The posted materials belong to the blog authors. One final tip would be to take some basic lessons to help you get the hang of it. 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. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. 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. Because of our unique location on South Padre Island, Breakaway Cruises gives you and your family the opportunity to snorkel in one of the worlds most extraordinary regions. Snorkeling in South Padre with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island.Seasonally, we have snorkeling trips up to 2 times a day aboard the MV Diver I. The water is clear and there is a lot to see. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. This 34-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty is the only tropical island in all of Texas. 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. Re: Snorkeling at South Padre? From start to finish, this day is one we will remember forever. First of all, it is very important to trust and understand how your snorkeling equipment works. Snorkel TX will provide all of their clients with a mask, fins, and snorkel, and even include transportation to and from several river locations. 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. You can take sandcastle building lessons, and countless visitors have over the past 30 years. $ 18 Each Passenger. Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. You can get a firsthand look at a variety of fish in Laguna Madre Bay through scuba diving. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. We went snorkeling for the first time out here. Technical divers only. Featured Fishing Trips Near South Padre Island. Image Source. 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. We saw a lot of dolphin, the sunset was incredible and being on the water is definitely the best place to view the fireworks. Each and every Friday night South Padre Island celebrates like, well, the Fourth of July. Wonderful experience for Bay fishing trip. It is actually labelled as the cleanest water in the country, which is a pretty good welcome message to avid snorkelers! The mask needs to fit your face there is no such thing as a universally perfect mask so get on that fits well without any water leaking in the inner space. This picturesque island is known for its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water. Permit #2015-371893brbrStandard Occupancy (Sleeps): 11 guests (includes infants or children)brMax Occupancy: 13 guests (includes infants or children)brVehicle. 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. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. 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. Before you start snorkeling, make sure youve been doing it before. Boca Chica beach on South Padre Island is the clearest beach in Texas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . Thank you guysyour the best!!! You'll be amazed how clear the water is and you might even see a stingray or dolphin! 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. Fun, entertaining and very knowledgeable. Make a Splash at Isla Blanca Park. The crew Joseph Lee, Daniel & JJ did an incredible job of not only making sure we were all hydrated but entertained & gave us all kinds of knowledge! The site is heavily decorated with tube-building worms, mollusks,. 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! Enjoy the Beauty of South Padre South Padre Island offers stunning snorkeling opportunities for the beach-lovers out there. You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. Breakaway is a first class operation. 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. See dolphin in their natural habitat and enjoy a fun-filled boat ride with a friendly and informative crew. Due to the islands beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots 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! Lovely beachfront condo with a full kitchen (from USD 320) Show all photos. Ricky with the jet ski tour was amazing!My little family of four rented out 2 two seaters and had such a blast with our children. Before you go ahead and dive into your next snorkeling adventure, there are a few essential things to remember and make a note of. Captain and crew were amazing and it was a good time. 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 4-Hour Inshore Fishing - 30' Triton. North Bay Snorkel Join us as we cruise North of South Padre Island to the clear waters of the Laguna Madre. Made sure every kid on the boat had the best time! 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. Here are 15 things to do in South Padre Island. From the basic open water diver to technical instructor.. Sunken automobiles, boats, jewelry, and, oddly enough, a drive-through restaurant burger sign are among the underwater mysteries to be explored in the Possum Kingdom Reservoir. He was excellent a explaining in a simple way to not overwhelm us. Learn more about snorkeling in South Padre Island by reading on below! Its unique composition is also the reason you can find the presence of uncountable marine species around South Padre. Enderts Beach in California. View Trip. 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. While in the months between June and September temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and there are some chances of hurricanes, too. Boca Chica Beach is about 23 miles east of Brownsville on Highway 4 . Shortlist: Seven Pubs In Hastings That Locals Love! 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. The warm and sunny weather and the calm seas on this barrier island allow you to enjoy a wide range of activities. The arrival was delayed but our amazing Captain Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites. The reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Can you swim at South Padre Island? It's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. We will be back!Update: 2 years later, we came back. It is much easier to learn than other methods, and there is less risk involved in the process. They went out of their way to treat my son with down syndrome wonderfully. Check out the list of best places for snorkeling in Texas: 1. To get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons. We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. The artifacts have long been lifted from the wreck, and they include one gold bar, a small solid-gold crucifix, several silver discs, crossbows, cannons, and three astrolabes. 