Make a Splash at Isla Blanca Park. Welcome to South Padre islands first and only Snorkel Adventure Cruise. Taking a snorkeling excursion will benefit your experience if you are prepared. And due to it being relatively calm water too, we recommend the island for all levels of snorkelers. While snorkeling may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Texas, the state does have numerous fascinating snorkeling destinations that are well worth exploring. On our way back to the dock, we had a wonderful dolphin show. Ive been doing these activities for 30 + years and decided to share what I know with tourist that vacation to SPI,TX . Due to the island's beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. Each and every Friday night South Padre Island celebrates like, well, the Fourth of July. It is the only tropical island in Texas. Catch a memorable South Padre Island sunset over the water as you wine and dine aboard their comfortable sailing Catamaran. All of American Divings trips require certification, and once youre certified, you can look forward to underwater adventures that range from diving on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to exploring the sunken site of the Texas Clipper, submerged in 136 feet of water off the coast of South Padre Island. A National Park Service visitor center is located on the reef. Whether you are young or old, there is something for everyone at South Padre. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. If you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). 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. He was excellent a explaining in a simple way to not overwhelm us. They were great! It is actually labelled as the cleanest water in the country, which is a pretty good welcome message to avid snorkelers! You can't mention North Padre without talking about its way more rowdy sibling, South Padre. How Many Passengers can go ? Grab the beach ball and head to one of the Island's beach access points to soak up the sun! View Trip. Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. That makes the conditions for snorkelling at South Padre Island especially good for beginners. In addition to Dinner Cruises and Snorkeling trips Southern Wave rents out Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. We had the best time on our fireworks cruise. Sailing Charters on the Southern Wave provide snorkel and sailing packages. While residents and visitors alike usually know about the desolate stretches of beach along the Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi and thousands visit the resort shores of South Padre Island each year, Boca Chica receives surprisingly few visitors each year. Underwater visibility can be anywhere between 3 to 30 meters (10 and 100 feet), depending on the location and water currents. With only 20 miles north of the Mexico border to explore, visitors can enjoy a two-nation vacation on this island. Whether you bring your own snorkeling gear, rent your gear from one of the many local rental providers, or travel out into the water with a charter company, snorkeling is an immensely enjoyable seasonal activity in South Padre Island. If you are a beginner, bring with you some floating equipment to feel less stressed when in the water. San Marcos River, located halfway between San Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of outdoor activities. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. I recommend Breakaway for all their trips. They are located offshore and are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Nothing major that could spoil your South Padre Island snorkeling vacation, though! 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. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. Captain Joe Lee and first mate JJ were both absolutely amazing. Snorkeling in South Padre Island: An Underwater Adventure South Padre Island, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, is a popular destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. South Padre Snorkeling tour You will get a 3-hour trip, basic snorkeling equipment, some water, and maybe some fruits for this price. South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling spots list in Scuba Diving magazine many times over the years. In fact this island is one of the top places in the state for snorkeling, due to the warm temperature, clarity of its waters and the presence of exciting marine creatures! The Dolphin tour was great! Both shore and boat diving are possible in the waters of South Padre Island. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. The reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. In South Padre Islands waters, the shore and boat diving are both possible. South Padre Island. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. SPI Snorkeling Ships & Services American Diving - Phone: (956) 761-2030 Breakaway Cruises - Phone: (956) 761-2212 Ka Motion Sailing Adventure - Phone: (956) 410-9945 The Original Dolphin Watch - Phone: (956) 761-4243 Southern Wave Sailing Charters - Phone: (956) 772-7245 Parrot Eyes Water Sports - Phone: (956) 761-9457 South Padre Birding and Nature Center P M W If you prefer the wildlife above the water, check out the South Padre Birding and Nature Center. