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All About the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

February 14, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 11 Comments

colonel Next time you visit Moody Gardens, don’t miss out on taking an hour-long cruise around the Offatts Bayou in an authentic replica of an 1800s-style paddlewheel! The paddlewheel holds up to 800 passengers and offers cruises year-round.

You can catch an hour-long cruise across the beautiful Offatts Bayou throughout the week.

Schedule

Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Closed on Monday

Pricing

Adults: $10.95

Children/Seniors: $8.95

Have a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion to celebrate? Then make your reservations for the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Dinner Cruise! They are scheduled the second Saturday of each month, and allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views of Offatts Bayou while also enjoying a delicious dinner buffet, dancing, and a cash bar.

The charming paddlewheel boat offers a variety of menus for our dinner cruises, from cocktail parties to full dinners. We also like switching up the entertainment, such as Dixieland jazz bands, dance bands, pianist, strolling violins, banjos, and much more.

Upcoming Dinner Cruises:

March 9, 2013

April 13, 2013

May 11, 2013

Reservations must be made by the Wednesday before the scheduled dinner cruise. Call 1-800-582-4673, ext.4419 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for reservations and more information. If you want to bring your whole family or a group of friends, we also offer group rates.

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat offers two luxurious private party rooms, The Texas Room and The Galveston Room. Private parties are available during the regularly scheduled dinner cruises in our climate-controlled rooms. Each room has a large dance floor and bar facilities to get the party started. There is an additional bar on the Promenade Deck. Both private party rooms are installed with stereo music and a sound system to cater to your entertainment needs. You can invite up to 240 guests in The Texas Room and 200 in The Galveston Room!

We look forward to seeing you at the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat on your next family weekend getaway to Texas! Be sure to rest your head at the Moody Gardens Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Galveston.

Interning with Moody Gardens

February 13, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

intern Education is an extremely important part of what we do here at Moody Gardens, which is why we offer an extensive Internship Program for college students. Our interns get the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of choice.

Apply

Applying to the Internship Program is a three-stop process.

Submit an application packet including the following:

Completed application
Resume
Cover letter
Two letters of reference from a non-family member
Current transcript
Letter from a course professor containing the professor’s name, contact information, and name of the course in which credit will be given for the internship

Moody Gardens will contact applicants by phone to schedule an interview. Applicants must interview with both the Intern Coordinator and the manager of the appropriate department in which the internship will take place. Interviews will allow applicants a chance to learn more about the program, while also giving Moody Gardens a chance to get to know you better.
All applicants chosen to be interns must complete the Intern Orientation Program. Orientations are held before each semester and last around three hours. Attendance is mandatory, and must be down before the intern’s first shift.

Internship opportunities:

Penguins and Pinnipeds Internship
Rainforest Internship
Fish Internship
Quarantine Internship
Veterinarian Technician Internship

Application Deadlines:

Spring (Feb/March/April): January 1

Summer (June/July): May 1

Fall (Oct/Nov/Dec): September 1

All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the day of the deadline.

For more information and any questions, please feel free to contact the Intern Coordinator at volunteers@moodygardens.com.

Please mail completed applications to:

Moody Gardens®

Attn: Volunteer Services

One Hope Blvd.

Galveston, TX 77554

Phone: 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4108

Fax: 409-683-4929

Email: volunteers@moodygardens.com

Don’t miss out on the fun at the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and all of Moody Gardens’ attractions. Check out the Moody Gardens Hotel and learn why it is one of the best places to stay in Galveston.

Moody Gardens Hotel Packages

February 12, 2013 / Moody Gardens

The Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston for a variety of reasons—one of which is our value-priced hotel packages. We understand our guests want to experience a great vacation without busting the bank! Check out our great hotel packages that make your dream vacation affordable.

Explore Moody Gardens

This package includes a room in the hotel and two-day value passes for the Moody Gardens attractions. The value passes include admittance into the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Moody Gardens 3D Theater, Ridefilm Theater, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, and Palm Beach (summer season). The package also includes complimentary valet parking and yoga on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sunday-Thursday

Double Occupancy $268
Triple Occupancy $317
Quadruple Occupancy $365

Friday-Saturday

Double Occupancy $291
Triple Occupancy $340
Quadruple Occupancy $388

Romantic Rendezvous

This romantic package includes a stay in one of our popular Jacuzzi suites for two. The package also comes with a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a rose delivered upon arrival, a delicious breakfast for two either in your room or at the Terrace Restaurant, complimentary valet parking, and complimentary yoga on Saturdays and Sundays.

Daily

$398

Honeymoon Package

For newlyweds. we offer a luxurious room for two! The package includes a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a rose upon arrival, breakfast in your room or at the Terrace Restaurant, and complimentary yoga and valet parking.

Sunday-Thursday

$277

Friday-Saturday

$300

Stay and Play Golf Package

For the golf lover! This package includes a luxurious room with your choice of one king bed or two queen beds. When you aren’t enjoying your luxurious room, you will be spending time on the green! The package also includes a round of golf at the Moody Gardens Golf Course (per person), a golf cart, and a bucket of range balls. Be sure to book your tee time before arrival. They can be booked 45 days in advance.

Monday-Thursday

Single Occupancy $224
Double Occupancy $275
Triple Occupancy $327
Quadruple Occupancy $379

Friday-Sunday

Single Occupancy $270
Double Occupancy $344
Triple Occupancy $419
Quadruple Occupancy $494

Contact the hotel’s reservation department to book your package today! Call 1-888-388-8484.

Our SAVY Program for Teens

February 11, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

savy If you’re between the ages of fourteen and seventeen and looking for a way to get involved this summer, while also creating unforgettable memories, then the SAVY program is your answer. What does SAVY stand for, you ask? SAVY is the Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youths that gives teens the opportunity to give back to their community while also gaining experience in a variety of exciting career fields.

The goals and objectives of Moody Gardens SAVY program include:

To teach participants about different career fields, including biology and education.
To be a program that challenges teens mentally, physically, and socially regardless of sex, color, or creed.
To assist Moody Gardens staff with a variety of duties and responsibilities.
To help participants gain experience they can use for future employment.
To help support Moody Gardens’ mission as a public, non-profit education destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
To provide an environment to guests that is both educational and entertaining.

Want to Apply?

Applying to SAVY is a three-part process. First, submit a written SAVY Volunteer application to Moody Gardens. Second, submit at least two letters of recommendation along with your application. We know your favorite aunt knows a lot about you, but the letters of recommendation must from non-relatives. The last part of the application process requires attending a SAVY Open House and a personal interview with members of Moody Gardens Volunteer Services and Education Department.

Open House

On Saturday, April 13, 2012, applicants must come to the open house to informally meet members of the Volunteer Services and Education Department and learn more about the program. The open house also gives participants a chance to meet and get to know each other through fun games and icebreakers. If you plan on being a SAVY volunteer, the open house is mandatory and part of the selection process for the program. Applicants may choose between two three-hour sessions, either at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Orientation

Those accepted into the program for the first time will go to orientation on Saturday June 2 or Monday, June 4, from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. For returning volunteers, orientation will be from 1-5 p.m.

To learn more about the SAVY program, please contact Volunteer Services at 800-582-4673, ext. 4121, or send inquiries via email to savy@moodygardens.com.

When you aren’t volunteering with us, be sure to visit the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Spa at Moody Gardens, and all our other exciting attractions.

Overnight Adventures with Moody Gardens

February 8, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

There is so much to see, learn, and participate in at Moody Gardens that it is impossible to fit it all into one trip! If your kids just can’t get enough of Moody Gardens, then Overnight Adventures is the solution! Whether you want to set up a Moody Gardens sleepover for friends or for a classroom, we would love to talk to you about the opportunity.

We offer two different overnight adventures. Depending on which adventure you choose, students will spend the night exploring either the Rainforest Pyramid or the Aquarium Pyramid.

Creatures of the Night

With the Creatures of the Night adventures, the kids explore how the rainforest comes alive once the sun goes down. Discover how the nocturnal creatures live by using all five of your senses to find your way through the Rainforest. The adventure includes tons of nighttime rainforest activities, including a tour of the Rainforest Pyramid. The sleepover takes place in the Rainforest Entrance.

Nights on the Reef

Have you always wandered what lives above and below the tropical oceans of the world, and what’s going on during the night? Come spend a night exploring and learning about coral reef inhabitants and how they adapt to their particular environment before getting a night’s rest in the aquarium.

