Snorkel Trips:One of the great seasonal activities you can do on vacation in South Padre is to take a professionally guided snorkel trip. Since there are no reefs, there are no specific places where to go: just trust the guide and enjoy the day! Nuevo Progreso, a tourist border town in the United States, survives solely on tourism. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. The islands natural reef wont sweep anyone off their feet, although you will see several species of mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, and tube-building worms. The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. There are fish in abundance here, both small and medium-sized. Please see our calendar for availability. This water, according to one source, is among the cleanest in the country. The nonprofit organization ReefBuilders built the RGV Reef in 2002 as a way to help restore and protect marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. The water was amazing!! My question is: How deep is the water that you usually go snorkeling in? 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. Captain and crew were amazing and it was a good time. 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. It has hyper salinity, due to its isolation from other water bodies, and thats what makes this place so special. Due to the fascinating features that the Laguna Madre boasts, top snorkelers and scuba divers have taken note! So glad we listened because it was amazing. Welcome to Southern Comfort! However, the months of June through August can also be an excellent time to visit the Lone Star State. Available March - September. 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. 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. There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. Catching redfish on the grass flats. 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 island's best natural reef is the 7 Fathom Reef. Since you would not normally give these areas much focus, it is a good idea to give them extra attention here. Port Isabel Historical Museum. The water is clear and the fish are plentiful. The bathrooms were clean. The warmest waters in the area allow for swimming, while underneath the surface, guests can see what lies beneath. If youre a beginner, we recommend practicing from shore a few days before boarding a snorkeling vessel and embarking on an exciting sea adventure. South Padre Island is a beautiful place to go snorkeling. Access is also available from South Padre Island. Seven and One-Half Fathom Reef is the best reef dive of South Padre Island. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. Learn more about snorkeling in South Padre Island by reading on below! This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. Texas hot summers draw both residents and visitors to the states vast array of white sand beaches. Our first mate helped my daughter get her first fish ever. The Getaway is definitely the best boat for these type of trips. 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. Activities like dolphin watching, surfing, swimming, deep-sea fishing, and kiteboarding are commonplace, drawing many tourists, including families. Scuba Diving is especially popular in Devils Elbow. The mucky and brownish water in the Gulf of Mexico is due to the proximity of the mouth of the Mississippi River and the fact that South Padre Island is only a few miles from the river. Greg and Ceasar were our guides and they kept the trip interesting and had everyone laughing! It is the only tropical island in Texas. Enjoy the experience and share what you learned with others. Plenty of family-friendly activities are available on this beautiful beach including surfing, sunset cruises, fishing charter trips, banana boat rides, dolphin watching, trekking, rafting, eco tours, parasailing, scuba diving and our absolute favorite: snorkeling on South Padre Island! Cookies help us deliver our services. Flats, Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 - 8 Hours | 6 People | From $450. Very knowledgeable and helpful. The area sees quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and amberjacks. Specialties: A family of 6 can enjoy multiple activities in 1 private excursion. The southern part of South Padre Island features a slew of restaurants, spas, and shops for visitors to dine and relax. September also happens to be the rainiest month in SPI, with an average of seven rainy days a month. Eco-Tour Included. Some of our trips are seasonal. Scuba Diving magazine has rated South Padre Island in the Top 100 snorkeling sites in 2010 due to its diverse nature. Report inappropriate content Birdbet South Padre Island. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: P.O. If you are a beginner, bring with you some floating equipment to feel less stressed when in the water. We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. 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 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, none of the other activities come close to the snorkeling experience in the San Marcos River. Try and target redfish on windier warmer days. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. They went out of their way to treat my son with down syndrome wonderfully. Do Sharks Attack Divers? Prepare yourself to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life, rare reef formations, and other fantastic features. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. We had the best time on our fireworks cruise. 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. Age Limit / Weight Limit Restrictions $ Prices Southern Wave Sailing Charters offers three-hour snorkeling trips with lunch and supplies included, in package deals for $168.00 for two people for an extra discount over there individual pricing. Corpus Christi is one of the best beaches in Texas due to its clear waters and nearby attractions. One important thing to keep in mind while exploring the seafloor of Laguna Madre is that this environment is ideal for juvenile fish. At less than 13 meters (45 feet) deep, this spot is open to divers of all levels. It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. The Federal project depths are 44 feet in the Brazos Santiago Pass entrance channel, 42 feet in the jetty channel and across Laguna Madre to the junction of the channels leading to Port Isabel and Port Brownsville, 36 feet in the turning basin of Port Isabel, and 42 feet in the junction to Port As a result, the water quality is far superior to that of Galveston, which is located near the mouth of the Mississippi. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. Your own. 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! 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . To book your South Padre Island Bay Fishing Charter with Captain Mike Knox, call 1-956-243-0039. Can you swim at South Padre Island? The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. Because of the rare quality of the Laguna Madre, swimmers will witness different types of flora, reef formations, and more. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. Everyone on the boat caught their limit of fish very quickly. It is located in the Charles Champion Building, a two-story building built by Charles Champion in 1899. Pods of dolphin, bird island and Space X. Surrounded by water, island residents treasure and protect the ecological chain of diversity that attracts and feeds birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. Our excursions last three hours and take place twice daily: once at 9 a.m. and once at 2 p.m. First and foremost, ensure that your snorkeling mask fits your face properly before going straight underwater. 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. South Padre Island is a great place for shore diving. I must first say, you have picked the best captain to work for you. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. 6/27/2022 we took the Dolphin Cruise & 6/28 the Firework Cruise!!! Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. The likelihood of being attacked by a shark while swimming is 1 in every 11.5 million. 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. South Padre Island is a border island full of natural wonders. You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. However, beach-goers might have the most fun at Malaquite Swimming Beach, where park rangers host baby sea turtle releases and lead conservation programs. 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. Early Bird Special! The reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. 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! I feel so sorry for this. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! The safety of young children should not be a top priority for their parents. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. 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 . 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! They loaded the boat quickly and had us on the water in no time. Explore the Laguna Madre Estuary, a beautiful spot where the. Learn the fundamental knowledge and skills to safely dive in open water in their Open Water Scuba Certification class, where you will begin in the comfort of a controlled water environment before moving to open water training dives. 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. In addition, the warm waters and beautiful scenery make South Padre Island an ideal place to snorkel. Try to stay alert and do not push yourself beyond your ability. This popular tourist destination offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with the abundant marine life in the area. After one or two open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the world! All that is needed is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you are set. The best time to go snorkeling is in the morning, when the water is calm. Stopping by a historical museum after appreciating all of the impressive attractions in South Padre Island is a must-try. The Easter fireworks cruise was awesome. One of our crew member's name was Ivan and I can't remember the others. An official form of the United States government. Whether you're looking for a family vacation spot or an adventure travel destination, South Padre Island has something for everyone. Book the best parasailing flights on South Padre Island (SPI) over Laguna Madre Bay. He was energetic, engaging and made the trip great. Dry Tortugas in Florida. The sanctuary protects an area of the Gulf of Mexico where wildlife live and an environment. Had to reschedule twice due to big gusts and storms. 17 Free Things To Do In Long Beach Recommended By Locals! Snorkeling In Santorini: The Most Popular Tourist Destination In Greece, Snorkeling In The Rain: Tips To Keep In Mind, Calculating The Size Of A Scuba Tank: How To Ensure You Have Enough Air For Safe And Enjoyable Dives, Types Of Valves For Steel Scuba Tanks: Understanding Your Options For A Safe And Enjoyable Dive, Assembling Double Scuba Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide, Uncovering The Capacity Of A Scuba Tank: Exploring The Amount Of Air Inside For Safe And Enjoyable Diving, Why Scuba Divers Dont Breathe Oxygen From Their Tanks And The Risks Of Breathing The Wrong Gases. Very cool! There are approximately 40 miles of it, as well as 12 miles of it being wide. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Facts about south padre island: The barrier island off the southern coast of Texas is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is separated from the mainland by Laguna Madre Bay. 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. We will be back!Update: 2 years later, we came back. You'll be amazed how clear the water is and you might even see a stingray or dolphin! The posted materials belong to the blog authors. The mask must fit perfectly on your face to avoid water leaking into the inner space. A National Park Service visitor center is located on the reef. Best Snorkeling In Texas: South Padre Island, Gulf Coast & More, Best Snorkeling In Virginia: Virginia Beach, Sunset Beach & More, Where Is The Best Place To Snorkel In The Bahamas, Best Mountain Biking Trails in Moab, Utah. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. 45 min of fun in the sun on your jet ski. A wide variety of tropical fish like triggerfish, wrasse, and trumpetfish can be spotted while snorkeling here. The site is teeming with small and medium-sized fish. Book Now. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. Our aim is to make your vacation one to remember, and we supply everything - you just bring your smile. Make a Splash at Isla Blanca Park. 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 states 367-mile coastline makes it one of the most popular destinations for adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting, scuba diving, and snorkeling. They were great! American Diving is The Original Dolphin Watch on South Padre Island. The water temperatures peak at 30 C (86 F) around August and are at their lowest in February when they can drop to 17 C (63 F). South Padre Island offers snorkeling tours, which are available at La Isla Vacation Rentals. 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