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. If youre interested in snorkeling while on vacation in South Padre Island, youre in luck! 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA Phone +1 956-426-9066 Web Visit website One of the top waterparks in the country, South Padre Island's Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is located right on the beach and offers a wide variety of water slides, rides, pools and more. We had to show up both days for answers. Balmorhea State Park, the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world is called as 'cool oasis in the high desert' and features crystal-clear water. First and foremost, ensure that your snorkeling mask fits your face properly before going straight underwater. Unleash your creativity at Art Space Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account Posted by South Padre Island Art Space on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 All that is needed is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you are set. We have the Islands only certified Snorkeling guides, Dive . 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. Go-Texas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Texas. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in South Padre Island, Long Bay Beach, Providenciales Turks and Caicos, Big Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort in Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos Snorkeling & Scuba Diving, Visit Guadalajara Mexico Complete Travel Guide, Best Beaches of Hawaii a Guide by Island, Worlds Best Amusement Parks & Theme Parks. The Dolphin Cruise & Eco Tour was wonderful! Very cool! Click here to add your listing to Go-Texas.com. The reef contains quite a variety of marine life. Enjoy the Beauty of South Padre South Padre Island offers stunning snorkeling opportunities for the beach-lovers out there. You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. This training can give you confidence which will make your snorkeling trip even more enjoyable. Made sure every kid on the boat had the best time! We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. We went in June and the water was a little murky but other than that we had a blast. Marine life you can see when snorkeling South Padre Island, Useful tips for snorkeling at South Padre Island, Best time to go snorkeling on South Padre Island. 15 things to do in South Padre Island 1. South Padre Island Snorkeling offers you a chance to try out a fun sport for the whole family. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. This is a decommissioned oil rig that rises from a depth of about 73 meters (240 feet) and peaks at about 27 meters (90 feet). Greg and Ceasar were our guides and they kept the trip interesting and had everyone laughing! Definitely recommend this trip and this crew. All while still staying in the USA! Sunday: Closed, 33256 State Park Rd 100Suite 104South Padre Island, TX 78597, Copyright 2022 American Diving | Privacy Policy. Specialties: A family of 6 can enjoy multiple activities in 1 private excursion. Didn't see many Dolphins though, 2023 Breakaway Cruises | USCG Certified Vessels, Port of Brownsville Cruise and Shrimp Boil. It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. Tours Daily! The best time to go snorkeling is in the morning, when the water is calm. South Padre Island is a beautiful place to go snorkeling. The point is that you can do both at South Padre Island. Snorkeling In Santorini: The Most Popular Tourist Destination In Greece, Snorkeling In The Rain: Tips To Keep In Mind, Calculating The Size Of A Scuba Tank: How To Ensure You Have Enough Air For Safe And Enjoyable Dives, Types Of Valves For Steel Scuba Tanks: Understanding Your Options For A Safe And Enjoyable Dive, Assembling Double Scuba Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide, Uncovering The Capacity Of A Scuba Tank: Exploring The Amount Of Air Inside For Safe And Enjoyable Diving, Why Scuba Divers Dont Breathe Oxygen From Their Tanks And The Risks Of Breathing The Wrong Gases. Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. I concluded after four days of sightseeing that not only is it a fantastic destination for people who enjoy the heat and the outdoors, but its also a fantastic year-round destination for anyone who enjoys spending time with their families. Snorkelers will be able to see blue tilapia crayfish, sunfish, red-eared slider turtles, and other exquisite marine life in these gorgeous, spring-fed waters. Possum Kingdom offers a large variety of adventure opportunities, both on land and in the water. On South Padre Island, the Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling excursions. Learn More. They made the trip a memorable adventure. To get more information on other island attractions, check out South Padre Island Attractions. A wide variety of tropical fish like triggerfish, wrasse, and trumpetfish can be spotted while snorkeling here. Best Times To Visit South Padre Island The best time to visit South Padre Island is from September to February. Port Isabel 5-Hour Trip - 25' Majek. There is less of a safety risk and it is much easier to learn. Laguna Madre is one of