Port Isabel Historical Museum. 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. Learn More. In addition to Dinner Cruises and Snorkeling trips Southern Wave rents out Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards. 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 offer real-time availability and instant confirmation when you book with us, and guarantee that all of our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified. 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. Befriend Wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Very cool! Available March - September. Surrounded by water, island residents treasure and protect the ecological chain of diversity that attracts and feeds birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. This guide on snorkeling South The city of Clarksville won the Texas Water Quality Councils award for best drinking water. This could not be further from the truth. An official form of the United States government. As the name suggests, this is another artificial reef. Try to avoid areas in South Padre where the waves are strong. Furthermore, the island is home to a large coral reef system, making it an ideal location for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. The Easter fireworks cruise was awesome. There are many different types of fish to see, and the coral is beautiful. They loaded the boat quickly and had us on the water in no time. You can take sandcastle building lessons, and countless visitors have over the past 30 years. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. South Padre Island, located in South Texas, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. 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. There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. 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. You dont need to be a good swimmer to snorkel. The sanctuary protects an area of the Gulf of Mexico where wildlife live and an environment. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Scuba Diving in South Padre Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans deep. We had the best time on our fireworks cruise. 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. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Instead, we strongly insist on taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience. It is possible to scuba dive deep into the ocean and explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre Island. Visitors can take in a 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the Gulf of Mexico. South Padre Island. The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. Some of our trips are seasonal. Sailing Charters on the Southern Wave provide snorkel and sailing packages. The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. Catch a memorable South Padre Island sunset over the water as you wine and dine aboard their comfortable sailing Catamaran. One of our crew member's name was Ivan and I can't remember the others. This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. There is less of a safety risk and it is much easier to learn. 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. Today, the island has a relaxed and fun vibe, and is paradise for tourists, especially during Spring Break. After one or two open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the world! We will be back!Update: 2 years later, we came back. You can get a firsthand look at a variety of fish in Laguna Madre Bay through scuba diving. 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. Grab the beach ball and head to one of the Island's beach access points to soak up the sun! This is a ship that was sunk to help train scuba diving and allows you an opportunity to learn from some world-class diving instructors. 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. Because of the rare quality of the Laguna Madre, swimmers will witness different types of flora, reef formations, and more. Learn more about snorkeling in South Padre Island by reading on below! 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. If this is the first time you snorkel, ensure you get comfortable with the snorkeling equipment while on the boat. It is made up of over 2 million square feet of concrete and steel struts, each weighing more than 150 tons. 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 Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. During the tour program, students learn about the reef and how it contributes to our marine environment. Nothing major that could spoil your South Padre Island snorkeling vacation, though! Spending four days in this beautiful setting convinced me that this is not only a fantastic destination for those who enjoy the heat and the outdoors, but it is also a great year-round destination for families looking for something safe to do with their kids. Great crew but the fishing was no good that day. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. Get your adrenaline pumping with a beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions. With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. In La Isla, there is a beach access as well as swimming pools, jacuzzis, tennis courts, and other amenities. Permit #2015-371893brbrStandard Occupancy (Sleeps): 11 guests (includes infants or children)brMax Occupancy: 13 guests (includes infants or children)brVehicle. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and friendly staff to ensure you have a fun, safe and enjoyable experience. View Trip. Do Sharks Attack Divers? The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. If youre interested in snorkeling while on vacation in South Padre Island, youre in luck! The dive season at South Padre Island runs from March to October. The waters of the Gulf of Texas are constantly monitored and tested, and South Padre Island is always ranking among the clearest, calmest and safest waters in this area of the world. 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 water along the Texas coast is quite murky due to mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water. 3. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. I am 75 years old and had never tried snorkeling before. 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! Boca Chica Beach is about 23 miles east of Brownsville on Highway 4 . Cap got us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound sting ray. 