They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. It was amazing. Flats, Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 - 8 Hours | 6 People | From $450. Instead, we strongly insist on taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience. Here are 15 things to do in South Padre Island. km of land and 2.72 sq. Our first mate helped my daughter get her first fish ever. Enjoy the Beauty of South Padre South Padre Island offers stunning snorkeling opportunities for the beach-lovers out there. 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. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun - rowdy partying at. The RGV Reef, which has been designated as a national marine park, is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. Taking a snorkeling excursion will benefit your experience if you are prepared. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. Awahua Beach in Hawaii . 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. Espritu Santo (Holy Ghost) is a wooden vessel wrecked in 1554 and discovered in 1966. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. 10 Best Hotels In Texas With Indoor Pools. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. This water, according to one source, is among the cleanest in the country. Some patches of sea grass scattered on the ocean floor are the perfect place to spot crabs, starfish, shrimp, and even seahorses! After one or two open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the world! Swimming, sailing on boats, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnics, are all part of what makes Possum Kingdom a must-visit spot. This guide on snorkeling South The former troopship is now an artificial reef on the side, where it was once stationed during WWII. Make a Splash at Isla Blanca Park. They loaded the boat quickly and had us on the water in no time. Best Snorkeling in South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Southern Wave Sailing Charters, Ka Motion Sailing Adventure, Tritoon Charters, American Diving, Poseidon Charters, Isla Charters Wonderful experience for Bay fishing trip. I was so pleased with the cruise to honor the final voyage of the USS Kitty Hawk. North Bay Snorkel Join us as we cruise North of South Padre Island to the clear waters of the Laguna Madre. The rest of the year, it is a much more relaxed place typically chosen by sea lovers and peaceful people. Kids really like to see these fish along with turtles and other aquatic wildlife. How Many Passengers can go ? Jeff and the rest of the crew made sure we had everything we needed. South Padre Island is a popular vacation destination in the United States, and it is one of the most popular beach resorts. Technical divers only. Read more information on booking parasail flights below. South Padre Island, Texas, is home to the LOPSITU, or the largest outdoor, permanent sandcastle in the world. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). We are pleased to be the premier sandcastle lesson company in the USA and operate from The Pearl South Padre Resort (310 Padre Blvd) on South Padre Island. The site is teeming with small and medium-sized fish. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and friendly staff to ensure you have a fun, safe and enjoyable experience. South Padre Island is Texas ultimate beach destination with plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the sea, both above and below the water! Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit South Padre Island in 2023. El Paso Snorkeling at Laguna Madre Estuary Welcome to the Laguna Madre Estuary, the gorgeous southern Texas spot where the Rio Grande enters the Gulf of Mexico. Learn More. Definitely recommend this trip and this crew. With 54 km/31 mi of white sand beaches and clear water, it is home to many water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Went on the deep sea fishing charter. 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. An official form of the United States government. Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. While there are many snorkelers that prefer to swim without fins, we like to use them as they give us a little extra push, especially if you want to dive down to see that colorful fish or pretty shells up close! The warm temperature and great conditions of the lagoon make it possible to stay in the water for an extended period of time, and most snorkeling charters will include a snack or lunch break which allows you to stay out longer and enjoy the excursion to the fullest, giving you more chance of seeing the marine flora and fauna that we all long for. Snorkeling in Texas is an underwater experience nothing short of world-class. The sea bottom is also quite deep for snorkelers to be able to see anything, or enjoy some good sightings. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Snorkel Trips:One of the great seasonal activities you can do on vacation in South Padre is to take a professionally guided snorkel trip. Seven and One-Half Fathom Reef is the best reef dive of South Padre Island. We will be back!Update: 2 years later, we came back. Still nice folks. The 251 guestrooms feature private balconies with Gulf of Mexico views, and the hotel spa offers an . Thank you guysyour the best!!! The area sees quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and amberjacks. 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. Grab the beach ball and head to one of the Island's beach access points to soak up the sun! Can you swim at South Padre Island? 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. Adults. Since you will be spending most of your time with your back exposed to the sun, be sure to put sunscreen on the back of your neck and other exposed areas. However that said, the months between September and February are the best because theyre not unbearably hot and they are out of hurricane season. The stunning waters here are home to a few species of endangered fish, and snorkelers from all around the globe flock to catch a glimpse of them. In fact the winter season sees an influx of winter Texans, also known as Snowbirds: retirees coming to Texas from more northern states to escape the cold and spend winter in the warm and pleasant Texan climate. The inner lagoon at South Padre, Laguna Madre, is a very unique ecosystem. Fishing under moon is so peaceful and pleasant. 