San Marcos River, located halfway between San Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of outdoor activities. 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. To request a listing, please fill out the form . South Padre Island Snorkeling offers you a chance to try out a fun sport for the whole family. Parasailing at SPI. There are fish in abundance here, both small and medium-sized. You'll be amazed how clear the water is and you might even see a stingray or dolphin! South Padre Island is a beautiful place all year. What divers come here for are the numerous artificial reefs shipwrecks and decommissioned oil rigs. Each and every Friday night South Padre Island celebrates like, well, the Fourth of July. South Padre Island has made the Top 100 snorkeling spots list in Scuba Diving magazine many times over the years. I think we had the most fun talking with these guys and the dolphins were just a bonus. km of land and 2.72 sq. Access is also available from South Padre Island. Though its name does not particularly allude to it, Possum Kingdom State Park is one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Texas, with its crystal-clear lake, stunning shoreline, steep granite walls, and beautiful coves. SPI Classic. The dive season at South Padre Island runs from March to October. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . We went snorkeling for the first time out here. If you are looking for a relaxed and laidback option, then you can do that as well here. Source: www.southpadrejetskirentals.com South Padre Island is a barrier island that allows you to experience the closest thing to a tropical destination in Texas. We went to 2 different dolphin spots and saw many swimming in both places. 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 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. 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. 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! However, beach-goers might have the most fun at Malaquite Swimming Beach, where park rangers host baby sea turtle releases and lead conservation programs. Book the best parasailing flights on South Padre Island (SPI) over Laguna Madre Bay. This is a snorkeling adventure not to be missed! 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. Snorkeling is easier and cheaper than diving, with costs ranging from 35-40 USD per person. Dry Tortugas in Florida. The states 367-mile coastline makes it one of the most popular destinations for adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Welcome to Southern Comfort! are just a few of the many adventure activities to enjoy here. Due to the islands beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. 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. This could not be further from the truth. Lower Laguna Madre Fishing Report By Blast to Cast Captain Mike Knox. 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 . We will return! Staff is very helpful and friendly. The water along the Texas coast is quite murky due to mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water. Located two miles away from Central Padre Island, this dive is shallow but teeming with exotic marine animals. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. Sailing Charters on the Southern Wave provide snorkel and sailing packages. 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. Go-Texas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Texas. 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. Texas hot summers draw both residents and visitors to the states vast array of white sand beaches. 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. Permit #2015-371893brbrStandard Occupancy (Sleeps): 11 guests (includes infants or children)brMax Occupancy: 13 guests (includes infants or children)brVehicle. Padre Island National Seashore is popular with locals as well as visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty. South Padre Birding and Nature Center P M W If you prefer the wildlife above the water, check out the South Padre Birding and Nature Center. 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. 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. 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. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . Cookies help us deliver our services. 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. This picturesque island is known for its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. South Padre Island, with its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald waters, is the only tropical island in Texas, and it is one of the worlds most beautiful barrier islands. Whether you would rather scuba dive or snorkel, it does not really matter. South Padre Island is a resort town that is part of the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas. Though the Lone Star State might not be known for snorkeling per se, there are exquisite waters just waiting to be explored below the surface. Kids really like to see these fish along with turtles and other aquatic wildlife. The warmest waters in the area allow for swimming, while underneath the surface, guests can see what lies beneath. However, none of the other activities come close to the snorkeling experience in the San Marcos River. 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. Your own. We also do cylinder annual inspections, hydrostatic testing, air and nitrox fills. It was a great pity we didn't realize we can tip our staff, so we didn't bring much change. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. 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. Marine life you can see when snorkeling South Padre Island, Useful tips for snorkeling at South Padre Island, Best time to go snorkeling on South Padre Island. The entire crew was great. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Age Limit / Weight Limit Restrictions $ Prices Dolphin Watch & Eco-Tour. 