains operate out of Stingaree Marina. You can book half-day or full-day bay fishing trips for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, as well as offshore Gulf trips for snapper and other species.
Does Stingaree Restaurant have live music?
Yes. Stingaree Restaurant features live music on weekends, especially during the summer season. The restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking East Bay and serves lunch and dinner with a casual, beach-town atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Crystal Beach
Most visitors to Crystal Beach stay in vacation rentals. If you want a property with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit that sleeps up to 15 guests, check out Pickle Beach by Insane Stays. Book direct and save 20% vs. Airbnb, Vrbo & Booking.com.
Planning a Crystal Beach Vacation?
Pickle Beach is a 5-bedroom vacation rental with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit. Steps from the beach. Pet-friendly.
View Pickle Beach