You can find affordable bed and breakfasts as well as all-inclusive hotels, a good number of bars, clubs, nightclubs and musical venues, especially during spring break and the summer holidays. Early Bird Special! Surrounded by water, island residents treasure and protect the ecological chain of diversity that attracts and feeds birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. What divers come here for are the numerous artificial reefs shipwrecks and decommissioned oil rigs. On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran. This gorgeous island is well known among scuba divers for a number of shipwrecks, oil rigs and artificial reefs on the North East side, but most snorkelers will enjoy a more chilled excursion in the North-West part of Laguna Madre. Activities list : snorkeling, tubing, fishing, dolphin / turtle watch, shelling, sea life touch and learn, sunset cruise, fireworks cruise, dinner cruise, Established in 2019. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. Try to stay alert and do not push yourself beyond your ability. The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. Facts and Figures, Worlds Deepest Shipwreck Discovered in the Philippines, Wonder Reef, Gold Coasts New Dive Attraction, 110-year-old Shipwreck Found in the Icy Waters of Antarctica. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. If you use fins too, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is comfortable and has good propulsion. Due to the fascinating features that the Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note! El Paso The water along the Texas coast is quite murky due to mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water. As for the weather, there is barely any bad time to visit and go snorkeling at South Padre Island. Getting Around: Freeport, Texas--an 87-mile, two-hour drive south of Houston--is where live-aboards head to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable! This consists of 6.96 sq. Alright, now that you are a little more up to scratch with the Lone Star States snorkeling experience, let us help you plan your next underwater excursion by showing you some of the best snorkeling spots in Texas: Windy Point Park is undoubtedly one of Central Texass most popular snorkeling and diving destinations. 11:00am - 12:30pm. Due to the islands beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. The water is clear and there is a lot to see. No need for a wetsuit, all that is needed is a swimsuit, the snorkeling headgear, and possibly some swimming fins. Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. The types of fish that can be found include stingrays, herring, redfish, crab, black drum, snapper, eels, shark, jellyfish, snook, perch, catfish, trout, gar and many others. You will not find a more complete selection of scuba diving equipment in South Texas. Adults. The Dolphin tour was great! Each and every Friday night South Padre Island celebrates like, well, the Fourth of July. Here, you'll see species of mollusks, sponges, crustaceans, and tube-building worms in an ethereal tableau. They are located offshore and are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Befriend Wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). The reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Underwater visibility can be anywhere between 3 to 30 meters (10 and 100 feet), depending on the location and water currents. As an Amazon Associate, Free Fun Guides may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Ive been doing these activities for 30 + years and decided to share what I know with tourist that vacation to SPI,TX . What will I see? JJ was great too! Specialties: A family of 6 can enjoy multiple activities in 1 private excursion. The warmest waters in the area allow for swimming, while underneath the surface, guests can see what lies beneath. Please see our calendar for availability. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. He was energetic, engaging and made the trip great. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). Read more information on booking parasail flights below. He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. In addition, you can even explore the Texas Clipper. There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. Access is also available from South Padre Island. Spending four days in this beautiful setting convinced me that this is not only a fantastic destination for those who enjoy the heat and the outdoors, but it is also a great year-round destination for families looking for something safe to do with their kids. In addition to snorkeling excursions, the charter companies based in South Padre Island offer more adventures that will get you out exploring the vast waters surrounding the island. It is located within Cameron County and has a total area of 9.68 sq. But what's even cooler about North Padre Island is what lies beneath the water's surface: this island has multiple shipwrecks that are just waiting to be explored, so pack your snorkeling gear. We went snorkeling for the first time out here. Scuba Diving is especially popular in Devils Elbow. It has 34 miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water on the island. Our captain suggested a place to take the fish, that would prepare it for dinner (Joe's Oyster Bar). One of the few lagoons on Earth is the Laguna Madre, which is a hypersaline lagoon. American Diving is a world-renowned dive center for scuba and snorkeling trips to the Gulf of Mexico. Sunday: Closed, 33256 State Park Rd 100Suite 104South Padre Island, TX 78597, Copyright 2022 American Diving | Privacy Policy. Coral and fish can be found in abundance in the reef system. Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas Gulf Coast is one of our favorite places to visit in the state. Snorkeling Excursions The one-of-a-kind location of South Padre Island provides visitors the opportunity to see and experience some amazing things, our snorkeling excursions being one. The uncommon nature of this body of water means snorkelers can count on seeing some interesting and amazing spectacles, such as: While theres no doubt that the beautiful marine life and biodiverse ecosystems are the stars of the show, being prepared for a snorkeling excursion will optimize your experience. As the only tropical island in Texas, there's no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in South Padre Island! The arrival was delayed but our amazing Captain Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites. South Padre Island, Texas The South Padre Island Historical Museum is a great place to visit for those looking for a bit of history and culture. With 54 km (31 miles) of white sand beaches and clear water, it is ideal for a wide variety of water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. How good is South Padre Island? Popular snorkeling spots include Possum Kingdom and San Marcos River. Because of the rare quality of the Laguna Madre, swimmers will witness different types of flora, reef formations, and more. This picturesque island is known for its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water. It is an incredible adventure, and is particularly exciting for kids and beginner snorkelers thanks to the shallow depth of the waters averaging 4.5 feet in the lagoon. These are inexpensive and are a great help at teaching the basics of snorkeling and what to do when things go wrong. Cookies help us deliver our services. Luckily South Padre Island, being a desirable vacation destination, is full of activities as well as food and accommodation options. This large shallow body of water separates Padre Island from the southern Texas mainland is actually one of the largest hypersaline coastal lagoons in the world, ranked fourth largest out of six. The island offers a variety of water activities such as swimming, fishing, kiteboarding, dolphin watching, horseback riding adventures on the beach, ecological tours, and access to personal water craft rentals. The Easter fireworks cruise was awesome. Here are 15 things to do in South Padre Island. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: P.O. We offer real-time availability and instant confirmation when you book with us, and guarantee that all of our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified. Some snob elitists from other snorkeling locales would have you believe the water is not clear enough in South Padre Island for good snorkeling. Highly recommend this! It was very exciting. South Padre Island, Texas, is home to the LOPSITU, or the largest outdoor, permanent sandcastle in the world. We perform annual inspections on SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, Mares, and Zeagle 1st and 2nd stage regulators. Snorkel TX will provide all of their clients with a mask, fins, and snorkel, and even include transportation to and from several river locations. SPI Classic. There are many different types of fish to see, and the coral is beautiful. The island was closed for many decades until the 1960s, when people started moving to Port Isabel and eventually South Padre Island. Do Sharks Attack Divers? As the name suggests, this is another artificial reef. Your own. South Padre Island is well-known for its white sandy beaches, calm weather, and clear Gulf water, in addition to its beautiful white sandy beaches. I highly recommend them for their deep sea fishing experience. Furthermore, the island is home to a large coral reef system, making it an ideal location for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore. Address: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States Website: South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily) 2. To book your South Padre Island Bay Fishing Charter with Captain Mike Knox, call 1-956-243-0039. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. Scuba diving classes are offered for various levels of diving skill, starting with complete beginners and topping out at Master Divers. So it is recommended to avoid touching, frightening, and feeding marine creatures during your snorkeling trip. One of the most popular snorkeling spots near South Padre Island is the exquisite Laguna Madre Estuary, a stunning location where the Rio Grande connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. One of our crew member's name was Ivan and I can't remember the others. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. The site is teeming with small and medium-sized fish. Made sure every kid on the boat had the best time! Breakaway is a first class operation. There are several low-cost ways to snorkel on South Padre Island, beginning at $30 per person. The Federal project depths are 44 feet in the Brazos Santiago Pass entrance channel, 42 feet in the jetty channel and across Laguna Madre to the junction of the channels leading to Port Isabel and Port Brownsville, 36 feet in the turning basin of Port Isabel, and 42 feet in the junction to Port As a result, the water quality is far superior to that of Galveston, which is located near the mouth of the Mississippi. Breakaway Cruises has a guide for snorkelers to make sure they feel safe and have fun. Wildcat Beach in California. South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. SPI, as South Padre Island is often abbreviated, can be a very different place depending on the time of the year you decide to visit. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Stopping by a historical museum after appreciating all of the impressive attractions in South Padre Island is a must-try. South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling spots list in Scuba Diving magazine many times over the years. Snorkel FAQ Choose a category Snorkel FAQ Where does the snorkel go and how long to get there? These lessons will include training, equipment, and the opportunity to try out several types of dives. This popular tourist destination offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with the abundant marine life in the area. These remnants of old oil rigs are located within recreational limits, but both oil rigs are found at depths of more than 30 meters (100 feet), so you will still need to be an advanced diver to explore this site. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. There are fish in abundance here, both small and medium-sized. You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. It was amazing. Welcome to South Padre islands first and only Snorkel Adventure Cruise. Texas may not come to mind when you're thinking about an adventure swimming with dolphins, but South Padre Island is a convenient place for Texans and those near the area to have a. A snorkel tour or activity can take up to 35 people. The states 367-mile coastline makes it one of the most popular destinations for adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Stop in and have one of our knowledgeable staff help you find the equipment that is right for you. Snorkeling is also a benefit for the whole family as children of a young age can participate and parents do not have to be overly concerned about safety risks as you might with scuba diving for young children. The point is that you can do both at South Padre Island. At less than 13 meters (45 feet) deep, this spot is open to divers of all levels. Get specials and discount updates from Franke Rentals in your inbox. Whether you would rather scuba dive or snorkel, it does not really matter. First of all, it is very important to trust and understand how your snorkeling equipment works. It is located in the Charles Champion Building, a two-story building built by Charles Champion in 1899. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. If you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. Fitting flexibly into your schedule, Breakaway Cruises offers several dolphin watching charter excursions that will get you up close and personal with these friendly creatures. The water on this beach is clearer, warmer, and calmer than that of other beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. With its warm waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life, it's no surprise that many people flock to South Padre Island for a memorable snorkeling . The island's best natural reef is the 7 Fathom Reef. And finally arguably most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery! South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. Some of our trips are seasonal. Kids really like to see these fish along with turtles and other aquatic wildlife. The islands natural reef wont sweep anyone off their feet, although you will see several species of mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, and tube-building worms. And when she finally arrived he was able to get us very close so we could see how the tugs controlled her. I am 75 years old and had never tried snorkeling before. You will, however, still have the chance to enjoy a fantastic beach and snorkeling experience, but you can expect the prices of hotels and local transport facilities to be a little higher than usual during this time, as it is one of Texas peak tourist seasons. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. Kayaking and snorkeling are possible in the shallow waters of Laguna Madre and beach-combing is best on the well-named Big Shell and Little Shell beaches. Before you go ahead and dive into your next snorkeling adventure, there are a few essential things to remember and make a note of. The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. Source: www.southpadrejetskirentals.com Finally, Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling trips that take snorkelers to a remote area for close encounters with the marine inhabitants of South Padre Islands waters. The Lone Star State promises an exhilarating snorkeling experience, as this vibrant state boasts some of the worlds best snorkeling spots. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. Visitors can take in a 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the Gulf of Mexico. Its unique composition is also the reason you can find the presence of uncountable marine species around South Padre. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. km. We also do cylinder annual inspections, hydrostatic testing, air and nitrox fills. South Padre Island, TX. Contact Us Tools FAQ Site Index Espaol Stay Connected Facebook Twitter Instagram Lovely beachfront condo with a full kitchen (from USD 320) Show all photos. 3. Go-Texas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Texas. The city of Clarksville won the Texas Water Quality Councils award for best drinking water. 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