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 Is snorkeling South Padre Island any good? We can parasail singles, doubles, and triples! Specialties: A family of 6 can enjoy multiple activities in 1 private excursion. South Padre Island is one of the best places in to snorkel. Snorkel TX will provide all of their clients with a mask, fins, and snorkel, and even include transportation to and from several river locations. The beach jetties provide homes to many types of fish that are normally only found in reefs, including wrasse, trumpetfish, and triggerfish. Went on the deep sea fishing charter. The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. The Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and . If you use fins too, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is comfortable and has good propulsion. This former WWII troopship was sunk as an artificial reef and now lies on its side. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. The captain also offers to breakdown the fish for you, which was such a blessing as we are here on vacation. The uncommon nature of this body of water means snorkelers can count on seeing some interesting and amazing spectacles, such as: While theres no doubt that the beautiful marine life and biodiverse ecosystems are the stars of the show, being prepared for a snorkeling excursion will optimize your experience. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Scuba Diving in South Padre Island lets you explore shipwrecked vessels and view the oceans deep. With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. Texas, the Lone Star State, is widely known for its ten-gallon hats, cowboy boots, and some of the best cuisines in the country. It was very exciting. At 9:15 sharp, a barge in the center of the Bay shoots fireworks into the night sky. 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. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. During summer months, a dazzling fireworks show adds to the itinerary. 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. Unofficially, South Padre is known as the "Sandcastle Capital of the World" because of the sand quality. Port Isabel Historical Museum. Shortlist: Seven Pubs In Hastings That Locals Love! Adults. Its unique composition is also the reason you can find the presence of uncountable marine species around South Padre. You dont need to be a good swimmer to snorkel. The reef attracts a large number of tourists. This water, according to one source, is among the cleanest in the country. 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 will not find a more complete selection of scuba diving equipment in South Texas. 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 you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. You can get a firsthand look at a variety of fish in Laguna Madre Bay through scuba diving. However, the months of June through August can also be an excellent time to visit the Lone Star State. 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. Our aim is to make your vacation one to remember, and we supply everything - you just bring your smile. Had an awesome time. Ive been working the . Our snorkeling excursions last three hours and occur twice a day: once at 9 AM and again at 2 PM. They made the trip a memorable adventure. Ive been doing these activities for 30 + years and decided to share what I know with tourist that vacation to SPI,TX . After one or two open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the world! 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 decommissioned oil rig Los Torres is about 73 meters (240 feet) deep and 27 meters (90 feet) high. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable! It is also used as a nursery for a variety of fish and coral. 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. You will, however, still have the chance to enjoy a fantastic beach and snorkeling experience, but you can expect the prices of hotels and local transport facilities to be a little higher than usual during this time, as it is one of Texas peak tourist seasons. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. South Padre Island, TX. When you are snorkeling, staying close to your friends or the other people you are with is important. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. No need for a wetsuit, all that is needed is a swimsuit, the snorkeling headgear, and possibly some swimming fins. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms. Dive Season Summary Jun Jul Aug Sep 86oF 30oC 63oF 17oC Diving Info South Padre Island, Texas, is home to the LOPSITU, or the largest outdoor, permanent sandcastle in the world. The beautiful Balmorhea State Park is home to the worlds largest spring-fed swimming pool with some of the most exquisite crystal-clear waters and is interestingly referred to as the cool oasis in the high desert.. We are a world-renowned scuba diving center born from that high-adventure spirit which leads you from the office door to the hot sandy beaches of the Mexican border. What will I see? Image Source. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. 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! Flats, Inshore, Jetty in Port Isabel | 5 Hours | 6 People | From $500. As the name suggests, this is another artificial reef. One important thing to keep in mind while exploring the seafloor of Laguna Madre is that this environment is ideal for juvenile fish. 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. Cap got us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound sting ray. Island snorkeling offers you a chance to try out a fun sport for the whole family and. There are fish in Laguna Madre Bay through scuba diving equipment in South Padre Island is a place. With an average depth of 3 to 6 feet many swimming in both.... 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