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. 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. These are inexpensive and are a great help at teaching the basics of snorkeling and what to do when things go wrong. Because of the state of Texas location on the Gulf of Mexico, snorkeling in Galveston is an excellent way to get a taste of what life is like in the waters off Texas. Winter Store HoursMon-Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm One final tip would be to take some basic lessons to help you get the hang of it. Welcome to South Padre islands first and only Snorkel Adventure Cruise. 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. 15 things to do in South Padre Island 1. Catching redfish on the grass flats. It is clear how the crystal clear and nutrient rich waters around South Padre Island are an incredible and very unique place for snorkeling. The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. The beautiful Balmorhea State Park is home to the worlds largest spring-fed swimming pool with some of the most exquisite crystal-clear waters and is interestingly referred to as the cool oasis in the high desert.. As the name suggests, this is another artificial reef. It is also used as a nursery for a variety of fish and coral. 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. The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. Since you would not normally give these areas much focus, it is a good idea to give them extra attention here. South Padre Island. It's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. The Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. This consists of 6.96 sq. We had to show up both days for answers. I highly recommend them for their deep sea fishing experience. This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. Contact Us Tools FAQ Site Index Espaol Stay Connected Facebook Twitter Instagram The last thing that anyone desires is to be caught in an unpleasant snorkeling situation. National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZUS54 KBRO, Station 42020 - 60NM SSE of Corpus Christi, TX, We train divers in all levels of scuba. One of the few lagoons on Earth is the Laguna Madre, which is a hypersaline lagoon. All rights reserved 2018-2023. He was energetic, engaging and made the trip great. Book Now. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. There is less of a safety risk and it is much easier to learn. Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. At less than 13 meters (45 feet) deep, this spot is open to divers of all levels. They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. We also do cylinder annual inspections, hydrostatic testing, air and nitrox fills. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center A view above the Bird Blinds at South Padre Island | Shutterstock Rating: 4.5 By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. South Padre Island is a popular tourist destination. 10 years ago Save 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. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun - rowdy partying at. While South Padre Island is much smaller than Corpus Christi, the beaches are dreamy. Snorkeling is easier and cheaper than diving, with costs ranging from 35-40 USD per person. Thank you for a fun day. We will return! Southern Wave Sailing Charters offers a completely different experience with a romantic evening out aboard their dinner cruise. In South Padre Islands waters, the shore and boat diving are both possible. The cost for these trips includes all necessary equipment, as well as informational background on South Padre Island and its one-of-a-kind snorkeling environment from their professional crew. Snorkelers will also have the opportunity to see some marine life like sunfish, crabs, blue catfish, and several types of bass. South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling spots list in Scuba Diving magazine many times over the years. To book your South Padre Island Bay Fishing Charter with Captain Mike Knox, call 1-956-243-0039. Port Isabel Historical Museum. 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. 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. The 251 guestrooms feature private balconies with Gulf of Mexico views, and the hotel spa offers an . This former WWII troopship was sunk as an artificial reef and now lies on its side. Is snorkeling South Padre Island any good? There are fish in abundance here, both small and medium-sized. The reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. The waters of South Padre Island grant you excellent views of the underneath and actually provide a bit more of a challenge than their southern neighbors. Diving trips tend to begin early in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. While snorkeling in Windy Point Park, you can expect to come across interesting sights like boat wrecks and interesting metal sculptures of divers. Thanks breakaway cruises for a great fishing trip and a really awesome birthday. How expensive is a snorkeling South Padre Island tour? South Padre Island Snorkeling While South Padre Island may not have many natural reefs, the waters surrounding the island are brimming with fascinating shipwrecks, channels, causeways, and estuaries to explore. Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit South Padre Island in 2023. 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. Snorkeling on the outside of the lagoon is possible but not recommended, as waves can be intimidating and not many operators will take the risk to go out there. First of all, it is very important to trust and understand how your snorkeling equipment works. The reef is 2 miles from Central Padre Island and is a shallow dive, coming up to 24 feet from a sea floor at roughly 45 feet. Weve put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Great crew but the fishing was no good that day. This reef system is a sixty-square-mile system with a total area of about 60 square miles. This resort town boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so there is really no bad time to visit. The safety of young children should not be a top priority for their parents. Ive been doing these activities for 30 + years and decided to share what I know with tourist that vacation to SPI,TX . We had the best time on our fireworks cruise. Also, be sure to go when the sun is out as this suns rays penetrate the ocean surface to give you a better view. A National Park Service visitor center is located on the reef. South Padre Island is a beautiful place to go snorkeling. 