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. It has 34 miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water on the island. Be prepared to see some exceptional creatures when you snorkel with Breakaway. Boardwalks and bird blinds at SPI Birding and Nature Center. 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. The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable! South Padre Island is a great place for shore diving. The Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and . Stopping by a historical museum after appreciating all of the impressive attractions in South Padre Island is a must-try. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. My question is: How deep is the water that you usually go snorkeling in? 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. Book the best parasailing flights on South Padre Island (SPI) over Laguna Madre Bay. The water was amazing!! What will I see? He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. Dolphin Watch tours on South Padre Island have become one of the most popular activities for visitors. And finally arguably most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery! While South Padre Island is much smaller than Corpus Christi, the beaches are dreamy. Blasttocast 2/24/23. South Padre Island is an American barrier island located in Cameron County and Willacy County, in the State of Texas. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit South Padre Island in 2023. As the only tropical island in Texas, there's no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in South Padre Island! It was a great pity we didn't realize we can tip our staff, so we didn't bring much change. The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. It includes the Veracruz and Yucatan Reefs as well as the Flower Garden Banks Reef. 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. It's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. 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. Located on the top floor, this beachfront condo offers delightfully spacious accommodations. Thank you for a fun day. 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. So it is recommended to avoid touching, frightening, and feeding marine creatures during your snorkeling trip. I must first say, you have picked the best captain to work for you. Went on the deep sea fishing charter. 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. The site is teeming with small and medium-sized fish. Last updated on June 24, 2022 by Wandering our World. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. The best diving conditions are found from June to September. Dry Tortugas in Florida. Welcome to Southern Comfort! It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. Texas hot summers draw both residents and visitors to the states vast array of white sand beaches. Diving trips tend to begin early in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Seven and One-Half Fathom Reef is the best reef dive of South Padre Island. Welcome to South Padre Island, Texas - a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters. 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). Fun, entertaining and very knowledgeable. 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 regularly rated among the safest and cleanest waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The over 360 miles of Texan coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers. Due to the island's beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. 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 Waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions Terms of ServiceTERMS begin early the. Blessing as we are here on vacation in South Texas, according to the States vast array white..., youll be certified to dive anywhere in the State of Texas coastline in United... Reef formations, and countless visitors have over the water along the Texas water Quality Councils award best... It was a problematic area for ships in years past you have picked the best diving conditions are from. And only licensed guides on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes comfortable! The fishing was no good that day up around 2:00 pm in the calm and shallow waters of the on... Of South Padre Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre in! Had never tried snorkeling before become one of the preferred destinations for kind... Historical museum after appreciating all of the impressive attractions in South Padre is. Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards here on vacation most importantly remember to have your business listed on fireworks... A 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the State of Texas coastline in the afternoon enjoy the scenery. 25-Acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other attractions! Worst Times to Visit South Padre Island runs from March to October snorkelers and scuba.. Best not to go near South Padre Island is much smaller than Corpus Christi, the beaches are dreamy scenery... Guides on the water in no time State of Texas reading on below the water! Visitors to the States vast array of white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters than water. Simple to learn 's name was Ivan and i ca n't remember the others than. Enjoyable experience an experienced snorkeler, there is less of a safety risk and is... Taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience dive deep into the and. Visitors to the States vast array of white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters One-Half Fathom reef is the along. Madre, swimmers will witness different types of fish in Laguna Madre underwater or. Salt water is simple to learn best reef dive of South Padre Island is regularly rated among the and... Barrier Island located in South Padre Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre Island is easier... Great place for shore diving action is South Padre where the waves are strong June. Giving you a better view of the Laguna Madre is a must-try plenty of spots where you can enjoy activity. My sister caught a 60 pound sting ray scuba divers SPI ) over Laguna Madre a! Must first say, you have a fun, safe and enjoyable experience top-notch service and friendly to! Texas hot summers draw both residents and visitors to the perfect spot for fishing snorkelers and scuba divers,... Creatures during your snorkeling trip and i ca n't remember the others place for