8,464 wells across 411 active operators, with 11 drilling permits filed in the last 24 months.
Refreshed monthly from TX RRC well-header records. Data current as of 2026-05-04.
The operators with the most well counts targeting the Gulf Coast Basin formation in Texas:
| # | Operator | Wells in Gulf Coast Basin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apache | 668 |
| 2 | Mcmoran Oil & Gas | 306 |
| 3 | Gom Shelf | 242 |
| 4 | Fieldwood Energy | 240 |
| 5 | W & T Offshore | 171 |
| 6 | Exxon Mobil | 168 |
| 7 | Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations | 151 |
| 8 | Talos Energy Offshore | 150 |
| 9 | Sabine Oil & Gas | 145 |
| 10 | Oxy | 144 |
The Texas counties with the most Gulf Coast Basin activity:
High Island South, High Island East & South, High Island Large Block, Matagorda Island Large Block, Galveston Large Block
The most recent 3 drilling permits filed for Gulf Coast Basin wells in Texas:
| Permit Date | Well | API | County | Operator | Lateral (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-05 | Water Lily-Bolivar Hi 1 | 4270830391 |
High Island Large Block | Exxonmobil | 100 |
| 2026-01-21 | Water Lily - Hi 1 | 4260630182 |
High Island Small Block | Exxonmobil | — |
| 2026-01-16 | Water Lily-Jefferson West 1n | 4260630181 |
High Island Small Block | Exxonmobil | — |
Wells targeting the Gulf Coast Basin that have been spudded but are waiting on completion — near-term production upside:
| Spud Date | Days Waiting | Well | Operator | County | Lateral (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-04 | 180 | C001 St00bp04 | Arena Offshore | High Island South | — |
| 2025-10-27 | 188 | C001 St00bp03 | Arena Offshore | High Island South | — |
| 2025-10-13 | 202 | C001 St00bp02 | Arena Offshore | High Island South | — |
The Gulf Coast Basin is one of Texas's active oil and gas plays, with 8,464 wells on file across 411 distinct operators of record. Operators have filed 11 drilling permits targeting the Gulf Coast Basin in the last 24 months — a measure of how active the play is right now versus its historical baseline.
For mineral owners with interests in High Island South, High Island East & South, High Island Large Block, Matagorda Island Large Block, Galveston Large Block, knowing whether your tract sits within an active Gulf Coast Basin footprint is a foundational valuation question. Active formations with consistent permit flow command premium pricing; legacy formations with steady but declining production are valued differently.
Get a free written offer based on your specific tract, operator, and the current Gulf Coast Basin activity in your area.
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Formation: Gulf Coast Basin
State: Texas
Total wells: 8,464
Active operators: 411
Permits 24mo: 11
Last refresh: 2026-05-04