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Condo

On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!

Photo gallery for On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!

Wind down your day by taking a stroll down the boardwalk
Spend quality time together
Designed for Maximum Comfort
Get Away From The Noise
Family Meal Time!

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good
1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Port Aransas, TX
  • Place, Holiday Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Mustang Island Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Port Aransas Birding Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rockport, TX (RKP-Aransas County)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Studio

2 Queen Beds

1 bathroom

Primary Bathroom

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!

Experience easy living at On the Half Shell. This studio condo is spacious and well laid out, perfect for your next getaway in Port Aransas! Upon entering, you’ll find two queen-size beds and a flat-screen TV. The full bathroom offers a shower and single sink vanity. There is a tidy kitchen area with all your essentials to prepare delicious meals. Enjoy ocean breezes on the balcony out front.

This home is located at Island Retreat with plenty of parking, including boat parking. Enjoy the private boardwalk to the beach shared pool, barbecue grills and more. Rent a golf cart and head to town where there’s amazing shopping, dining and entertainment.

Book your stay at On the Half Shell and find out why the beaches of Port Aransas, Texas, consistently make the Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best list. Known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas is an angler’s haven with pier fishing, deep-sea excursions, and bay and channel fishing. You can even cast your line directly in the surf. Water activities abound in Port Aransas, and you will have your fill of surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The pristine coastline and warm waters of the Gulf invite you to spend leisurely days swimming, snorkeling and beach combing. Port Aransas also boasts a bustling community of art galleries, museums, boutiques, and restaurants to satisfy every palate. Book On the Half Shell and find out for yourself why Port Aransas is a favorite vacation destination!

City of Port Aransas Short Term Registration: 248221

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3051203vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Port Aransas

Located in Port Aransas, this condo is near the beach. Port Aransas Museum and Rialto Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Roberts Point Park and Aransas Pass Aquatic Center. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and parasailing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Port Aransas, TX

What's nearby

  • Holiday Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mustang Island Beach - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Port Aransas Birding Center - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Nature Preserves - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Port Aransas Museum - 3 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Rockport, TX (RKP-Aransas County) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Whataburger - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪San Juan Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Port A Pizzeria - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bier Haus - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kody's - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!?

As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach! on 22 June 2026 start from NZ$243, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is On the Half Shell | Shared Pool, Near the Beach! located?

Situated near the beach, this condo building is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Holiday Beach and 2 mi (3.3 km) from Port Aransas Beach. Mustang Island Beach and Port Aransas Birding Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 48 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Check-in

8.6/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

8.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Matthew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great place to stay for the price. The area was clean place to stay and friendly. Its beach access was great and a very short walk. The pictures and descriptions accurately represented the room we stayed in. Kids loved the area and the beach. It was a great vacation! Would recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 October 2025
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and found the location and beach access convenient. We strive to provide accurate descriptions and are pleased to know it met your expectations. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Lucky I.

Great time

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great time in Port A. The accommodations were good and we would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Great News! We would love for you to stay again! Please call the office or visit our website to book your next stay!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Great Spot

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: On the Half Shell is an awesome was perfect for our little family. We enjoyed every moment of our FAMILY time. The beach was close, the pool was great. Silver Sands was great with the check in.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Family time is always the best! We are so thrilled to hear your family had such an enjoyable time at On the Half Shell. Please come back and visit soon. We would love to have you back!
From a partner site

8/10 Good

79footloose G.

4 Star

Pool closed early and the light at the bbq pit did not work. Otherwise it was a great stay with no issues!
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy needs updates

Cute & Cozy It definitely needs a few updates in kitchen & bathroom but clean. I recommend a few item for kitchen: salt, pepper, coffee filters at the very least
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Annell D.

