South Padre Island is an exquisite destination considered to be one of the top snorkeling spots in the world. The remains of this very old ship are found near Port Mansfield. 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. If you are looking for a relaxed and laidback option, then you can do that as well here. If you find yourself alone in the water, try not to panic. 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. Enjoy the experience and share what you learned with others. Although the water visibility is usually not great, you may encounter stingrays, eels, wrasse, triggerfish, trumpetfish and some sharks. Finally, be sure to take care of your body by putting on sunscreen. The water is clear and there is a lot to see. We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. The Dolphin Cruise & Eco Tour was wonderful! Snorkel FAQ Choose a category Snorkel FAQ Where does the snorkel go and how long to get there? The beach jetties provide homes to many types of fish that are normally only found in reefs, including wrasse, trumpetfish, and triggerfish. I'd definitely go out again. 3. Snorkel Trips:One of the great seasonal activities you can do on vacation in South Padre is to take a professionally guided snorkel trip. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. Same people for Bay fishing. 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. Swimming, sailing on boats, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnics, are all part of what makes Possum Kingdom a must-visit spot. Cap got us on some fish and my sister caught a 60 pound sting ray. Since there are no reefs, there are no specific places where to go: just trust the guide and enjoy the day! Espritu Santo (Holy Ghost) is a wooden vessel wrecked in 1554 and discovered in 1966. It is actually labelled as the cleanest water in the country, which is a pretty good welcome message to avid snorkelers! (956) 761-4243. Best Jet Ski Rental South Padre Island Bayside Retreat Our Photos Are from sixtyten-elevator.blogspot.com. Corpus Christi is one of the best beaches in Texas due to its clear waters and nearby attractions. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. Luxury Vacation Rentals in South Padre Island, 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597. The area sees quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and amberjacks. Its best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. The only problem that the island faces is the powerful undertow that surrounds it. 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. 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. It's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. American Diving is a full-service scuba diving center and booking classes and excursions with them takes the interest level of snorkeling to the next level. 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. The warmest waters in the area allow for swimming, while underneath the surface, guests can see what lies beneath. Sunday: Closed, 33256 State Park Rd 100Suite 104South Padre Island, TX 78597, Copyright 2022 American Diving | Privacy Policy. If you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. South Padre Island is one of the worlds most beautiful barrier islands, with 34 miles of clear emerald water and beautiful white sand, and only one tropical island in Texas. Get your adrenaline pumping with a beachfront 25-acre waterpark complete with waterslides, ziplines, swim-up bars, and dozens of other award-winning attractions. Their loss is your gain as you can now explore these shipwrecks at the ocean bottoms. Laguna Madre is one of the worlds largest hypersaline coastal lagoons, which gives snorkelers the exciting opportunity to see many fish that are generally only found in reefs but have made their homes here on the beach jetties. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy this activity. JJ was great too! American Diving is The Original Dolphin Watch on South Padre Island. It is the only tropical island in Texas. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun - rowdy partying at. If you use fins too, it may be worth sticking to an easy full foot fin that is comfortable and has good propulsion. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. Try to avoid areas in South Padre where the waves are strong. View Trip. When you are snorkeling, staying close to your friends or the other people you are with is important. South Padre Island. Its a barrier island in South Padre Island thats ideal for tourists looking for something different to do in Texas. All while still staying in the USA! Ive been doing these activities for 30 + years and decided to share what I know with tourist that vacation to SPI,TX . Cookies help us deliver our services. Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Finally, Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling trips that take snorkelers to a remote area for close encounters with the marine inhabitants of South Padre Islands waters. Due to the island's beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. Seven and One-Half Fathom Reef is the best reef dive of South Padre Island. and What company/agency would be best to take a child. So while they will be able to snorkel if they want, they won't see much. Here are 15 things to do in South Padre Island. 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! The island offers a variety of water activities such as swimming, fishing, kiteboarding, dolphin watching, horseback riding adventures on the beach, ecological tours, and access to personal water craft rentals. This is a snorkeling adventure not to be missed! I was so pleased with the cruise to honor the final voyage of the USS Kitty Hawk. It is a popular sport among children because it is simple to learn and does not require any significant equipment. Do Sharks Attack Divers? 