Overnight Adventures run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and include a late-night pizza snack and a light breakfast. The price is $1,000 for up to 20 people, and $50 for each extra person. Chaperones are required.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. To make your reservation, or for more information, call 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4325, or email us at education@moodygardens.com.

For a Moody Gardens sleepover that includes the whole family, make your reservations at the Moody Gardens Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Galveston. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

February 7, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Volunteering is a great way to boost morale and promote team building for your company, organization, or student group. Corporate and group volunteers at Moody Gardens have an opportunity to get involved with ground work and special events, such as the Festival of Lights.

At Moody Gardens, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help of our incredible volunteers. We depend on them for assistance in many areas of operation.

The Corporate and Group Volunteer Program allows participants to provide hands-on assistance in many areas, including but not limited to:

Gardens and grounds keeping (mulching, planting, and weeding)
Painting
Exhibit upkeep
Event preparation
Cleaning attractions, such as the lazy river and playground structures, and surfaces
Paint and change bulbs for the Festival of Lights
Special events, such as Ghostly Gardens, Easter in the Gardens, and Festival of Lights

Corporate and Group Volunteer Program details:

Weather permitting, groups may volunteer year round
Highest need for volunteers is between September and May
A maximum of 50 volunteers will be accepted
Groups are taken on a first-come, first-served basis
There is a 4-hour minimum requirement
Must be 16 years or older
Children may not accompany adults while volunteering
Each participant must sign a liability waiver

Volunteering with a group gives you the opportunity to become part of the conservation and education efforts that are a major aspect of Moody Gardens. You also have the chance to give back to your community and meet new people.

When you aren’t spending your time helping us out, be sure to check out the popular attractions, such as the Rainforest Pyramid and Aquarium Pyramid. For overnight stays, check out one of the best places to stay in Galveston—the Moody Gardens Hotel. We are so appreciative of our volunteers, and look forward to working with you soon!

Upcoming Events: Birding 101 and Birding 201

February 5, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

egret Moody Gardens is dedicated to educating the community on nature, animals, and conservation. We love getting involved with our guests while also teaching them about the nature and beauty that surrounds us. On our Calendar of Events, some of the exciting things we have coming up are Birding 101 and Birding 201.

Birding 101

Birding 101 is presented by Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council. Birding 101 is a class created to educate participants about the variety of bird life that can be seen on Galveston Island. The island is home to hundreds of species of birds such as egrets, herons, hawks, seagulls, and many more. The class is free and held on the second Saturday of each month. We want to be able to excite our people about the bird species we share the area with. Class meets in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby and is from 9-11 a.m.

Birding 201

Birding 201 gives participants a more in depth look at the bird life on the island. The instructor-led classes allow participants to visit certain areas of the island where they can spy some of the tremendous variety of birds. Instead of just teaching participants about the birds, Birding 201 actually takes you out to find them! Classes are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9-11a .m. The class is $5 and participants meet in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby. Moody Gardens will provide transportation. Due to high demand, we ask that you reserve you spot no later than the Wednesday prior to the class by calling 409-683-4101.

Make Moody Gardens the destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas, and learn more about Galveston’s bird life while you’re here! If you’re on the hunt for one of the best places to stay in Galveston, make your reservations at the Moody Gardens Hotel.

Sea of Love: Valentine’s Dinner at Moody Gardens

February 4, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

valentines Spend your Valentine’s Day on a unique date in Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid. Celebrate the romance by diving into an underwater dining experience! Seating is limited, so book now!

Choose from four different Aquarium Pyramid dining experiences:

Tunnel of Love: Feel as though you’re underwater in our Caribbean Exhibit tunnel. Enjoy your romantic dinner while sharks and other beautiful sea creatures swim overhead.

Sealed with a Kiss: First- and second-level seating is available by the seals and sea lions of the North Pacific Exhibit. These playful animals will add a splash of fun to your dining experience.

Fishin’ for Love: First and second level seating is available in the South Pacific Exhibit. The colorful fish inhabitants provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic evening.

Lovable Penguins: You’ll have to be careful around the penguins of the South Atlantic Exhibit! They’re so cute they may just steal your heart this Valentine’s Day!

Our Lover’s Menu is packed full of delicious options to make the dining experience one to remember!

Soup and Salad (choice of one):

Asparagus Bisque topped with Roasted Pear
Seven Leaf Salad with Fresh Berries and tossed with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Entrée Selection (choice of one):

Colonel’s Rib Eye Steak with Garlic Herb Shrimp served with Red Potatoes
Red Snapped topped with Lump Crab Meat Cream Sauce served with Sauteed Julianne Vegetables
Pan Grilled Chicken Breast topped with Grape Tomato and Porcini Mushroom Sauce served with Char-Grilled Asparagus

Dessert (YUM!):

Chocolate Heart Shaped Tiramisu for two: three-layer sponge cake with mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, whipped cream, coffee liqueur, chocolate shavings, and topped with cocoa. Served with Bailey’s whipped cream.

This special Sea of Love Valentine’s Dinner is $80 per couple (does not include tax and gratuity). The event is from 6-8 p.m. on February 14, 2013.

Go ahead and turn the evening into an overnight romantic rendezvous with our special Valentine’s Hotel Package. For only $255, the package includes:

Valentine’s dinner
Chocolate covered strawberries
Breakfast for two
Behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium Pyramid on Friday morning

Discover why Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston.

Make your reservations TODAY! Call 1-800-582-4673 ext. 4200.

Learn More About the Animal Residents

February 1, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

At Moody Gardens, we have thousands of animal residents and a huge variety of different species! Keep reading to learn more about these exciting creatures from all over the world.

pygmy loris

Pygmy Loris: A Pygmy loris is a mammal that can be found in the rainforests and bamboo groves throughout Asia, including China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. This wooly creature has a brown coat and grows to be up to ten inches long and weighs about two pounds. They are recognized by their large eyes and small ears. Pygmy lorises are nocturnal animals that feed on small invertebrates, eggs, small reptiles, fruits, and vegetation. They can easily climb trees because of their opposable thumbs and strong hands and feet. The Pygmy loris is a threatened species, but cooperative breeding and conservation by various organizations is helping to ensure their survival.

Gentoo Penguins: We have a special place in our heart for the penguin residents at Moody Gardens! The Gentoo penguin can be found on the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. They are recognizable by their red eyes ringed in white feathers, with a white patch above each eye that extends over their head. Their black beak has a vibrant orange “swish” and they waddle around on orange feet. The Gentoo penguin is listed as a lower risk-near threatened species because of habitat destruction.

animals at mg

Ocelot: The ocelot is an endangered medium-sized wild cat with tawny fur and irregular dark brown spots and stripes. They come from arid and forested habitats all over the world, including many parts of Central and South America. Ocelots are terrific swimmers that hunt during the night feeding on small deer, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, other small mammals, and sometimes they go fishing!

To learn more about the animals at Moody Gardens, come explore the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid. Moody Gardens is the perfect destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas.

Our Dedication to Saving the Rainforest

January 31, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

savingrainforest

The Rainforest Pyramid, which opened in 1993, is a ten-story glass pyramid that recently underwent a massive enhancement project to make it better for both visitors and its animal and plant residents. The Rainforest Pyramid has shared the wonders of the Asian, African, and American rainforests with millions of visitors. It has also brought attention to the dangers rainforests are facing and the endangered species that inhabit them.

The popular Moody Gardens attraction is a great entertainment destination, but it is also the center point of Moody Gardens rainforest conservation efforts. Over the years, Moody Gardens has shown its dedication to saving the rainforest in a variety of ways.

In the last decade, Moody Gardens purchased 2,215 acres of rainforest in Panama for protected reserves. We have also collected over $69,000 for research and conservation in Central and South America to help preserve the diminishing rainforests in those regions.

Moody Gardens contributed to purchasing land in Peru to help complete the ReNuPeru Ethno Botanical Garden at the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research.

Other funds from Moody Gardens have been donated to support the Belizean Ministry of Natural Resources as they try to save the Mountain Pine Ridge Forests area from the devastation caused by a massive Pine Beatle infestation. We also contributed to the Rainforest Foundation to help indigenous people preserve their land from being taken over.

Moody Gardens contributes to helping save the rainforest through our animal programs and our research efforts. We stand by our mission: “Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.”

To learn more about our rainforest conservation efforts, come visit our Rainforest Pyramid. You can make a trip out of your visit by staying with us at the Moody Gardens Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Galveston.

Moody Gardens