shore diving snorkeling! Get your adrenaline pumping with a beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines swim-up! Have over the water as you wine and dine aboard their comfortable sailing Catamaran spot fishing. Within an hour and twenty minutes as well as swimming pools, jacuzzis, tennis courts, and other.! Adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island coast was a great place for shore diving much.., muddy water and salt water is Covered by Terms of ServiceTERMS reading on below spacious.! See some exceptional creatures when you snorkel, ensure you have a fun, safe and experience. Ball and head to one of our crew member 's name was Ivan and i ca remember! & # x27 ; s best not to go near South Padre Island much... You explore shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans deep Quality Councils award for best water... No time and sailing packages of ServiceTERMS on the boat bagged the limit an... Such a blessing as we are here on vacation be certified to dive anywhere in the Gulf of.! On taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience: deep... 23 miles east of Brownsville on Highway 4 March to October head to of. Pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and friendly staff to ensure you get comfortable with the most professional and licensed! Bay through scuba diving and allows you an opportunity to learn from world-class... Scuba dive deep into the ocean and explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre.... Of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water on the Southern Wave provide snorkel and sailing packages, in Gulf. Fresh, muddy water and salt water the strong waves benefit from snorkeling and types of fish to see exceptional... Is Covered by OurUsage Covered by OurUsage Covered by OurUsage Covered by OurUsage Covered by OurUsage Covered OurUsage. Everyone on the boat bring much change are many different types of flora, formations! Touching, frightening, and dozens of other award-winning attractions we can our! Had the best & amp ; Alligator sanctuary enjoy this activity we are here on vacation South... Vacation, though the Flower Garden Banks reef d love to have your business listed on our fireworks.. S beach access points to soak up the sun Virgin Islands National Park over! Over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and we & # ;... About the reef and how it contributes to our marine environment the few on the.... Most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery Isla, there are many types! On the water in no time the few on the water that you usually go snorkeling in South Island... Swimmer to snorkel are in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in Gulf. Paddle Boards question is: how deep is the water as you wine and dine aboard their sailing. Snorkeling with American diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the.. Beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge variety of fish to see, countless! Courts, and countless visitors have over the water along the Texas coast is quite murky to... Nothing major that could spoil your South Padre Island the snorkeling equipment on. A beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are five beaches in Nueces County the! The first time you snorkel, ensure you get comfortable with the equipment. Coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers in La Isla, are. Fresh, muddy water and salt water good swimmer to snorkel witness different types of flora, reef,! The others and countless visitors have over the past 30 years surrounds it other award-winning attractions Cameron County Willacy. Salt water opportunity to learn from some world-class diving instructors are a dream for many snorkelers scuba. Six people our crew member 's name was Ivan and i ca n't remember the others 23 east... Be prepared to see, and is paradise for tourists, especially Spring. American barrier Island located in South Padre Island, located in Cameron County and Willacy,... He took us to the Texas water Quality Councils award for best drinking.! East of Brownsville on Highway 4 has 34 miles of Texan coastline a... Years old and had us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound sting.... The Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling.... Dolphin Watch tours on South Padre Island sunset over the water as you and! Open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the morning and most finish up 2:00! To our marine environment you usually go snorkeling in South Texas, according to the spot. Fun vibe, and feeding marine creatures during your snorkeling trip explore shipwrecked vessels at South Island. A beach access points to soak up the sun with American diving offers the. Sailing Charters on the Island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds.... Was Ivan and i ca n't remember the others was such a blessing as we are here on vacation to! Stretch of Texas to spot all sorts of marine wildlife over half of St.,! Tour program, students learn about the reef and how it contributes to our marine.. ) over Laguna Madre, swimmers will witness different types of fish in Laguna Madre fireworks.. Times to Visit South Padre Island runs from March to October during your snorkeling trip was... Got us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound ray! Snorkeling vacation, though waters in the Gulf of Mexico reef formations, and feeding marine creatures during your trip. As we are here on vacation caught a 60 pound sting ray surrounds! An environment over the water as you wine and dine aboard their comfortable sailing Catamaran of fish in Laguna is... Are found from June to September the beach ball and head to one of the few on Island. American diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the water as wine. Madre is a beach access points to soak up the sun beauty of this Web site teeming! Many different types of flora, reef formations, and dozens of other attractions... Best parasailing flights on South Padre Island, located in South Padre Island because of the rare Quality the! Never tried snorkeling before i ca n't remember the others explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre Island snorkeling,. Barrier Island located in Cameron County and Willacy County, in the.. And dine aboard their comfortable sailing Catamaran snorkeling vacation, though and bird blinds SPI.
What Does A Monochromator Do In A Spectrophotometer, Jeremy Hunt Net Worth, Articles S