Reviews: Shell Morgan Landing Inc.

Reviewed by: Mike Johnson , Serenity, on May 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nice stop after a 100 mile day coming from the Shell Island anchorage on the Sabine River. We touched bottom on the way in (high tide) so heed the other reviewers comments about angle of approach favoring the fuel dock side of the entrance. Shore power worked and made for a nice break from being on the generator. Make certain you fender your vessel properly. The side tie is metal and a bit rusty. It will have no mercy on your gel coat if a fender pops out. Make sure to adjust fender height with the tide.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John N , Diamond Girl, on May 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great people and fuel prices! Owner Tony is awesome! Has room for a couple boats with power on east side of slip. He mentioned has more but not sure location. Nice place to stop. Taxi will bring you to Abbeville,La. Shuck's is famous seafood restaurant in Town.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Anita Robinson on Mar 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We stopped at Shell Morgan for a couple of days to do some engine repairs. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We tied up to a concrete wall so we put several fenders on our starboard side. No issues with depth getting into or out of the dock. Lots of mosquitoes!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Wes Elliott , Okie Dokie, on Oct 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 4

We'd give it a four star instead of five only for a couple of reasons. Don't expect a lot of amenities here. It was windy when we came in so a bit rough getting tied up to get gas. The gas station hand was awesome. Tony the owner showed up a few minutes into and helped. Tony said there are only 3 residents in this town my mom and I are two of them. Tony had a lot to say about boating but we will let you hear that more from him. We needed to go to a larger town with an auto store so Tony hooked us up with his life long friend who grew up here William. He has a taxi service 337-523-8984. We had the best time hearing about all the history of this little place and how William's grandpa opened the first store in 1947 after the war. We took him to lunch in Abbeville at Shucks family owned restaurant and he was right the food was 5 Star indeed. ??You can find out more on our warriorhearttravels post on YouTube. Too much to share. Be sure and bring bug spray the mosquitoes are the size of moths ??Oh and we got to meet some gator hunters so cool? Overall the people were so great!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Robert , Slow Dancing, on Jun 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

I spent one night here in June 2023, on a trip to move my boat from New Orleans home to Texas.

Shell Morgan is a great place, even if the facilities are limited. Basically, it's a commercial fuel dock with a couple spots for recreational boats, and two power points for 50Amp power. Water is available. Not much here.

The Shell Morgan building is red, with SHELL MORGAN in large white lettering. Fuel pumps directly in front of the building. Turn in off the ICW, keep the office on your port, and the very small number of spots for pleasure craft are to starboard on the bulkhead opposite the office. The bulkhead has a faded yellow stripe and is rusting. Rig your fenders low.

50amp power worked just fine. One water hose on the pleasure boat side. An older review commented on brown water. The water seemed clear, but was slightly colored from minerals.

I called them about 1:00pm, and made sure there would be space for me. They were shutting up for the day at 2pm, and said we could settle up in the morning after they open at 7AM.

I fueled up the next morning, the lowest cost diesel in a 1,000 mile trip. I told the two guys who work there, that they were famous in cruising circles, and that we appreciated them providing a spot for recreational boaters to tie up and have power and water. They told me that they have fewer and fewer recreational boaters in recent years, plus the oil business used to be their bread and butter, and that has faded. And, the shrimpers are having real trouble making ends-meet. This place is important for cruisers crossing this part of the ICW. It's the only recreational boat dock for a LONG way. I hope their business survives.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Klaas Koster on Apr 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Convenient place to stop along the ICW. Rate has gone up to $35. There is water and 50 Amp power at the dock. A functional restroom with shower is also on site. We arrived after closing and left before opening, so didn't see any of the staff and settled up via email. This place shows up on Google Maps as Intracoastal City RV Lot & Dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Rick Vicars on Apr 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Best approach for the deepest water is from the southwest to the fuel dock, the diesel dock is closest to the waterway, gas is farther up, in front of the red building. The transient dock is across the small harbor on the northeast side, across from the fuel dock, not slips, but a bulkhead. We had at least 7 feet of water to the dock, there is power and water for two boats. A workboat was in the corner, we docked in front of it leaving plenty of room for another vessel. Shell Morgan was the best diesel price we've seen since traveling west from Mobile, AL. The closest store is now over a mile away, the fuel dock attendant offered to run us up to the store for a few groceries. The cashier at the grocery thought we walked from Shell Morgan and offered to take us back, but the dock attendant was waiting for us in the parking lot. Great friendly people at this stop!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Capt Sam , Here's To Us, on Feb 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Shell Morgan Landing. February 14, 2022. Sam of WhatYachtToDo on a training and delivery journey. SeaRay 480MY with a 4-ft draft. Tight fit to dock, but enough room to do it a 180 and face the river. Restrooms and showers, no WiFi. Verizon is good, T-Mobile not so good. Staff here is awesome. Young's grocery about 1.25 miles away.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: David Fuller , Still Waters II, on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We are now east bound on our way back to Florida. We arrived after hours on a Saturday. We were familiar with the facility so docked just across from the fuel dock again. Rested on Sunday and enjoyed the peace and tranquility with the facility closed. Settled up Monday morning. Glad to have this facility available after three hard days in the cold and rain from Houston.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: David Fuller , Still Waters II, on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We arrived about 3:30 pm and found the place already closed down for the day. Called the phone number and a gentleman answered the phone, and said that they usually close early during the winter time. We docked along the wall directly across from the fuel pumps and found 50 amp power.