Sister getaway

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: There were many positives: great pool, very clean, cute decor, bed & pillows great, easy to find & manage. Only a couple of negatives: fridge did not work right & was brought ice chests. Some dark stains in tub & toilet/bath room very small. Nice, beachy decor. I would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Dear Annell, We greatly appreciate you letting us know about your recent stay and that you got much enjoyment from the swimming pool, and that the homes amenities were great. Thank you so much for letting us know of the unforeseen issues as well during your stay so we could most definitely get these addressed. We truly do look forward to having you back with us again soon. Very Sincerely, Your Silver Sands Family
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Family Vacation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Getting there and settled in was a nightmare! Our map took us to Anchor Rd which is about 2 blocks from Island Retreat. We didn't have the room #, which is 19, so when we got to the security gate, they wouldn't let us in. We finally got to the room and the door would not open, turns out the knob is on backwards so turn to the left not the right. Once in the room I fell in love with it. It was big enough for 5 and the beds were amazing. The board walk is by the pool and it's about a 3 minute walk from the room. The beach is right down the road as well. Great location!! I WILL BE RENTING THIS CONDO AGAIN, if it's available next year!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Dear Kristy, Thank you so much for the feedback you have provided in regards to having trouble locating your home! We have just started using the app for our guests and their arrivals, as this is indeed quite helpful for our guests who have late arrivals. This most definitely been so helpful to have, yet, we have found out that our amazing guests, such as yourself, were not being given the unit numbers, through the app, to their homes! This has most definitely been resolved on our end and we are sorry for the inconvenience this caused upon your arrival. We are indeed delighted to hear once you arrived to your paradise location at "On the Half Shell" that you fell in love with your unit and it was quite amazing! Most definitely the location and the boardwalk is truly nice at this location and the beaches proximity is incredibly close! Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to have you stay with us and we most definitely look forward to having you back with us again soon! Very Warmest Regards, Your Silver Sands Family
From a partner site

4/10 Poor

Heather M.

On the Half Shell

Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was more than happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We will not be staying in property #17 again. The location was good, but the room needs updated. When we arrived I made the mistake of going to the property office no one knew what was going on. I had actually leased through Silver Sands. The pool was dirty. There was construction going on everywhere. No parking places.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Dear Heather, thanks for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry your experience didn’t match your expectations. It was an uncommon instance and we’ll do better. Please feel free reach out to us with any further comments, concerns, or suggestions you wish to share. We would love to make things right if you give us another chance.
Verified

6/10 Okay

paul f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

No Balcony

Property had listed a private balcony which does not exist. This is a first floor unit with one window that overlooks a parking lot. It is located in the Island Retreat resort which is very nice with 2 pools, a tennis court, basketball courts, pickle ball etc. Large open green space with grills and picnic tables as well as a coin operated laundry on site. The beach is accessible from two points over a long board walk over the dunes. You can drive to park closer to the boardwalk or the beach is about a 10 minute walk from the unit. The unit itself is one of three units managed by an offsite company...we found the company to be nice and responsive...but don't expect to just go to the office onsite to get a towel or deal with any situation. The unit itself was clean and well equipped except as mentioned before there is no dish soap, dish towels, or wash cloth to clean dishes with so be sure to bring them.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

On the half shell

Very clean with comfortable beds. Nothing fancy but good for the price
From a partner site

8/10 Good

A guest from Austin, TX

Good stay but bad description

The condo was what I expected for an older unit. The description said, po view but there wasn't one. The wifi password given was not good. The wifi name wasn't given. What's on the wifi box inside the unit is what finally worked. You are near restaurants but not in walking distance really. We went for the beach and we had a great time. The unit had so many hooks to hang stuff to dry. That was really nice. It was perfect for my husband and myself. The kitchen was a good size.
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Mary D.

3 Star

The space was ok. There was no wifi the whole time and our cell service was bad. We tried to get assistance with the wifi but were told to contact the local office which was closed. The TV screen has a problem and we weren't left with anything to do dishes. We had to go to the property office for dish soap. The beds were comfortable and the place had most expected amnenities in the kitchen and bathroom. Overall it was Ok.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
We just wanted to thank you for leaving a review, this helps us learn what we can do better to service you and other guests. So sorry that there were some things missing that would've made the stay better, we do try our best to accommodate as best as we can and we will make sure to be more aware of these issues. We hope you choose to stay with us again so we can make up for this experience! -Bella
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teri M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls trip

The property is in a great location near the beach. This was a trip with my granddaughter. We enjoyed the pool and short walk to the beach. The room was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
So glad you all enjoyed the stay at the rental! We hope to have you back again and appreciate the feedback -Bella
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sarah W.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

The Roach Motel

If I could give a zero star overall review I would. On our first morning, we were greeted by one giant cockroach and 3 babies. I contacted silver sands and they sent someone to spray the next morning. they did not offer to move us, just getting someone to kill the roaches we could see. This would prove to be a much larger INFESTATION than initially thought. We encountered MANY more cockroaches before and after the pest control sprayed. We called a second time to inform the property manager of the roaches, and asking for some compensation (as much of our vacation had been spent dealing with these pests, including finding them in our coolers). These people gave us the run around for 2 days saying the manager would get with us but never did, and when we finally demanded a refund, they offered us an insulting amount back. We were asked to send an email requesting what was fair and never responded back. These people will waste you time with bad business practice, and clearly do not care for cleanliness. This place was INFESTED with roaches, DO NOT GO HERE!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Hi Sarah, I am so sorry that our service did not satisfy you during the stay. I do remember trying to get this worked out for you and I apologize but the amount that we offered is the best we could do. We did spray multiple times and were not able to move you do to this reason so we do apologize for that as well. We will speak with the front office at IR to make sure these issues do not pop up again. Thank you, Bella
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Dana M.

