Ship Tours

Important: Direct public access to the ships is not permitted. Those interested in a ship tour must go to POST Houston in order to register and join the queue where you will be screened and then depart for the tour.

Ship Tours: What You Need To Know

Members of the public will be able to tour a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) daily starting April 16 through April 21.  Due to distance and logistical considerations, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) will not be available for general public tours.

Tours depart from POST Houston (401 Franklin St. in Downtown) starting at 7:30 am each day; you must register on site at POST. The last tour each day will depart around 5 pm except for Tuesday April 21 when the last tour departs at 11 am.

Parking is limited for this event.  All available parking on POST property requires payment. 

Please plan ahead and arrive early. Rideshares are also encouraged. The recommended drop off is at the corner of Bagby and Franklin. More information can be found at www.posthtx.com/parking

Here’s a quick list of helpful things to know when you come down to the port to see them:

Quicklinks
  1. Go Aboard
  2. Restrictions:
  3. NAVY SHIP TOUR SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Go Aboard

Due to overwhelming demand, we are no longer using the digital queue. Those interested in a ship tour must register onsite at POST Houston and get a wristband designating their assigned tour time.

UPDATED INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1. Go to Post Houston (401 Franklin St.)

Step 2. Register for tours on a first-come, first-served basis and get a wristband designating your tour time

Step 3. Get in line at the appointed time to board the bus

All adults must present a valid government-issued ID (state ID card, driver’s license or passport) to take Navy ship tours. Non-US citizens must show valid passports and will be subject to a brief additional screening before boarding the vessels. Photocopies of IDs will not be accepted.

*You and your party will be able to tour ONE ship.

Please only have 1 person from your party claim a QR code pass, space is limited.

The time you have been assigned is your designated entry time to join the shuttle line for access to the Active Navy Ships.

Please note:

  • This is not the exact time of your ship tour, but your scheduled time to begin the boarding process.
  • Arrive early enough to allow time for parking, security screening, and walking to the shuttle area.
  • Late arrivals may result in delayed boarding or forfeited access.


Restrictions:

  • Visitors must be at least 5 years of age
  • No strollers permitted on the ships
  • Closed-toed shoes are required
  • No large bags of any type are allowed on vessels, including large camera bags, backpacks, purses, diaper bags, etc.
  • Visitors must be able to walk unassisted without the aid of supporting devices; otherwise an equivalency experience will be offered if desired
  • Ability to navigate tight spaces and up and down steep ladders is required
  • No public restrooms aboard (available on dock)
  • No pets allowed
  • No banners, flags, or political propaganda permitted

NAVY SHIP TOUR SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

ALL ship tour guests 18 years and older must show a government-issued ID card before boarding an active US Navy ship

Requirements for US Citizens

  • Acceptable IDs for US Citizens include a valid driver’s license, passport, or other government–issued photo identification
  • Paper copies or pictures of ID cards or passports are not accepted


Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

  • Non-U.S. Citizens or anyone without legal permanent residence status must show a valid passport to board US Navy ships
  • Non-U.S. Citizens will be fingerprinted and photographed while passing through security screening prior to boarding a US Navy ship
  • Paper copies or pictures of ID cards or passports are not accepted

Have more questions? Try our Frequently Asked Questions page.

To top