Frequently Asked Questions | Shark Reef Resort

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Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions about our family-owned motel in Port Aransas, including check-in, pets, boat parking, beach access, cottages, cancellation policies, and amenities. 

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Our front office is open until 10:00 PM. If you expect to arrive after 6:00 PM, please call so we know to expect you. Arrivals after 10:00 PM require advance arrangements. 

Every guest age 18–25 must present a valid government-issued photo ID and provide a $100 refundable cash security deposit per person at check-in. We collect a copy of each ID and vehicle information. The deposit is refunded after room inspection when all rules have been followed and no damage has occurred. No exceptions. 

A two-night minimum applies to stays involving Friday and Saturday from March through October. Fourth of July requires a three-night minimum. Other holidays and special events may have additional minimum-stay requirements. 

A valid credit card is required to make a reservation. During our peak season, credit cards for weekend and holiday reservations may be authorized up to 7 days before arrival to verify that the card is valid.

At check-in, guests may choose either:

A $100 cash security deposit, or

A $125 credit card authorization hold.

Guests ages 18-25:  Every guest age 18–25 must present a valid government-issued photo ID and provide a $100 refundable cash security deposit per person at check-in. We collect a copy of each ID and vehicle information. The deposit is refunded after room inspection when all rules have been followed and no damage has occurred. No exceptions. 

For direct reservations, Shark Reef Resort may authorize the credit card on file for the first night's room and tax beginning seven (7) days prior to arrival. If we're unable to authorize the card, we'll attempt to contact you using the phone number and email address provided with your reservation. Reservations without a valid payment method may be canceled. 

March 1 – October 31: Cancel by noon at least seven days before arrival.

November 1 – February 28: Cancel by noon at least 48 hours before arrival.

Reservations canceled after the applicable deadline are nonrefundable. 

Third-party reservations follow the cancellation policy shown at the time of booking.

Reservation dates may not be changed to avoid the applicable cancellation deadline. Requests made after the cancellation deadline are treated as a cancellation of the original reservation and remain subject to the original cancellation policy. 

If we cannot authorize the payment method on file, we will make reasonable attempts to contact you using the phone number and email address provided with your reservation. If updated payment information is not received by the deadline provided, your reservation may be canceled. 

Reservations made through Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and other third-party websites are managed according to those companies' policies and the cancellation terms selected at the time of booking.

When you book directly with Shark Reef Resort, you work directly with our staff for reservation changes, questions, and assistance before and during your stay. Direct bookings also receive our best available rates whenever possible.

Guests ages 18-25:  Every guest age 18–25 must present a valid government-issued photo ID and provide a $100 refundable cash security deposit per person at check-in. We collect a copy of each ID and vehicle information. The deposit is refunded after room inspection when all rules have been followed and no damage has occurred. No exceptions. 

Each room type has a maximum occupancy based on the Fire Marshal's approved limits. Please review the room descriptions before booking to make sure your room comfortably accommodates everyone in your group. For everyone's safety, occupancy limits cannot be exceeded. 

Yes. In addition to traditional motel rooms, Shark Reef Resort offers private casita cottages with full kitchens that are ideal for families, fishing trips, and extended stays.

 Some do.

We offer:

• Motel rooms with mini refrigerators and microwaves

• Full kitchen suites

• Private cottages with complete kitchens

Yes. Dogs weighing 25 pounds or less are welcome in select motel rooms when booking directly with Shark Reef Resort. $10 per pet, per night 

• Maximum of 5 dogs per room 
• Dogs left unattended must be secured in a kennel or crate 
• Pets are not permitted on the furniture 
• No cats 

Guests are responsible for reviewing our full pet policy before booking.

Pets are not accepted in our Airbnb or VRBO cottages. 

Yes! Shark Reef Resort offers one of the largest boat parking areas in Port Aransas. Boats, trailers, and multiple vehicles are welcome, and parking is located directly outside your room or cottage with no assigned spaces.

There's plenty of room to maneuver larger trailers, making loading and unloading easy.

Please contact the front desk prior to checkout. We may be able to accommodate trailer parking depending on occupancy. 

No. Our pool is not heated, but our hot tub is open daily during pool hours.

Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM. We ask all guests to be respectful of their neighbors during these hours so everyone can enjoy a good night's sleep. Excessive noise, disruptive behavior, or parties are not permitted. 

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside any rooms, cottages, or other indoor areas.

Guests are welcome to smoke outdoors. Please keep your room door closed and be courteous of other guests.

Shark Reef Resort is located beside Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond and nearby coastal wildlife habitat. Because of our unique location, guests may occasionally encounter native birds, insects, palmetto bugs, lizards, or other wildlife common to the Texas Gulf Coast. 

These are a natural part of the coastal environment and are not an indication of housekeeping or cleanliness. 

We maintain a regular pest control program to help minimize their presence. 

The beach is about a 2-minute drive or a 15–20 minute walk (approximately eight blocks) from Shark Reef Resort. We're close enough to enjoy the beach whenever you'd like while still offering a quieter location away from the busiest beachfront traffic.  

Close enough to enjoy the beach anytime, yet far enough away to relax when the day is over. 

Ring the doorbell. Seriously! Someone is almost always on the property, and we'll get to you as quickly as we can. If we do have to step away, you'll find a cell phone number posted at the office so you're never without a way to reach us. 

Guests choose Shark Reef Resort for its family-owned atmosphere, classic motel rooms, spacious kitchen suites, private casita cottages, large courtyard, pool, hot tub, playground, and one of the island’s largest boat-parking areas—all just minutes from the beach. 

Give us a call at (361) 749-6993. Because we're family-owned and live on-site, you'll talk to someone who actually knows the property - not a call center.