Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Address:	2002 Wharf Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Phone:	+1 409-766-7827
Site:	oceanstaroec.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

Eddy Price

This museum tells the story of oil and gas exploration/extraction, particularly off-shore drilling. Mostly, there are a lot of models and movies. Unfortunately, the museum is obviously sponsored by the industry, so there are constant pro-drilling statements, videos with drillers talking about how they never do anything unsafe or anti-environmental, etc. Its pretty nauseatingly biased, as you would probably expect from a place like this. They do nonetheless have some fun displays, for example of drill bits and diving suits I was most interested in the ship itself: the museum was converted from a retired jack-up drilling rig. This is kind of cool, but I cant shake the feeling that something was lost in the conversion. For example, my understanding is that the second floor was originally crew quarters. Now, nothing is left from that. Sure, there is a little mock-up dorm on the 3rd floor, but it doesnt give you the same feeling of what it would really be like to live and work on a vessel like this. It is interesting to see the derrick and pipe deck. The price seemed a little high (do we have to pay for our own indoctrination?).

Bowen Duffy

Was looking for activities for the family and we werent disappointed with this museum. They have an informative movie that plays about every half hour. And though their sound system & movie could use some serious updating, it was very good at getting us an overview of offshore drilling prior to the self-guided tour. I recommend this movie for any newcomer to the industry, which my family clearly was. The museum contained many learning opportunities to keep us busy for a few hours. We especially liked to see the models and how many different rigs there were. Some have commented on their pro-oil stance, but this is energy & a reality for our American existence. I appreciated their facts combatting anti-petroleum propaganda regarding concern for the environment & safety. Most of all, the experience was a great trip for the entire family. It is interesting to kids and a cure for curiosity regarding offshore drilling. Very affordable & they offer a military discount. 1-3hrs depending on interest. Well worth it.

Beverly Walsh

Great place for sure, I love going out to the rigs when I was working on the crew boat to take food and supplies out to the guys on the rigs, it was so beautiful out in the water in the dark fishing and BBQ, ing, what we caught.It was great I just loved it . So much fun and what a wonderful GOD we have, all of the stars and planets, to see. What a thrill for all of us if we get to go out that far into the deepwater in the dark of night when all you can see are the moon and stars, & watching shooting stars, just wonderful to see what God has made for us to explore...

Chris Yust

When we visited it was towards the end if the day so we didnt have time to linger. The website says about two hours to go through. However if youre into the oil and gas industry, plan about three to look at and read all the exhibits. Our child was not very interested in the information at seven. However the models and displays were neat to look at as well as all the big equipment. While we were there we watched a cruise ship depart as we stood on the third floor. Altogether it was a very informative and will designed museum. Definitely worth the cost of entrance!

Kim Aldenway

This is a museum. It is NOT set up the way it was back in the day. Way too much self discovery. I wish there was more human interest topics. Like where did people sleep / eat / rest, etc. Only pictures and a couple of props, but nothing is authentically set up EXACTLY like it was when it was working. TONS & TONS of reading about HOW oil was obtained, and the short film put all 4 of us to sleep. For me.... generally a very boring Science Lesson.

lin king

Fantastic! We were there the day hundreds of well behaved area highscoolers toured. Very informative... especially the history and technical advances. 8 person Decimpression facility onboard, and advanced dive tech for the people that have to go down 2300 feet to repair lines. It was obvious the students enjoyed everything, too. I was amazed that there were sleeping accommodations for over 200 .

D Largent

Highly educational. Probably not the best for small kids as there are no "hands on" game-like activities that one find at the Space Center. But, it is like nothing else. My college age and high school sons enjoyed it with my wife and I. Get a discount on admission by buying the Island Pass.

Dustyn Adams

Wasnt a fan of how the exhibits were presented and is sponsored by the oil companies so it is a little biased. If your really interested in oil rigs and dont know anything about them it might be worth it otherwise I wouldnt recommend it or place it high on places to visit.

Nick Saban

Even though some of the displays are dated, this is a fantastic way to get introduced to the exploration and production industry. Even experienced hands will get a lot of enjoyment out of visiting and sharing their experiences with others and their families.

Kyle B

Very interesting museum we visited by chance. Having worked in O&G it was great to show the family how offshore/onshore drilling works. The videos are all pretty dated, though. Would like to see some newer technology/videos shown (not from the 1980s).

Mary Ames

This is an interesting museum for those who really like heavy equipment and the like. My son and husband really liked it, but my daughter and I were pretty bored. It is very clean and the folks there are super helpful.

Diane Cooley

You take a self guided tour through a retired jack-up oil rig the Ocean Star. It is now a museum and educational facility that has three levels of displays, models, videos and equipment. Some displays are hands on.

Seamus Potter

Cute and well put together museum, however oil rigs arent something Im interested in so Im sure I didnt appreciate it at its full extent. Im sure if youre interested in this itd be enjoyable and Id recommend it.

Ivy Eakins

I took a small group of students to this Museum and we loved it. There was a lot to see and a lot of great models and it was fun to go outside and be on a real oil rig. I would recommend it.

Matt Mansell

Fun place to take the kids. Lots to see and explore. Prices are very reasonable and staff is friendly. Most parts are easily accessible for those who are handicapped. Glad we visited here.

David McAlister

One of the coolest museums I have been to in a long time. Very interesting and interactive exhibits. Took us about 2 hours, though I could have stayed longer. Cant recommend this one enough

Sue Bowden

Informative, yet I felt it was a giant add for the major oil companies and it tried to show how theyre not the billion dollar bad guys polluting the oceans, and destroying ecosystems.

David Lindblom

Interesting to be on a retired oil rig. Educational, lots of models, equipment, displays. I learned a lot. Took the kids on family day so they got in free, they had a good time too.

brandi gunn

Even if your not into oil drilling this is an interesting place. One can go and enjoy the giant machinary and the models if nothing else. Plus there are two great outdoor platforms.

Joe Palmer

very informative and interesting. The kids were engaged with a "passport" fact finding workbook. i could have spent more time here, but kids got disinterested after 1.5 hours