Great place for the price!

Good clean place!
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay with us, we are so glad you all enjoyed the stay at the rental! We hope to have you back again and appreciate the feedback -Bella
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Maranda R.

Great Location, Okay Place

Check-in was at 4:00. We showed up at 4:45 after checking in online, and the place hadn't been cleaned yet. We have two young kids so that was very inconvenient. We called the office to let them know, and they said let me call you back so I can talk to the cleaning lady. She called me back and the phone cut off. I missed her call and she left me a message that they just needed to change the sheets. Still NOT okay. The next morning my husband went to the office to show them pics of the stained couch, cracked tile, and shower problems. She told him, “I'm sorry I am just the middle man and when let the manager know. They should give you a call later.” We never heard from anyone. We will not book this place again!! The location is great, but the property and management were lacking to say the least.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
We just wanted to thank you for leaving a review, this helps us learn what we can do better to service you and other guests. We deeply apologize that you had to deal with those issues, there is no excuse as to why you were not able to enjoy the stay. We will be sure to do better in communicating and cleanliness, know that we do care about our guests and don't ever want to lose trust. Someone will be notified about all of this so we can correct what was wrong. We hope you choose to stay with us again so we can make up for this experience! -Bella
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach trip

Lots of fun!++
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the stay here! We appreciate you for taking the time to leave feedback, this helps us learn what we can do better, hope to have you stay again soon -Bella
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

5 Star

I LOVE this unit. everything was very nice. I know it was a hectic weekend and everyone was running as fast as they could but watch you "maid" service. I didn't have bath mats, only 1 kitchen towel and since there was no paper towel and i didn't bring any i could have used another kitchen towel to dry dishes. There wasn't anything to set dishes on to drain but the towel...hated to get excess water on counter.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
We just wanted to thank you for leaving a review, this helps us learn what we can do better to service you and other guests. I am glad there was some positives in your visit with us, I hope you choose to stay with us again so we can make up for this experience! -Bella
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break

The place was safe and easy access to the beach without driving.. Very clean and comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Fay G.

Customer satisfaction.

Weather was not great! Beds soft. Otherwise was exactly right.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Tamara K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Nice stay.

We were close to the beach and sand festival. There was not a dish washer, which is fine, but also no dish each or towel to dry with.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristopher T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice stay

This was a nice stay. Walking distance to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

4/10 Poor

Kail K.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Terrible Service

Our troubles started before we even arrived. My husband had to call and submit our agreement and licenses multiple times. When we called to find out why we hadn’t gotten check-in information we were informed that our final payment wasn’t processed because they switched systems. How were we supposed to know this? Upon arrival there were many things different than what was described in the advertisement. Disappointing, but it happens when a company has many units and doesn’t make the description individualized. Neither the coffee machine or the stovetop worked for any of the time during our stay. I called multiple times and one of the times was informed that there were no prior notes from my previous call. I also asked for more towels several times, which were promised but never delivered. The stovetop was never addressed and a new coffee maker was brought the evening before our check-out. Needless to say, we do not recommend this property. Apparently there are several companies that own throughout the complex. The management staff on site does not have anything to do with the condos except for parking. Not something we have previously dealt with and makes a HUGE difference in your stay. We will not be staying a location without property management on site again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
From a partner site

8/10 Good

DeAndra H.

Cute condo!

Cute condo right on the beach. It is a bit rustic, but adorably decorated and can't beat the location! So easy to book and access.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Melissa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy

Rough vacation

Somethings out of their control. We have horrid weather. The beaches were littered and the sand is packed down hard. We waited 30 mins to get into our room as the lock wouldn't work. This happened twice more during the stay. The mattresses desperately need to be replaced. My back hurt so badly by day 3 that I slept better on the hard couch. Beach is not as close as pictured or described - about a 1/4 mile walk. Not a lot to do in Port A when the weather is bad.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

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