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. The bathrooms were clean. What divers come here for are the numerous artificial reefs shipwrecks and decommissioned oil rigs. If you are renting gear in one of the numerous shops on the island, or even purchasing your own, ask the snorkeling guide or shop attendant to assist you in finding the best fit for your face. South Padre Island is a beautiful place all year. The lovely state of Texas features a roughly 367-mile coastline with exquisite waters ready to be explored, which undoubtedly makes it one of the most popular destinations for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Scuba lessons begin as low as $600. The early weeks of aquatic animals are a very intense and delicate part of their life and the outmost respect is deemed necessary while interacting with these forms of life. The last thing that anyone desires is to be caught in an unpleasant snorkeling situation. I'd definitely go out again. Lovely beachfront condo with a full kitchen (from USD 320) Show all photos. It has 34 miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water on the island. Balmorhea State Park. To top it off, the possible passage of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins makes the experience even more memorable: not only while snorkeling, but also when enjoying a popular dolphin watch and sightseeing tour aboard an eco-cruise vessel. 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. The water temperatures peak at 30 C (86 F) around August and are at their lowest in February when they can drop to 17 C (63 F). SPI Excursions: Parasailing - See 459 traveler reviews, 64 candid photos, and great deals for South Padre Island, TX, at Tripadvisor. During summer months, a dazzling fireworks show adds to the itinerary. You can go scuba diving to explore these shipwrecks at Devils Elbow or snorkel on your own or with many tour services. Catching redfish on the grass flats. Its best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. If skimming across the water sounds like your kind of thing, book a room with la isla vacation rentals. Diving trips tend to begin early in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Luckily South Padre Island, being a desirable vacation destination, is full of activities as well as food and accommodation options. However, none of the other activities come close to the snorkeling experience in the San Marcos River. The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. Located on the top floor, this beachfront condo offers delightfully spacious accommodations. We went in June and the water was a little murky but other than that we had a blast. This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. South Padre Island is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some incredible diving if you want to have a relaxing vacation. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. Source: www.southpadrejetskirentals.com The boat ride was amazing and so were the crew Greg and Caesar. South Padre Island is one of the most beautiful barrier islands in the world due to its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald waters. View Trip. The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable! The water is clear and the fish are plentiful. One of our crew member's name was Ivan and I can't remember the others. South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling spots list in Scuba Diving magazine many times over the years. Get specials and discount updates from Franke Rentals in your inbox. With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. Available March - September. In South Padre Islands waters, the shore and boat diving are both possible. Everyone on board had a great time and interacted like long time friends. This is a snorkeling adventure not to be missed! This sport is popular with the whole family because it is easy to learn and does not require really sophisticated equipment. Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. You can explore exhibits on the island's past and its connection to the Spanish and Mexican eras. I am 75 years old and had never tried snorkeling before. Get your adrenaline pumping with a beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. The mask must fit perfectly on your face to avoid water leaking into the inner space. In addition, the warm waters and beautiful scenery make South Padre Island an ideal place to snorkel. 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 Summer in Texas is undoubtedly the best time of year to enjoy its many exciting activities, and March through May, in particular, is the finest season to explore the many waters on a snorkeling adventure. Unofficially, South Padre is known as the "Sandcastle Capital of the World" because of the sand quality. Possum Kingdom offers a large variety of adventure opportunities, both on land and in the water. We had the best time on our fireworks cruise. To book your South Padre Island Bay Fishing Charter with Captain Mike Knox, call 1-956-243-0039. The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. Cookies help us deliver our services. 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. This training can give you confidence which will make your snorkeling trip even more enjoyable. He was excellent a explaining in a simple way to not overwhelm us. 3. Birding Center On South Padre Island: A Rare Discovery, Bobz World: Indescribable South Texas Roadside Attraction. One of the most intriguing options for snorkeling in South Padre is the opportunity to see a wide variety of fish in the Laguna Madre Bay. The unique environment is home to a variety of animals such as yellow goats, balloonfish, garden eels, moon jellyfish, spadefish, minnows, hermit crabs, butterfly rays, and much more! Located on the northern end of Padre Boulevard just south of the South Padre Island Convention Center, Sea Turtle, Inc. is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it stays open until 5. The American barrier island of South Padre Island is situated in the Texas counties of Willacy and Cameron. From the basic open water diver to technical instructor.. With hundreds of miles of coastline, crystal-clear waters, and the exciting opportunity to see some rare, tropical fish, find out why Texas could be the perfect snorkeling destination for you. Snorkel FAQ Choose a category Snorkel FAQ Where does the snorkel go and how long to get there? Franke Rentals 2023 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597 | Search Results | Featured Properties. These are inexpensive and are a great help at teaching the basics of snorkeling and what to do when things go wrong. South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center A view above the Bird Blinds at South Padre Island | Shutterstock Rating: 4.5 It is also used as a nursery for a variety of fish and coral. American Diving is a world-renowned dive center for scuba and snorkeling trips to the Gulf of Mexico. A National Park Service visitor center is located on the reef. The Getaway is definitely the best boat for these type of trips. The Island is also a great place to relax and take in the scenery. Image Source. It was a great pity we didn't realize we can tip our staff, so we didn't bring much change. Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. 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. With spacious quarters that include sunning trampolines and covered decks, you can enjoy a feast of grilled shrimp, fajitas, and fresh fruit, as well as the cocktail of your choice (BYOB). And finally arguably most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery! Before you go ahead and dive into your next snorkeling adventure, there are a few essential things to remember and make a note of. 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. Staff is very helpful and friendly. We had to show up both days for answers. Padre Island National Seashore is popular with locals as well as visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty. Dolphin Watch tours on South Padre Island have become one of the most popular activities for visitors. If you want an exciting snorkeling experience, then Possum Kingdom is the place to go. Corpus Christi is one of the best beaches in Texas due to its clear waters and nearby attractions. Dive and snorkel from our USCG documented and inspected vessels. Activities list : snorkeling, tubing, fishing, dolphin / turtle watch, shelling, sea life touch and learn, sunset cruise, fireworks cruise, dinner cruise, Established in 2019. Due to the fascinating features that the Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note! Had a great time. For a detailed dive site description and printable snorkel dive map, just select a . Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. 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. These lessons will include training, equipment, and the opportunity to try out several types of dives. 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. While snorkeling in Windy Point Park, you can expect to come across interesting sights like boat wrecks and interesting metal sculptures of divers. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. South Padre Island is regularly rated among the safest and cleanest waters in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. 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. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. You will not find a more complete selection of scuba diving equipment in South Texas. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. If you have never snorkeled before, make sure you get familiar with the equipment. My question is: How deep is the water that you usually go snorkeling in? Click here to add your listing to Go-Texas.com. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Your own. Make sure first to try on your mask and check that it forms a tight seal over your face in order to prevent any air from coming through. Secondly, when choosing the right fins for you, keep in mind that they should be a relatively tight fit, but not overly so. South Padre Island is a great place for shore diving. If this is the first time you snorkel, ensure you get comfortable with the snorkeling equipment while on the boat. So while they will be able to snorkel if they want, they won't see much. Had an awesome time. 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. To get more information on other island attractions, check out South Padre Island Attractions. While the on-land activities at South Padre are all very appealing, if the sea is calling you, this place is most certainly the answer! There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. Book Now. You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. South Padre Island Tourism South Padre Island Hotels South Padre Island Bed and Breakfast South Padre Island Vacation Rentals 22. How good is South Padre Island? South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. From veteran snorkelers to those who are setting foot in the water for the first time, all visitors interested in snorkeling can benefit from the wisdom and experience of a guide in the water. To get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons. You can share this excitement with other divers and snorkelers in the deep blue, unspoiled waters of the Texas Riviera, territory of the Spanish Galleons and home to pirates of the Devils Elbow. South Padre Island is a beautiful place to go snorkeling. 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 . South Padre Island is one of a kind vacation experience that offers an assortment of activities and events for everyone on the Gulf Coast. If youre interested in snorkeling while on vacation in South Padre Island, youre in luck! With gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, its little surprise this island is a popular destination for travelers, party goers, beach lovers, snorkelers, and watersports addicts. We stock a full line of scuba diving equipment and accessories from brands such as: SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, ONeil, Bare, Halcyon, Suunto Dive Computers, XS Scuba, JBL Spearguns, and more. This resort town boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so there is really no bad time to visit. Snorkelers will also have the opportunity to see some marine life like sunfish, crabs, blue catfish, and several types of bass. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. Tucked into the southern tip of South Padre Island, the oceanfront Pearl South Padre not only offers guests a prime location on the beach, it also features a monstrous 6,000-square-foot swimming pool.Kids can splash around the pool's waterfall while adults swim to the pool bar for a cold drink.