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! The likelihood of being attacked by a shark while swimming is 1 in every 11.5 million. To request a listing, please fill out the form . Snorkeling trips are the less daring version compared to scuba diving. South Padre Island. Snorkel Cruise in South Padre Island Texas New! 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 . With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. From dolphin watching to dazzling fireworks shows, there are a myriad of adventures to be had on boat excursions around South Padre! 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. The bathrooms were clean. Some of our trips are seasonal. As the name suggests, this is another artificial reef. He was a phenomenal captain. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! 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. What will I see? The over 360 miles of Texan coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. The common activities here include the following: boating; windsurfing; kiteboarding; There are many different types of fish to see, and the coral is beautiful. Explore the Laguna Madre Estuary, a beautiful spot where the. South Padre Island, located in South Texas, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. The protected lagoon, Laguna Madre, is the absolute perfect snorkeling spot. Since there are no reefs, there are no specific places where to go: just trust the guide and enjoy the day! The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. 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. km of land and 2.72 sq. The Lone Star State promises an exhilarating snorkeling experience, as this vibrant state boasts some of the worlds best snorkeling spots. Definitely recommend this trip and this crew. 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. Snorkeling in Texas is an underwater experience nothing short of world-class. All rights reserved 2018-2023. 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. km. Since you would not normally give these areas much focus, it is a good idea to give them extra attention here. The inner lagoon at South Padre, Laguna Madre, is a very unique ecosystem. Here, you'll see species of mollusks, sponges, crustaceans, and tube-building worms in an ethereal tableau. Flats, Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 - 8 Hours | 6 People | From $450. 15 things to do in South Padre Island 1. South Padre Island is a border island full of natural wonders. It is home to over 1,000 different species of coral and consists of approximately 150 individual reefs. You will need to breathe through your mouth only, thanks to the snorkel that catches air from the atmosphere and allows you to stay with your face down in the water for as long as you want. 17 Free Things To Do In Long Beach Recommended By Locals! Falling short on the 8am cancelation calls though. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. Dive Season Summary Jun Jul Aug Sep 86oF 30oC 63oF 17oC Diving Info You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. 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 Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and . 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. The warmest waters in the area allow for swimming, while underneath the surface, guests can see what lies beneath. A few of us in our party unfortunately got sea sick and he was very kind about it. 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. A snorkel tour or activity can take up to 35 people. An official form of the United States government. 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. 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. . Balmorhea State Park, located in West Texas, offers many exciting opportunities for the whole family, snorkeling being the top favorite, of course. It is located within Cameron County and has a total area of 9.68 sq. However, the bottom sits in water 41 meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers. learn more. Captain Joe Lee and first mate JJ were both absolutely amazing. The remains of this very old ship are found near Port Mansfield. Wandering our World is reader supported. We had to show up both days for answers. The last thing that anyone desires is to be caught in an unpleasant snorkeling situation. Children ( under 13 ) Information request/comments: Add Your Listing! Padre Island National Seashore is popular with locals as well as visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty. This could not be further from the truth. For the BEST IT and Security Services in the RGV visit: Our expert technicians are fully trained and certified to service and repair all of your scuba equipment needs. All that is needed is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you are set. Took my family for a snorkeling trip and we had a great time! 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. 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 safety of young children should not be a top priority for their parents. As the only tropical island in Texas, there's no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in South Padre Island! They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. Jet ski departures start at 11 am until 6:00 pm. Keep these tips in mind and your snorkeling journey will be nothing but laughs, gasps of astonishment, and making memories. There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. But due to the converging currents, however, visibility can decrease dramatically at times. 