the worlds largest hypersaline coastal lagoons, which gives snorkelers the exciting opportunity to see many fish that are generally only found in reefs but have made their homes here on the beach jetties. All Rights Reserved. Today, theres not much to see at this site but it remains a popular dive due to the age of the vessel. But due to the converging currents, however, visibility can decrease dramatically at times. The clear waters reveal a magnificent white sandy bottom covered in stunning sea shells, with rays hiding and takeing a nap under the sand and puffer fish lazily strolling around. Consequently, that makes the snorkeling experience more comfortable and fun. South Padre Island, with its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald waters, is the only tropical island in Texas, and it is one of the worlds most beautiful barrier islands. 10 Best Hotels In Texas With Indoor Pools. Additionally, here are a few reminders of what we include in the ticket price and what we recommend you bring along: While you may be eager to pack your bags and plan a South Padre Island snorkeling trip, you may have a few safety concerns, especially if you or a child cant swim. Though the Lone Star State might not be known for snorkeling per se, there are exquisite waters just waiting to be explored below the surface. On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . learn more. If youre an absolute beginner we recommend practicing from shore a couple of days before boarding a snorkeling vessel and joining an exciting trip at sea. Facts about south padre island: The barrier island off the southern coast of Texas is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is separated from the mainland by Laguna Madre Bay. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. One of the few lagoons on Earth is the Laguna Madre, which is a hypersaline lagoon. Captain and crew were amazing and it was a good time. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . Wandering our World is reader supported. 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. $ 18 Each Passenger. The water on this beach is clearer, warmer, and calmer than that of other beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. Many residents of South Padre own their homes, which makes the area feel urban in an urban setting. 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. On this snorkel trip, youll take a three-hour cruise around South Padre Island, Texas, before heading to the beach for lunch. Whether you would rather scuba dive or snorkel, it does not really matter. This guide on snorkeling South The city of Clarksville won the Texas Water Quality Councils award for best drinking water. While some enjoy the rush of a good catch or the high speed of a jet ski, theres no denying the unbelievable feeling you get from exploring the vast waters of the Laguna Madre on a snorkeling adventure. The sea bottom is also quite deep for snorkelers to be able to see anything, or enjoy some good sightings. You can get a firsthand look at a variety of fish in Laguna Madre Bay through scuba diving. The boat ride was amazing and so were the crew Greg and Caesar. Best Snorkeling In Texas: South Padre Island, Gulf Coast & More, Best Snorkeling In Virginia: Virginia Beach, Sunset Beach & More, Where Is The Best Place To Snorkel In The Bahamas, Best Mountain Biking Trails in Moab, Utah. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. It should come as no surprise that this island is a favorite with tourists, partygoers, beach lovers, snorkelers, and fans of water sports due to its stunning sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas. Our captain suggested a place to take the fish, that would prepare it for dinner (Joe's Oyster Bar). Best Jet Ski Rental South Padre Island Bayside Retreat Our Photos Are from sixtyten-elevator.blogspot.com. They still had a catch from the earlier eco tour, so we got to experience those creatures on our way out to the dolphins (this gave us more dolphin time). Delightfully mild temperatures and warm, calm water make any time of the year a great time to visit South Padre Island. Its unique composition is also the reason you can find the presence of uncountable marine species around South Padre. Flats, Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 - 8 Hours | 6 People | From $450. For those who might be interested in guided snorkeling tours of San Marcos aquatic life, Snorkel TX, a local outdoor adventure company, are a fantastic option. South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. Plus, snorkeling in South Padre Island is fairly cheap as costs begin at $30 a person. Instead, we strongly insist on taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience. The mucky and brownish water in the Gulf of Mexico is due to the proximity of the mouth of the Mississippi River and the fact that South Padre Island is only a few miles from the river. Technical divers only. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. Eco-Tour Included. Read more information on booking parasail flights below. This cost will normally include equipment and a 3-hour stint. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. 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