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Texas (TX)
Texas Gulf Coast
Pasadena
Things to Do in Pasadena
Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena: Hours, Address, Armand Bayou Nature Center Reviews: 4.5/5

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Armand Bayou Nature Center

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Armand Bayou Nature Center
4.5
121
#1 of 17 things to do in Pasadena
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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About
Not-for-profit wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve on the southeast side of Houston.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
121 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
45
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Marian D
9 contributions
Safe, relaxing trip
Couples
We have been trying to get reservations on this ride for a while, always full or too hot. Surprisingly, the pandemic has helped, now lots of room to socially distance and a new pontoon boat. Everyone was wearing masks, so it was all good. Saw gators, pelicans, herons, egrets, a large woodpecker, etc. The guide and captain were very knowledgeable, would recommend this to anyone with an interest in nature or a relaxing ride.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meander63827
Shreveport, LA23 contributions
Relaxing sunset cruise
We visited Armand Bayou Nature Center. We were able to do the sunset cruise on the bayou. Mike, our boat captain, was so friendly as was the volunteer who narrated the trip. The pontoon boat was powered by an electric motor so the birds and alligators were not startled so we could get a good look. We saw yellow crowned night heron, lots of little green herons, great blue heron, great egrets, white ibis, tri-color heron. We also saw some deer along the waterway. The trip was over an hour and very enjoyable. On the way to the boathouse, we went on a short hike. I will do this again when I visit the area. I would highly recommend.
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lee r
1 contribution
Great trip to Horsepen Bayou
Solo
Excellent pontoon trip on Armond and Horsepen Bayous. Knowledgeable volunteer guide provided commentary and identified birds and mammals. Many American alligators including juveniles. Pontoon is nearly silent as it is electric (battery powered). Tour goes deep into nature where only kayaks can go. Access to ABNC trails and museum is included with tour. Handy access to boat house via electric trolley. Highly recommended.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gulden E
1 contribution
Perfect scenery, excessive brain feeding
The scenery was marvelous. The trip length was perfect. The guide was very knowledgeable. I wished he stopped talking from time to time so we could feel the peace of the atmosphere. Nature is not just a scientific phenomenon but is a source of positive energy for our souls.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nnovaj67
Friendswood, TX63 contributions
Sunset boat trip is wonderful
Took the sunset pontoon boat cruise . It was so peaceful. Electric motor made cruising quiet. Saw lots of birds, turtles and fish. The HIGHLIGHT of the trip was all the alligators we saw. Many in the water and quite a few up on the banks. Even Shaw a mom with little baby alligators.

Would definitely go again and take friends.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chas A
Houston, TX3 contributions
Highly entertaining and educational outing into amazing wilderness area
Couples
Really enjoyable electric (quiet) boat trip deep into the narrow upper reaches of Armand Bayou. Early on a Saturday morning before the heat set in we saw ibis, herons, a Mississippi kite (raptor), egrets and all sizes of alligator - from 8” babies to 8’ adults. Captain James and naturalist Gene seemed to know everything there was to ask about the critters and plants and the bayou water itself. Binoculars were provided for spotting birds and gators but the silent gliding pontoon boat was often able to approach very close to redwing blackbirds, cardinals, tanagers and the larger birds in the trees and bushes. The trip was an in-depth education about our local ecology and about the history of the area with the effects of its subsidence on the bayou. Overall a very excellent outing!
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian C
Pearland, TX266 contributions
Refreshing
Family
Armand Bayou is a great place to get away from the city for a nice short hike and to be in nature. Our kids loved exploring the trails. The area is not enormous, but you are not bumping into people along the way either.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Russell D
Austin, TX2 contributions
Sunset cruise was a winner!
We took the sunset cruise and were not disappointed. Plenty of wildlife in their natural habitat with good narration by our guides throughout the trip. Well worth the money and a very unique experience that should satisfy all ages.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennifer Scott M
League City, TX6 contributions
Really enjoyable morning on the bayou
Family
Early morning pontoon ride on the bayou. Was a lot of fun, saw some baby alligators, pelicans, osprey, and a bald Eagle. The persons facilitating the tour were knowledgeable and very personable. Highly recommend.
Written April 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracy D
Houston, TX279 contributions
A park with a variety to see
We enjoyed our trip to the Armand Bayou Nature Center. Due to the pandemic the buildings including the gift shop were closed, but the trails were open. I think our favorite part was the boardwalk that led to a platform overlooking a portion of the bayou. We spotted a good size alligator and tons of frogs from the platform. During this hike (late June) there were A LOT of orb spiders. It certainly made you stay on the path, but they were interesting.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Armand Bayou Nature Center
Armand Bayou Nature Center is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Wed - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM