Some patches of sea grass scattered on the ocean floor are the perfect place to spot crabs, starfish, shrimp, and even seahorses! South Padre Island is regularly rated among the safest and cleanest waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Read more information on booking parasail flights below. Welcome to Southern Comfort! Belize is also a great place to dive because it has a lot to offer. Available March - September. Learn More. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. The remains of this very old ship are found near Port Mansfield. Our captain suggested a place to take the fish, that would prepare it for dinner (Joe's Oyster Bar). Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. Espritu Santo (Holy Ghost) is a wooden vessel wrecked in 1554 and discovered in 1966. It is home to over 1,000 different species of coral and consists of approximately 150 individual reefs. Shortlist: Seven Pubs In Hastings That Locals Love! 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! It is a popular scuba diving destination as well as a popular snorkeling destination. The water is clear and there is a lot to see. My question is: How deep is the water that you usually go snorkeling in? What divers come here for are the numerous artificial reefs shipwrecks and decommissioned oil rigs. 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. Activities list : snorkeling, tubing, fishing, dolphin / turtle watch, shelling, sea life touch and learn, sunset cruise, fireworks cruise, dinner cruise, Established in 2019. Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. The warm and sunny weather and the calm seas on this barrier island allow you to enjoy a wide range of activities. 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. One of the most intriguing options for snorkeling in South Padre is the opportunity to see a wide variety of fish in the Laguna Madre Bay. The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. 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. However that said, the months between September and February are the best because theyre not unbearably hot and they are out of hurricane season. 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. Welcome to american diving Full-Service scuba diving center (956) 761-2030 Book Now Dive South Padre Island 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. 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. Summer in Texas is undoubtedly the best time of year to enjoy its many exciting activities, and March through May, in particular, is the finest season to explore the many waters on a snorkeling adventure. If you happen to have an advanced diving qualification, you might also be interested in exploring the deeper parts of the water to see and swim around the canyon wall. Belize offers an excellent diving experience whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge. Snorkel FAQ Choose a category Snorkel FAQ Where does the snorkel go and how long to get there? Their loss is your gain as you can now explore these shipwrecks at the ocean bottoms. Today, the island has a relaxed and fun vibe, and is paradise for tourists, especially during Spring Break. 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. Swimming, sailing on boats, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnics, are all part of what makes Possum Kingdom a must-visit spot. It was amazing. It is actually labelled as the cleanest water in the country, which is a pretty good welcome message to avid snorkelers! They took us to their sweet spot and everyone on the boat bagged the limit within an hour and twenty minutes. Still nice folks. South Padre Island is a popular tourist destination. Participating in water activities at Isla Blanca Park is one of the fun things to do on South Padre Island, TX. This picturesque island is known for its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water. 10 Best Hotels In Texas With Indoor Pools. Plus, snorkeling in South Padre Island is fairly cheap as costs begin at $30 a person. If you use fins too, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is comfortable and has good propulsion. If you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. Its unique composition is also the reason you can find the presence of uncountable marine species around South Padre. Snorkeling Excursions The one-of-a-kind location of South Padre Island provides visitors the opportunity to see and experience some amazing things, our snorkeling excursions being one. 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. 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. Sand Castle Lessons956-433-9948 310 Padre Blvd.,South Padre Island,Texas 78597. Kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, etc. The American barrier island of South Padre Island is situated in the Texas counties of Willacy and Cameron. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. Located in the USA, the snorkeling in Texas is known for four scenic snorkel dive spots. When you are snorkeling, staying close to your friends or the other people you are with is important. And when she finally arrived he was able to get us very close so we could see how the tugs controlled her. 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 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. Enderts Beach in California. While in the months between June and September temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and there are some chances of hurricanes, too. 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. 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). Try to stay alert and do not push yourself beyond your ability. A wide variety of tropical fish like triggerfish, wrasse, and trumpetfish can be spotted while snorkeling here. Luxury Vacation Rentals in South Padre Island, 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597. If youre a beginner, we recommend practicing from shore a few days before boarding a snorkeling vessel and embarking on an exciting sea adventure. We went on the 2 pm snorkeling adventure on 05/11/2022. The top five clearest reservoirs in Texas are: International Amistad Reservoir, Canyon Lake, Lake Travis, International Rim, and Sea Rim. If you rent snorkel equipment, then ask for shop attendant help to find the mask that fits you best. Port Isabel Historical Museum. This resort town boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so there is really no bad time to visit. Last updated on June 24, 2022 by Wandering our World. 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 is also used as a nursery for a variety of fish and coral. 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. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . 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. American Diving offers snorkeling trips for $35.00 per person, including free fish food that you can feed to the fish while youre in the water. How expensive is a snorkeling South Padre Island tour? 11:00am - 12:30pm. The over 360 miles of Texan coastline are a dream for many snorkelers and scuba divers. 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. No need for a wetsuit, all that is needed is a swimsuit, the snorkeling headgear, and possibly some swimming fins. Lower Laguna Madre Fishing Report By Blast to Cast Captain Mike Knox. Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. 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. 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. Unofficially, South Padre is known as the "Sandcastle Capital of the World" because of the sand quality. This 34-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty is the only tropical island in all of Texas. All Rights Reserved. Technical divers only. South Padre Island Tourism South Padre Island Hotels South Padre Island Bed and Breakfast South Padre Island Vacation Rentals 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. This cost will normally include equipment and a 3-hour stint. Had an awesome time. The Lone Star State promises an exhilarating snorkeling experience, as this vibrant state boasts some of the worlds best snorkeling spots. Located on the top floor, this beachfront condo offers delightfully spacious accommodations. 12 South Padre Island, Texas. So glad we listened because it was amazing. The area sees quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and amberjacks. The water is clear and the fish are plentiful. Jet ski departures start at 11 am until 6:00 pm. How Many Passengers can go ? You will not find a more complete selection of scuba diving equipment in South Texas. With saline levels higher than ocean water, the Laguna Madre is a hypersaline lagoon and one of the few on the planet. El Paso Daniel was really great with our kids and was also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the boat! 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. The inner lagoon at South Padre, Laguna Madre, is a very unique ecosystem. Today, theres not much to see at this site but it remains a popular dive due to the age of the vessel. The captain also offers to breakdown the fish for you, which was such a blessing as we are here on vacation. South Padre Island, Texas, United States. You dont need to be a good swimmer to snorkel. Cap got us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound sting ray. The safety of young children should not be a top priority for their parents. South Padre Island is an exquisite destination considered to be one of the top snorkeling spots in the world. Instead, we strongly insist on taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience. We can parasail singles, doubles, and triples! 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. Since there are no reefs, there are no specific places where to go: just trust the guide and enjoy the day! If you are looking for a relaxed and laidback option, then you can do that as well here. In South Padre Islands waters, the shore and boat diving are both possible. 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. The Getaway is definitely the best boat for these type of trips. Winter Store HoursMon-Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm To request a listing, please fill out the form . Kayaking and snorkeling are possible in the shallow waters of Laguna Madre and beach-combing is best on the well-named Big Shell and Little Shell beaches. 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. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. As the only tropical island in Texas, there's no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in South Padre Island! The city of Clarksville won the Texas Water Quality Councils award for best drinking water. We will return! There are several low-cost ways to snorkel on South Padre Island, beginning at $30 per person. What will I see? Tucked into the southern tip of South Padre Island, the oceanfront Pearl South Padre not only offers guests a prime location on the beach, it also features a monstrous 6,000-square-foot swimming pool.Kids can splash around the pool's waterfall while adults swim to the pool bar for a cold drink. However, none of the other activities come close to the snorkeling experience in the San Marcos River. Snorkel TX will provide all of their clients with a mask, fins, and snorkel, and even include transportation to and from several river locations. I recommend Breakaway for all their trips. Best Snorkeling in South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Southern Wave Sailing Charters, Ka Motion Sailing Adventure, Tritoon Charters, American Diving, Poseidon Charters, Isla Charters The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Level Contributor 195 posts 139 reviews 41 helpful votes 2. Cookies help us deliver our services. During summer months, a dazzling fireworks show adds to the itinerary. The best places to snorkel are in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre. The safety of young children should not be a top priority for their parents. Parasailing at SPI. Several cruise operators will be able to take you there for a snorkeling trip at several spots of the lagoon. 1. Due to the island's beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. This is a snorkeling adventure not to be missed! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. South Padre Island Fishing Report. Our first mate helped my daughter get her first fish ever. SPI Excursions: Parasailing - See 459 traveler reviews, 64 candid photos, and great deals for South Padre Island, TX, at Tripadvisor. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms. Port Isabel 5-Hour Trip - 25' Majek. 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. The mask must fit perfectly on your face to avoid water leaking into the inner space. The national park site is located close to Corpus Christi and about 3 hrs drive away from Houston. If you find yourself alone in the water, try not to panic. The Dolphin tour was great! It was an incredible and magical experience for us and our favorite thing weve done on our trip!10/10 would recommend and do again. km. The shore diving is especially spectacular because it takes place in crystal-clear water and sandy beaches. Because of the rare quality of the Laguna Madre, swimmers will witness different types of flora, reef formations, and more. 45 min of fun in the sun on your jet ski. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun - rowdy partying at. 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. Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. km of water. Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas Gulf Coast is one of our favorite places to visit in the state. 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. Stay with the snorkeling group or your friends. No need to stress! South Padre Island is a border island full of natural wonders. This could not be further from the truth. From dolphin watching to dazzling fireworks shows, there are a myriad of adventures to be had on boat excursions around South Padre! The arrival was delayed but our amazing Captain Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites. 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.