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! 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. It is possible to scuba dive deep into the ocean and explore shipwrecked vessels at South Padre Island. Try to stay alert and do not push yourself beyond your ability. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. 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. From start to finish, this day is one we will remember forever. Jet ski departures start at 11 am until 6:00 pm. From the basic open water diver to technical instructor.. With more than 300 days of sunshine, our average winter temperature is a beautiful 65 degrees. 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! Our snorkeling excursions last three hours and occur twice a day: once at 9 AM and again at 2 PM. Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only. Welcome to South Padre islands first and only Snorkel Adventure Cruise. Took my family for a snorkeling trip and we had a great time! They were great! They are an asset to your business!!! The waters here are extremely popular among a number of expert divers and diving instructors. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. Snorkeling works best in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre as waves become a disturbance to seeing underneath. Lovely beachfront condo with a full kitchen (from USD 320) Show all photos. South Padre Island is a border island full of natural wonders. At less than 13 meters (45 feet) deep, this spot is open to divers of all levels. To get more information on other island attractions, check out South Padre Island Attractions. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. From Houston, follow Rte. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. The island has less than 3 square miles of the land area yet is home to hundreds of recreational activities. 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). Welcome to Wandering our World! Snorkelers can expect to see some breathtaking and fascinating sights, such as whales and dolphins. 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. He was excellent a explaining in a simple way to not overwhelm us. are just a few of the many adventure activities to enjoy here. Adults. 10 Best Hotels In Texas With Indoor Pools. 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. Book the best parasailing flights on South Padre Island (SPI) over Laguna Madre Bay. This 34-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty is the only tropical island in all of Texas. Boardwalks and bird blinds at SPI Birding and Nature Center. We went snorkeling for the first time out here. 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. It was a great pity we didn't realize we can tip our staff, so we didn't bring much change. 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. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. The entire crew was great. The best diving conditions are found from June to September. The Gulf of Mexico Marine Sanctuary is critical to the survival of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. 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. No need to stress! Kids really like to see these fish along with turtles and other aquatic wildlife. 17 Free Things To Do In Long Beach Recommended By Locals! Snorkeling trips are the less daring version compared to scuba diving. 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. 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. 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. South Padre Island is a resort town that is part of the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas. Parasailing at SPI. Located near the Mexican border, South Padre Island receives less river sediment than other beaches in Texas. Since you will be spending most of your time with your back exposed to the sun, be sure to put sunscreen on the back of your neck and other exposed areas. The American barrier island of South Padre Island is situated in the Texas counties of Willacy and Cameron. The Dolphin tour was great! Great crew but the fishing was no good that day. Also, be sure to go when the sun is out as this suns rays penetrate the ocean surface to give you a better view. U.S. 59 to Route TX 288. One important thing to keep in mind while exploring the seafloor of Laguna Madre is that this environment is ideal for juvenile fish. My question is: How deep is the water that you usually go snorkeling in? One of the most popular snorkeling spots near South Padre Island is the exquisite Laguna Madre Estuary, a stunning location where the Rio Grande connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! km of water. 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. Cookies help us deliver our services. However, the bottom sits in water 41 meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers. There are many different types of fish to see, and the coral is beautiful. In addition, the warm waters and beautiful scenery make South Padre Island an ideal place to snorkel. km of land and 2.72 sq. The types of fish that can be found include stingrays, herring, redfish, crab, black drum, snapper, eels, shark, jellyfish, snook, perch, catfish, trout, gar and many others. 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. The posted materials belong to the blog authors. We saw a lot of dolphin, the sunset was incredible and being on the water is definitely the best place to view the fireworks. 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. Grab the beach ball and head to one of the Island's beach access points to soak up the sun! 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