Learn More. 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. Greg and Ceasar were our guides and they kept the trip interesting and had everyone laughing! The companys snorkeling excursions embark to Laguna Madre Estuary, where the shallow water is three to six feet in depth, making it an ideal place for visitors of all ages and abilities to experience the wonderful South Padre Island snorkeling. Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas Gulf Coast is one of our favorite places to visit in the state. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. Possum Kingdom offers a large variety of adventure opportunities, both on land and in the water. I recommend Breakaway for all their trips. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. These are inexpensive and are a great help at teaching the basics of snorkeling and what to do when things go wrong. One final tip would be to take some basic lessons to help you get the hang of it. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . The city of Clarksville won the Texas Water Quality Councils award for best drinking water. Try to stay alert and do not push yourself beyond your ability. 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. Wonderful experience for Bay fishing trip. 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. And when she finally arrived he was able to get us very close so we could see how the tugs controlled her. 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. South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center A view above the Bird Blinds at South Padre Island | Shutterstock Rating: 4.5 Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. We went to 2 different dolphin spots and saw many swimming in both places. I feel so sorry for this. This 34-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty is the only tropical island in all of Texas. The boat ride was amazing and so were the crew Greg and Caesar. 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. This barrier island is a major spring break destination for college students and a popular summer family vacation spot. 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. 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. Featured Fishing Trips Near South Padre Island. At 9:15 sharp, a barge in the center of the Bay shoots fireworks into the night sky. 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. 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 posted materials belong to the blog authors. Padre Island National Seashore is popular with locals as well as visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty. It has hyper salinity, due to its isolation from other water bodies, and thats what makes this place so special. 17 Free Things To Do In Long Beach Recommended By Locals! Underwater visibility can be anywhere between 3 to 30 meters (10 and 100 feet), depending on the location and water currents. The Gulf of Mexico Marine Sanctuary is critical to the survival of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Activities list : snorkeling, tubing, fishing, dolphin / turtle watch, shelling, sea life touch and learn, sunset cruise, fireworks cruise, dinner cruise, Established in 2019. If you are looking for a relaxed and laidback option, then you can do that as well here. There is less of a safety risk and it is much easier to learn. Due to the fascinating features that the Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note! 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. Breakaway is a first class operation. 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! South Padre Island is one of the worlds most beautiful barrier islands, with 34 miles of clear emerald water and beautiful white sand, and only one tropical island in Texas. CONTACT. Fishing under moon is so peaceful and pleasant. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Re: Snorkeling at South Padre? Whether you're looking for a family vacation spot or an adventure travel destination, South Padre Island has something for everyone. Dolphin Watch tours on South Padre Island have become one of the most popular activities for visitors. 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. Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. With more than 300 days of sunshine, our average winter temperature is a beautiful 65 degrees. National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZUS54 KBRO, Station 42020 - 60NM SSE of Corpus Christi, TX, We train divers in all levels of scuba. The last thing that anyone desires is to be caught in an unpleasant snorkeling situation. Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. 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. Both shore and boat diving are possible in the waters of South Padre Island. The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. When you are snorkeling, staying close to your friends or the other people you are with is important. 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. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. Get specials and discount updates from Franke Rentals in your inbox. You can find affordable bed and breakfasts as well as all-inclusive hotels, a good number of bars, clubs, nightclubs and musical venues, especially during spring break and the summer holidays. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). No need for a wetsuit, all that is needed is a swimsuit, the snorkeling headgear, and possibly some swimming fins. Parasailing at SPI. They also offer morning and afternoon deep sea fishing excursions, getting you out into the open water to land a fresh catch of snook, snapper, trout, and other species that are found in the local waters. You'll be amazed how clear the water is and you might even see a stingray or dolphin! Our aim is to make your vacation one to remember, and we supply everything - you just bring your smile. 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! THE 5 BEST South Padre Island Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Scuba & Snorkeling in South Padre Island Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Outdoor Activities The captain also offers to breakdown the fish for you, which was such a blessing as we are here on vacation. South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. 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. (956) 761-4243. He even got us up close and personal with dolphins!! Access is also available from South Padre Island. You will start off by sailing no more than 15 min to our fun spot, once we arrive there will be a quick demonstration on how the snorkel gear works and make sure it fits you properly to ensure you have the best time possible. The sea bottom is also quite deep for snorkelers to be able to see anything, or enjoy some good sightings. This water, according to one source, is among the cleanest in the country. 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). We saw a lot of dolphin, the sunset was incredible and being on the water is definitely the best place to view the fireworks. 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. It was very exciting. $ 18 Each Passenger. Is snorkeling South Padre Island any good? Report inappropriate content Birdbet South Padre Island. If you have never snorkeled before, make sure you get familiar with the equipment. Available March - September. 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. He was funny and enthusiastic. Diving trips tend to begin early in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. 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. Floating is actually easier than usual in the lagoon, as salt water makes you more buoyant. 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. Delightfully mild temperatures and warm, calm water make any time of the year a great time to visit South Padre Island. Try and target redfish on windier warmer days. Since you would not normally give these areas much focus, it is a good idea to give them extra attention here. We perform annual inspections on SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, Mares, and Zeagle 1st and 2nd stage regulators. The states 367-mile coastline makes it one of the most popular destinations for adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting, scuba diving, and snorkeling. It is much easier to learn than other methods, and there is less risk involved in the process. Welcome to Wandering our World! 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. 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