Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Adults. We went snorkeling for the first time out here. It is made up of over 2 million square feet of concrete and steel struts, each weighing more than 150 tons. and What company/agency would be best to take a child. Blasttocast 2/24/23. Our first mate helped my daughter get her first fish ever. Scuba Diving magazine has rated South Padre Island in the Top 100 snorkeling sites in 2010 due to its diverse nature. 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. The inner lagoon at South Padre, Laguna Madre, is a very unique ecosystem. The captain and first mate were totally awesome, laid-back. 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. 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. 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. 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). Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! 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! Floating is actually easier than usual in the lagoon, as salt water makes you more buoyant. While snorkeling may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Texas, the state does have numerous fascinating snorkeling destinations that are well worth exploring. We have the Islands only certified Snorkeling guides, Dive . But what's even cooler about North Padre Island is what lies beneath the water's surface: this island has multiple shipwrecks that are just waiting to be explored, so pack your snorkeling gear. September also happens to be the rainiest month in SPI, with an average of seven rainy days a month. You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. It is home to over 1,000 different species of coral and consists of approximately 150 individual reefs. Keep these tips in mind and your snorkeling journey will be nothing but laughs, gasps of astonishment, and making memories. Took my family for a snorkeling trip and we had a great time! The over 360 miles of Texan coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers. And finally arguably most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery! 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. Learn More. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. To get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Everyone on board had a great time and interacted like long time friends. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. 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. This 34-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty is the only tropical island in all of Texas. Texas, the Lone Star State, is widely known for its ten-gallon hats, cowboy boots, and some of the best cuisines in the country. We will return! He was a phenomenal captain. How good is South Padre Island? It includes the Veracruz and Yucatan Reefs as well as the Flower Garden Banks Reef. Permit #2015-371893brbrStandard Occupancy (Sleeps): 11 guests (includes infants or children)brMax Occupancy: 13 guests (includes infants or children)brVehicle. The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. He was energetic, engaging and made the trip great. View Trip. 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. 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. One important thing to keep in mind while exploring the seafloor of Laguna Madre is that this environment is ideal for juvenile fish. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. 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. However, none of the other activities come close to the snorkeling experience in the San Marcos River. With 54 km/31 mi of white sand beaches and clear water, it is home to many water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Pods of dolphin, bird island and Space X. To get more information on other island attractions, check out South Padre Island Attractions. 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. As an Amazon Associate, Free Fun Guides may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Enjoy the experience and share what you learned with others. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. This former WWII troopship was sunk as an artificial reef and now lies on its side. Dive Season Summary Jun Jul Aug Sep 86oF 30oC 63oF 17oC Diving Info However, beach-goers might have the most fun at Malaquite Swimming Beach, where park rangers host baby sea turtle releases and lead conservation programs. They made the trip a memorable adventure. Here are 15 things to do in South Padre Island. We will be back!Update: 2 years later, we came back. Located on the northern end of Padre Boulevard just south of the South Padre Island Convention Center, Sea Turtle, Inc. is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it stays open until 5. The top five clearest reservoirs in Texas are: International Amistad Reservoir, Canyon Lake, Lake Travis, International Rim, and Sea Rim. Port Isabel Historical Museum. Because of our unique location on South Padre Island, Breakaway Cruises gives you and your family the opportunity to snorkel in one of the world's most extraordinary regions. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. If skimming across the water sounds like your kind of thing, book a room with la isla vacation rentals. This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. Catching redfish on the grass flats. 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. 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 Dolphin tour was great! Go-Texas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Texas. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. However that said, the months between September and February are the best because theyre not unbearably hot and they are out of hurricane season. He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. During the tour program, students learn about the reef and how it contributes to our marine environment. 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. The captain also offers to breakdown the fish for you, which was such a blessing as we are here on vacation. Whether you are young or old, there is something for everyone at South Padre. There is also an exciting variety of sea life that you will be able to spot, including the likes of sea turtles, sharks, and manatees. 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 South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. South Padre Island, TX. In South Padre Islands waters, the shore and boat diving are both possible. Montaa de Oro State Park in California. Everyone on the boat caught their limit of fish very quickly. Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. They are an asset to your business!!! It is nestled on the grounds of Lake Travis and promises a one-of-a-kind snorkeling experience. The arrival was delayed but our amazing Captain Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites. Best Times To Visit South Padre Island The best time to visit South Padre Island is from September to February. For those who might be interested in guided snorkeling tours of San Marcos aquatic life, Snorkel TX, a local outdoor adventure company, are a fantastic option. . Wandering our World is reader supported. From start to finish, this day is one we will remember forever. He even got us up close and personal with dolphins!! This cost will normally include equipment and a 3-hour stint. 10. Snorkeling is easier and cheaper than diving, with costs ranging from 35-40 USD per person. Cap did all he could to get us on the fish but it was just too windy and choppy. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. Secondly, when choosing the right fins for you, keep in mind that they should be a relatively tight fit, but not overly so. 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. Nuevo Progreso, a tourist border town in the United States, survives solely on tourism. 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. It was very exciting. Scuba Diving is especially popular in Devils Elbow. All rights reserved 2018-2023. One of our crew member's name was Ivan and I can't remember the others. . San Marcos River, located halfway between San Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of outdoor activities. The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. The site is heavily decorated with tube-building worms, mollusks,. For a detailed dive site description and printable snorkel dive map, just select a . This barrier island is a major spring break destination for college students and a popular summer family vacation spot. 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. Both shore and boat diving are possible in the waters of South Padre Island. 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 (956) 761-4243. They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. Boardwalks and bird blinds at SPI Birding and Nature Center. Had a great time. 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! How expensive is a snorkeling South Padre Island tour? You can share this excitement with other divers and snorkelers in the deep blue, unspoiled waters of the Texas Riviera, territory of the Spanish Galleons and home to pirates of the Devils Elbow. For more information on snorkeling and other thrilling recreation you can partake in during your time on South Padre Island, contact our reservation specialists by phone or email and ask about reserving your lodgings in one of our exquisite vacation rental properties today! He was excellent a explaining in a simple way to not overwhelm us. 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). It is an incredible adventure, and is particularly exciting for kids and beginner snorkelers thanks to the shallow depth of the waters averaging 4.5 feet in the lagoon. Balmorhea State Park, the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world is called as 'cool oasis in the high desert' and features crystal-clear water. 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. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms. Welcome to South Padre Island, Texas - a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters. Facts and Figures, Worlds Deepest Shipwreck Discovered in the Philippines, Wonder Reef, Gold Coasts New Dive Attraction, 110-year-old Shipwreck Found in the Icy Waters of Antarctica. Nothing major that could spoil your South Padre Island snorkeling vacation, though! The southern part of South Padre Island features a slew of restaurants, spas, and shops for visitors to dine and relax. The reef attracts a large number of tourists. Can you swim at South Padre Island? That makes the conditions for snorkelling at South Padre Island especially good for beginners. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Visitors can take in a 600-mile stretch of Texas coastline in the Gulf of Mexico. Franke Rentals 2023 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597 | Search Results | Featured Properties. They were great! We went to 2 different dolphin spots and saw many swimming in both places. 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. Texas-based American Diving offers the most complete dive charters in the State of Texas. Coast was a problematic area for ships in years past one we will back! 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