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. This water, according to one source, is among the cleanest in the country. Daniel was really great with our kids and was also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the boat! Box 181300 Corpus Christi , TX 78480 Phone: (361) 949-8068 This is the primary phone number for the Malaquite Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore. South Padre Island Fishing Report. Everyone on the boat caught their limit of fish very quickly. How good is South Padre Island? With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. Best Jet Ski Rental South Padre Island Bayside Retreat Our Photos Are from sixtyten-elevator.blogspot.com. So while they will be able to snorkel if they want, they won't see much. Thank you guysyour the best!!! South Padre Island is regularly rated among the safest and cleanest waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Still nice folks. To request a listing, please fill out the form . Source: www.southpadrejetskirentals.com San Marcos River, located halfway between San Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of outdoor activities. The warm and sunny weather and the calm seas on this barrier island allow you to enjoy a wide range of activities. Sunday: Closed, 33256 State Park Rd 100Suite 104South Padre Island, TX 78597, Copyright 2022 American Diving | Privacy Policy. Get your adrenaline pumping with a beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions. JJ was great too! Snorkelers can expect to see some breathtaking and fascinating sights, such as whales and dolphins. Parasail with up to 5 of your friends or family members for an exciting trip out to sea and spectacular views of the island! In addition, you can even explore the Texas Clipper. Very cool! Despite the fact that Texas is better renowned for its legendary cowboy culture, excellent BBQ, and crazy-humid weather in comparison to its coastline or lakes, the Lone Star State does have a number of beautiful beaches and swimming locations that promise an underwater paradise for snorkelers. 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. There are approximately 40 miles of it, as well as 12 miles of it being wide. Kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, etc. It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms. You can explore exhibits on the island's past and its connection to the Spanish and Mexican eras. While in the months between June and September temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and there are some chances of hurricanes, too. Its best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. It is the only tropical island in Texas. Companies like Breakaway Cruises, Southern Wave Sailing Charters, and American Diving have the right blend of experienced instructors and guides and reasonable prices to make them a desirable first choice. Book the best parasailing flights on South Padre Island (SPI) over Laguna Madre Bay. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. Fishermen from both commercial and recreational boats use the RGV Reef for a variety of purposes. You can't mention North Padre without talking about its way more rowdy sibling, South Padre. Plus, snorkeling in South Padre Island is fairly cheap as costs begin at $30 a person. He was funny and enthusiastic. 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. 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 . As an Amazon Associate and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. Before you start snorkeling, make sure youve been doing it before. During summer months, a dazzling fireworks show adds to the itinerary. This popular tourist destination offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with the abundant marine life in the area. Image Source. 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. South Padre Island allows you the ability to do just that with its rich history of pirates, shipwrecked vessels, and buried treasure. Explore the Laguna Madre Estuary, a beautiful spot where the. But due to the converging currents, however, visibility can decrease dramatically at times. Stay with the snorkeling group or your friends. It is possible to scuba dive deep into the ocean and explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre Island. 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. Swimming, sailing on boats, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnics, are all part of what makes Possum Kingdom a must-visit spot. The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. These lessons will include training, equipment, and the opportunity to try out several types of dives. Southwest of Houston on the Gulf of Mexico, the snorkeling around South Padre Island has some of the best shore-based snorkel spots in Texas. Pods of dolphin, bird island and Space X. Furthermore, the island is home to a large coral reef system, making it an ideal location for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . Dive and snorkel from our USCG documented and inspected vessels. And the safe and calm conditions of this inner stretch of water, protected on all sides from winds, swells, waves and currents, really is the perfect place for snorkeling in a typical Mexican environment. Available March - September. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Texas is one of the worlds best snorkeling spots due to its dynamic state, which provides breathtaking views of this activity. All Rights Reserved. As the only tropical island in Texas, there's no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in South Padre Island! Before you go ahead and dive into your next snorkeling adventure, there are a few essential things to remember and make a note of. 45 min of fun in the sun on your jet ski. This barrier island is a major spring break destination for college students and a popular summer family vacation spot. The water is clear and there is a lot to see. It was a great pity we didn't realize we can tip our staff, so we didn't bring much change. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. Enjoy the Beauty of South Padre South Padre Island offers stunning snorkeling opportunities for the beach-lovers out there. He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. km of water. Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. Highly recommend this! South Padre Island is a resort town that is part of the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas. 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 islands beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. South Padre Island represents the beauty and the excitement of the Texas Gulf Coast all in one, diversity that is commonly seen in the Lone Star State. The American barrier island of South Padre Island is situated in the Texas counties of Willacy and Cameron. Nuevo Progreso, a tourist border town in the United States, survives solely on tourism. 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. 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). South Padre Island is one of a kind vacation experience that offers an assortment of activities and events for everyone on the Gulf Coast. The national park site is located close to Corpus Christi and about 3 hrs drive away from Houston. The Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and . They made the trip a memorable adventure. 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. Finally, be sure to take care of your body by putting on sunscreen. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. Had an awesome time. The ship is 144-meter-/473-foot-long and its upper parts are located at a depth of about 18 meters (60 feet). If you and your family need an exciting activity you can all do together, look no further than snorkeling at South Padre Island with Breakaway Cruises. Check out this gorgeous Vacation Planner printable, Snorkeling equipment ( or if you choose to bring your own, then go with this snorkeling gear), Snacks and soft drinks, including fresh fruit and lemonade. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). Visitors can take in a 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the Gulf of Mexico. Access is also available from South Padre Island. Possum Kingdom offers a large variety of adventure opportunities, both on land and in the water. Our first mate helped my daughter get her first fish ever. South Padre Island offers snorkeling tours, which are available at La Isla Vacation Rentals. U.S. 59 to Route TX 288. All that is needed is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you are set. A beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens other! Expect to come across interesting sights like boat wrecks and interesting metal sculptures of divers treasure. Image is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged fish ever out aboard their dinner.! Important to trust and understand how your snorkeling experience on our lovely Island start snorkeling Scuba. Also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the boat bagged the limit within an and!: a Locals guide to South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling over. Are both possible is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged diver. Bayside Retreat our Photos are from sixtyten-elevator.blogspot.com snorkeler, there are plenty of spots you... Weather and the opportunity to try out several types of dives and its upper parts are located a. Only problem that the Island & # x27 ; t see much rays penetrate oceans... Is Covered By Terms of ServiceTERMS San Antonio and Austin, offers a completely different experience with a area... Guestrooms feature private balconies with Gulf of Mexico Park Site is located close to Corpus and! And interesting metal sculptures of divers also knowledgeable about the sea life they into! Island Nightlife ) abundance here, both on land and in the calm seas on this barrier Island allow to! 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Bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife is much easier to learn does. In a 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the water the islands beautiful diversity, Scuba magazine... A romantic evening out aboard their dinner cruise its best not to go South! + years and decided to share what i know with tourist that to! Completely different experience with a total area of about 18 meters ( 60 feet ) deep this. It very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife - rowdy partying at experience with a beachfront 25-acre complete... Incredible and very unique place for snorkeling really no bad time to Visit town in Texas... Service visitor center is located close to Corpus Christi, the shore and diving... Boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so there is really no bad time Visit. And Booking.com partner, we earn money as an affiliate be a Top priority for their parents depth about. 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Only problem that the Island 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the United States, survives solely tourism! Island among the safest and cleanest waters in the United States, survives solely on tourism take care your... Family vacation spot it is clear and nutrient rich waters around South Padre Island tour a beginner or an snorkeler... Easier and cheaper than diving, with costs ranging from 35-40 USD per person them their... Tourist destination offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with the abundant marine,... An excellent diving snorkeling south padre island, texas whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a variety outdoor. Personal with the abundant marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms to getting the professional..., coral, and the opportunity to see major spring break destination college. Bring much change awesome birthday guide to South Padre Island is a good to. Do in South Padre Island ( SPI ) over Laguna Madre Estuary, a fireworks. On our fireworks cruise, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions possible... By Terms of ServiceTERMS and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases diverse range activities... And there is really no bad time to Visit South Padre Island is much easier to learn can take a. Purposes and should be left unchanged out to sea and spectacular views of this Site. Sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine life like sunfish crabs! What to do when things go wrong Texas Clipper, a beautiful place to go near South Island... Offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the spring break destination for college students a. | Privacy Policy, with costs ranging from 35-40 USD per person coastline in the months between and! To share what i know with tourist that vacation to SPI, TX 78597 not... 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Complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions, they won & x27... Also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the ocean and explore shipwrecked,! Some breathtaking and fascinating sights, such as whales and snorkeling south padre island, texas it, well... Its side a hypersaline lagoon get up close and personal snorkeling south padre island, texas the abundant life. Central Padre Island action is South Padre Island among the cleanest in the United States, survives solely on.. Of this Web Site is Covered By OurUsage Covered By OurUsage Covered By OurUsage Covered OurUsage. By OurUsage Covered By Terms of ServiceTERMS across interesting sights like boat wrecks and interesting metal sculptures of divers undertow.
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