They opened back up at 07:00 am and we went over to the office to settle up. Were charged a flat fee of $25 for our 43 foot boat.

On entry and exit from dock wall, we favored the fuel dock for deeper water, then moved to the dock wall. Found shallow water (5 feet) on initial entry just east of the dock wall.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Tony-donna Lagera on Oct 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

After reading some of the reviews, I was expecting a pretty dumpy place. We were very pleasantly surprised. It does appear they have done repairs since some of the reviews were written. We arrived on a Sunday. They are closed on Sunday, but they did answer the phone and gave us instructions. We were able to connect to power and water and trued up with them before we left the next morning. This is a great spot to spend the night and is a great area if you have a pet as you can take them for a walk in the park/boat launch area next door. The people were very friendly and we enjoyed it quite a bit.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Richard Trumper on May 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Stayed Dec 29 2020 - Was only place to get fuel (gas) and the staff was helpful. Real shallow (soft mud) to the right side of the entrance. No real dock or seawall, just a metal retaining wall with grass and sand behind it. Long walk to small grocery store, but we saw an alligator warming himself in the sun. Bathrooms were a bit suspect, walls don't go all the way to the ground. But, they also had 2 major hurricanes just a few months before.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Capt. Jeff Gephart on May 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is one of the only stops along this stretch of the GIWW but a classic. The Morgan family has owned and run this since 1930, so if you have questions about the area, Tony and his brother are a wealth of knowledge. Overnight docking is a $25 flat fee with electricity (50 AMP) and water. Diesel is the cheapest I have found anywhere by a long shot. They do close early but open early since they are mainly there to service the commercial traffic.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Michelle Dixon , Sunset , on Feb 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed 2/10. Giving them 5 stars since this is the only stop between eastbound since Sabine Pass. The fuel dock does close early so make sure to take note if you are not staying overnight. Capt Steve came out to help us with our lines. Power and water. Put out extra fenders to help protection. $25 bucks for the night. We got fuel first thing the next morning, staff is very helpful.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed here one night (1/17/21). Was difficult to dock due to current and wind but also they directed our 5' 9" draft in a too shallow area. We ended up behind a tug and had to rope up to far off poles. There was no diesel available because it was in a shallow area and it was Sunday so no one around. No electricity. Was able to get ice. We were able to get water. It's a pretty industrial spot so not scenic. We did arrive on a Sunday so no one was around.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Richard L Davis on Jan 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

This was a great place to grab a dock and get some fuel. We couldn't get into the dock. Ran into soft mud about 10 yards from the slip. Had to dock on the commercial dock behind the push boat. No water and no Electricity. Was still charged the same $25 docking fee as the powered dock. Fuel was very reasonable here in the past, but I get better diesel prices in Galveston than here now. The rating is a 2 star only because of the staff. The were friendly and helpful. Actually dock staff rate 5 stars, but overall disappointed from this last visit.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jake Hottes on Jan 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed here overnight Nov 19, 2020. Easy to dock no draft issues anywhere for us. Power and water on the slip side. Some people at the marina helped us dock as the owners were gone for the day. Paid and got fuel the next day. As another reviewing mentioned the nearby store closes in the fall - spring so no where to get supplies unless you can get a ride. A nice place to dock for the night.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: First Mate Nate on Jan 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Review is for Dec 27, 2020. Engine trouble caused us to dock here. Although we arrived after closing, staffer came to check on us. Entering & leaving was best from west side for our 6 ft draft. Close by store in previous reviews was non-existent, locals mentioned grocery store reachable 2 miles up the road or up the Vermilion River. The town of Abbeville was actually 20 miles north and no service such as Uber was available. Would stop here again.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Eric Elias on Nov 19, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 18'
Draft: 1.0'