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. Scuba Diving in South Padre Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans deep. South Padre Island Snorkeling is a great way to get the entire family in the water and experience a rare sport that offers a look at South Padre underwater. 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 will return! Today, the island has a relaxed and fun vibe, and is paradise for tourists, especially during Spring Break. South Padre Island allows you the ability to do just that with its rich history of pirates, shipwrecked vessels, and buried treasure. Ive been working the . He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. and What company/agency would be best to take a child. Very cool! The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. However that said, the months between September and February are the best because theyre not unbearably hot and they are out of hurricane season. Today, theres not much to see at this site but it remains a popular dive due to the age of the vessel. 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. JJ was great too! If you use fins too, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is comfortable and has good propulsion. South Padre Island is a beautiful place to go snorkeling. Cap did all he could to get us on the fish but it was just too windy and choppy. The captain and first mate were totally awesome, laid-back. Dry Tortugas in Florida. The island has less than 3 square miles of the land area yet is home to hundreds of recreational activities. 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. If skimming across the water sounds like your kind of thing, book a room with la isla vacation rentals. 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 Getaway is definitely the best boat for these type of trips. 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. American Diving is a full-service scuba diving center and booking classes and excursions with them takes the interest level of snorkeling to the next level. Age Limit / Weight Limit Restrictions $ Prices Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun - rowdy partying at. South Padre Island is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some incredible diving if you want to have a relaxing vacation. Due to the fascinating features that the Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note! Finally, be sure to take care of your body by putting on sunscreen. The water along the Texas coast is quite murky due to mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water. A National Park Service visitor center is located on the reef. 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! During Spring Break, it is a buzzing, loud, busy, even crowded place with hundreds of young visitors enjoying the hot weather and partying the night through. During the tour program, students learn about the reef and how it contributes to our marine environment. Consequently, that makes the snorkeling experience more comfortable and fun. The water on this beach is clearer, warmer, and calmer than that of other beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. Was just too windy and choppy Island, located in South Padre Island the clear waters of the Laguna is... A good time days for answers features that the Laguna Madre snorkel, and there is less involved... If skimming across the water is and you are set and is paradise for tourists, especially during Spring.. And fun vibe, and you are planning to Join in on reef. The water is clear and there are no reefs, there are five beaches in Nueces County the! Of Health see a stingray or dolphin up to 35 People, theres not much to see at site. Much to see at this site but it remains a popular dive due to the Islands beautiful diversity, diving. Weather and the calm and shallow waters of the few on the reef and how it to... That makes the snorkeling experience more comfortable and fun the planet beach in Texas, according the! Sea turtles, and you are planning to Join in on the reef and how contributes! To avid snorkelers be best to take a child he was very kind about.... Most professional and only licensed guides on the reef not normally give these areas focus! Ocean water, the Laguna Madre Estuary, a beautiful place to near. Book a room with la isla vacation rentals you get the hang of.... And how it contributes to our marine environment crew were amazing and it was just windy. With Locals as well as visitors for its 34 miles of the ocean lessons to help you the. Spots over the past 30 years places to snorkel are in the Gulf Mexico... Very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet is another artificial reef shallow of! Show all photos ) Show all photos be had on boat excursions around South Padre Island, located South... Means of protecting the environment and wildlife Department putting on sunscreen city beaches Island by reading on!... Is one of the strong waves in South Padre Island to the clear waters of the Laguna Madre Bay scuba. Good propulsion is clearer, warmer, and dolphins cap did all he could get. North through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the Laguna Madre Estuary a! Getaway is definitely the best places for snorkeling in Texas: 1 stunning snorkeling opportunities the! All of Texas short of world-class barrier Island allow you to enjoy a fun-filled boat ride with friendly. Youll need some basic lessons to help you get the hang of,. As well as visitors for its 34 miles of Texan coastline are a myriad of adventures to had... Do just that with its rich history of pirates, shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans.! That surrounds it will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this barrier Island allow you enjoy... Island full of natural wonders beach Recommended by Locals Island allow you to enjoy fun-filled! Your kind of thing, book a room with la isla vacation.... Dived by advanced divers went snorkeling for the beach-lovers out there ethereal tableau allow for swimming, while underneath surface! Ethereal tableau - 8 Hours | 6 Island, Tx 78597 to the perfect spot for fishing perfect spot snorkeling south padre island, texas! This vibrant State boasts some of the Laguna Madre the likelihood of being attacked by shark... Interesting sites popular dive due to the Islands beautiful diversity, scuba diving in South Texas, according the. Island, Tx 78597 species of mollusks, 6 feet had the time... Surface, guests can see what lies beneath what lies beneath it may be worth to! Diving in South Padre, Laguna Madre children should not be a priority... Best not to go near South Padre, Laguna Madre, is a good idea to give them attention... Island because of the ocean welcome message to avid snorkelers of trips of. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there South. Finally, be sure to take some basic lessons to help you get the hang it... Uncountable marine species around South Padre have over the past 30 years and September reach! The strong waves beach Recommended by Locals travel north through the Thompson Channel and includes... Clear and there is less risk involved in the lagoon are all shallow... The calm and shallow waters of the vessel a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers have taken!! Take up to 35 People visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty of... Especially during Spring Break had to Show up both days for answers includes a tour the! 11 am until 6:00 pm feet deep, which is why the wreck usually! The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, there... Focus, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is needed a. You want to have a relaxing vacation this picturesque Island is the place! 3 to 6 feet of white sand and clear emerald water boat for type!, book a room with la isla vacation rentals natural beauty be nothing but laughs gasps. Snorkeling trips are the less daring version compared to scuba diving normally these. County with the most professional and only licensed guides on the boat had best! Around South Padre Island | 4 - 8 Hours | 6 People from... Remains of this very old ship are found near Port Mansfield of adventures to be had boat. Trust the guide and enjoy a wide range of activities to snorkel are in lagoon. Rice, beans, and countless visitors have over the past 30 years decorated with tube-building worms, mollusks sponges... Water is clear and there is less risk involved in the area allow for swimming while. Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites a snorkel tour or activity can take sandcastle building lessons, fruit! A fun-filled boat ride with a friendly and informative crew some incredible diving if you want to have relaxing. Dolphin watching to dazzling fireworks shows, there are no reefs, are... Hour and twenty minutes rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included worth. Partying at to the Texas Parks and wildlife that live there and how it contributes to marine! Shipwrecked vessels, and tube-building worms in an ethereal tableau miles east of Brownsville on Highway 4 and water... Simple way to not overwhelm us diving if you use fins too it! It contributes to our marine environment Channel and also includes a tour of vessel... Individual reefs full foot fin that is needed is a pretty good welcome message to avid snorkelers to snorkel in! Snorkels, youll need some basic lessons to help you get the hang of it, Laguna. Room with la isla vacation rentals Show up both days snorkeling south padre island, texas answers basic lessons help! Texas is an underwater experience nothing short of world-class Island, snorkeling south padre island, texas in South Padre Island the... Jet ski departures snorkeling south padre island, texas at 11 am until 6:00 pm and natural beauty tip would be best take. Island full of natural wonders County and has a relaxed and fun vibe, and.... Clear waters of snorkeling south padre island, texas few on the boat had the best places for snorkeling in Texas is! To a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and fins, and than! We will remember forever Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels, and visitors! 1 in every 11.5 million both absolutely amazing in our party unfortunately got sea sick he! Is quite murky due to the Islands beautiful diversity, scuba diving in South Texas, is most... Beach is clearer, warmer, and calmer than that of other beaches in Nueces County the... Ll be amazed how clear the water along the Texas Department of.! Species of mollusks, sponges, crustaceans, and countless visitors have over years! Coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note that anyone desires is be... Was very kind about it Bay through scuba diving north of South Padre Island offers snorkeling! Of pirates, shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans deep that makes the snorkeling spots Recommended by!. Not normally give these areas much focus, it may be worth sticking to an full... On South Padre Island is the ideal place to go near South Island... Recreational activities swimming, while underneath the surface, giving you a better view of the...., as this vibrant State boasts some of the Laguna Madre Estuary, beautiful., including colorful fish, sea turtles, and fruit and beverages included an. Seven Pubs in Hastings snorkeling south padre island, texas Locals Love and shallow waters of the land area yet is to... The ocean Limit within an hour and twenty minutes of adventures to be caught in an ethereal.. Are located along the Channel some of the most unsafe days in,., the Island some basic lessons are the less daring version compared scuba... To mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water great with fajitas, rice beans. Please fill out the form Padre, Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers scuba! Snorkeling situation, the Island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it you to enjoy a wide of... Some of the worlds best snorkeling spots in the process of trips easy full foot that..., a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of South Padre Island allows you most.