Rating: 5

Best marina on the this side the icw
Fuel ice nice staff great people.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: J. Hall on Aug 10, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

A godsend for traveling the waterway with a slow- moving vessel with a diesel engine. Their amenities are basic but very welcome. The folks who run the place are kind and helpful. When you tie up, use plenty of fenders. The dock for overnight is steel with no bump rails. It is a confusing area of you haven't been there. Transients pull straight in along the yellow- painted dock across from the fuel dock and main building. If you have a keel or draft more than about 3 feet, your turn in from the east should be almost 90 degrees. The area around the public boat ramp next door is very shallow. Restroom, shower, water, cheap fuel, walk to grocery.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John N on Jul 26, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great fuel Prices. 5 cents discount for cash! Staff very nice. They have power & place to tie up but we didn't stay.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: thomas mrazik on Mar 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Two transient docks with power, $25/night first come first serve. Best fuel prices on the GIWW, paid $1.51/gal for diesel 3/14/20.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Tim M on Jan 11, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Spent the night of 5 Dec 19 here. Arrived well after closing, but the staff left the showers unlocked for us. They were very helpful each time we called during the day to ask questions. The wind was blowing stink when we arrived, so we ended up tied at the fuel dock for the night. No power available at the fuel dock but it was better than moving to a side-tie in the windy conditions. I filled some water jugs, but the next day realized the water was brown so dumped it.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Holly , Songline, on Jul 15, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We stayed here for two nights waiting for better weather and loved it. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We had power, showers, beautiful scenery and a great store about 2 blocks away with really good lunches. April 2019.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John Matlock , Other Side, on May 11, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed there on a trip from Venice to Port Aransas aboard the 31’ Cabo, OtherSide. The folks that run the place are fantastic and fuel is reasonable. Tied up along the bulkhead. Rough but serviceable. Grocery store just a short walk away. Well stocked too.

My trip was January 2017

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Paul Castaldi on Jun 12, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

There are not many fuel stops in the area and as such this is the only game in town. That facilities are not impressive, but the docks are adequate and have available shore power and water. As others have said, the town does not have much to offer. All that aside, the staff are very nice, the fuel prices are outstanding, and there aren’t a lot of businesses that are willing to cater to pleasure boaters around here. They have limited space but work very hard to accommodate all comers. Given the area, it is the best you will find if you are not a canal tug boat, and for that reason deserves 4 stars.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jim Vincent , Fleur-de-Sea, on Apr 26, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

No it's not a Marina but it is a decent stop. Probably room for 3 boats depending on when you get there and it's FCFS. They do have Power and water, 50a/250v, my boat is dual 30a's and my splitter was 50a/125v so they loaned me a 50a/250v for the night. 24hr bathroom & shower, although minimal, they do have it. The best part about this stop...most likely the cheapest fuel/Gas between Houston and East New Orleans, $2.35 gal

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Terrance Godbold , Magic, on Mar 10, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 2

This is just an overnight tie up. No power or water. No shower or laundry. Store was closed when we got there and we left before it opened. It's a fuel dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Smackdaddy on Aug 17, 2016
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

You can't get much more minimal than this and still call it a marina. It's really more a fuel dock with a couple of spots to tie up along a very rough bulkhead. But it's not a bad spot to stop for the night, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a polarity problem with the 50 amp service, so had to use a single 30 amp. It's very susceptible to wakes, of which there are a lot. So make sure to use plenty of fenders. Great store nearby.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: SV Surprise on Aug 12, 2016
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 28'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

A fuel dock with concrete and steel bulkheads w/3 places to moor. Water, electric, showers, no laundry, no frills. Very friendly. Small grocery/cafe and hardware walking distance. Spent a week waiting weather & glad to have the spot. Mostly shrimp boats and oil/gas support vessels.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer