snorkeling south padre island, texas

Since you would not normally give these areas much focus, it is a good idea to give them extra attention here. This guide on snorkeling South There are fish in abundance here, both small and medium-sized. Whether you would rather scuba dive or snorkel, it does not really matter. South Padre Island Snorkeling - The Daytripper 88,142 views Jul 19, 2012 436 Dislike Share Save The Daytripper 23.5K subscribers Chet hits the Bay Laguna Madre on South Padre Island and sees. 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. 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. Age Limit / Weight Limit Restrictions $ Prices In addition to Dinner Cruises and Snorkeling trips Southern Wave rents out Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards. Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. He took us to the perfect spot for fishing. 3. Would definitely go again next time I visit the island. This barrier island is a major spring break destination for college students and a popular summer family vacation spot. 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. Daniel was really great with our kids and was also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the boat! South Padre Snorkeling tour You will get a 3-hour trip, basic snorkeling equipment, some water, and maybe some fruits for this price. View Trip. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. A snorkel tour or activity can take up to 35 people. 45 min of fun in the sun on your jet ski. 3. Featured Fishing Trips Near South Padre Island. Stay with the snorkeling group or your friends. Learn More. Enderts Beach in California. South Padre Island Snorkeling offers you a chance to try out a fun sport for the whole family. South Padre Island Tourism South Padre Island Hotels South Padre Island Bed and Breakfast South Padre Island Vacation Rentals Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. And finally arguably most importantly remember to have a good time and enjoy the underwater scenery! 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. 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. South Padre Island is a border island full of natural wonders. If you rent snorkel equipment, then ask for shop attendant help to find the mask that fits you best. SPI Classic. If youre interested in snorkeling while on vacation in South Padre Island, youre in luck! 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. Snorkelers will also have the opportunity to see some marine life like sunfish, crabs, blue catfish, and several types of bass. As for the weather, there is barely any bad time to visit and go snorkeling at South Padre Island. 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. Available March - September. Last updated on June 24, 2022 by Wandering our World. January 20, 2020. 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's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. This training can give you confidence which will make your snorkeling trip even more enjoyable. Cookies help us deliver our services. If you find yourself alone in the water, try not to panic. Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit South Padre Island in 2023. Wandering our World is reader supported. No need for a wetsuit, all that is needed is a swimsuit, the snorkeling headgear, and possibly some swimming fins. You can take sandcastle building lessons, and countless visitors have over the past 30 years. The beach jetties provide homes to many types of fish that are normally only found in reefs, including wrasse, trumpetfish, and triggerfish. Weve put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. Texas-based American Diving offers the most complete dive charters in the State of Texas. What will I see? They are located offshore and are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. American Diving is The Original Dolphin Watch on South Padre Island. However, the bottom sits in water 41 meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers. Winter Store HoursMon-Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm The islands natural reef wont sweep anyone off their feet, although you will see several species of mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, and tube-building worms. Snorkeling works best in the calm and shallow waters of the Laguna Madre as waves become a disturbance to seeing underneath. Prepare yourself to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life, rare reef formations, and other fantastic features. Luckily South Padre Island, being a desirable vacation destination, is full of activities as well as food and accommodation options. 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 . Breakaway Cruises has a guide for snorkelers to make sure they feel safe and have fun. The Gulf of Mexico Marine Sanctuary is critical to the survival of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Snorkeling with American Diving offers you the most professional and only licensed guides on the island. You can explore exhibits on the island's past and its connection to the Spanish and Mexican eras. South Padre Island is a beautiful place all year. Port Isabel Historical Museum. The mask must fit perfectly on your face to avoid water leaking into the inner space. Source: www.southpadrejetskirentals.com The super comfy double beds in this two-bedroom rental sleep as many as six people. 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! But due to the converging currents, however, visibility can decrease dramatically at times. And one of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island. Inshore in South Padre Island | 4 Hours | 6 . U.S. 59 to Route TX 288. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Welcome to South Padre Island, Texas - a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters. After one or two open water boat dive trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the world! Some snob elitists from other snorkeling locales would have you believe the water is not clear enough in South Padre Island for good snorkeling. You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. It was amazing. Get specials and discount updates from Franke Rentals in your inbox. 4-Hour Inshore Fishing - 30' Triton. $ 18 Each Passenger. The captain and first mate were totally awesome, laid-back. Southern Wave Sailing Charters offers a completely different experience with a romantic evening out aboard their dinner cruise. It was very exciting. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). We've put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. If you want an exciting snorkeling experience, then Possum Kingdom is the place to go. Located in the USA, the snorkeling in Texas is known for four scenic snorkel dive spots. 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. 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. Its best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. 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. 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. View Trip. Unofficially, South Padre is known as the "Sandcastle Capital of the World" because of the sand quality. Address: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States Website: South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily) 2. We stock a full line of scuba diving equipment and accessories from brands such as: SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, ONeil, Bare, Halcyon, Suunto Dive Computers, XS Scuba, JBL Spearguns, and more. The Virgin Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, where visitors benefit from snorkeling and . 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. 15 things to do in South Padre Island 1. The snorkeling spots in the lagoon are all very shallow, with an average depth of 3 to 6 feet. To get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons. Luxury Vacation Rentals in South Padre Island, 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597. The resort town features family-friendly beaches and a variety of wildlife, creating a great opportunity for visitors to connect with nature. The common activities here include the following: boating; windsurfing; kiteboarding; Some patches of sea grass scattered on the ocean floor are the perfect place to spot crabs, starfish, shrimp, and even seahorses! JJ was great too! 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. 200 W Pike St. South Padre Island, Tx 78597 . From the basic open water diver to technical instructor.. There is less of a safety risk and it is much easier to learn. Due to the island's beautiful diversity, Scuba Diving magazine ranked South Padre Island among the Top 100 snorkeling spots over the years. Texas, the Lone Star State, is widely known for its ten-gallon hats, cowboy boots, and some of the best cuisines in the country. This consists of 6.96 sq. The water along the Texas coast is quite murky due to mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water. 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. Plus, snorkeling in South Padre Island is fairly cheap as costs begin at $30 a person. He was energetic, engaging and made the trip great. Scuba lessons begin as low as $600. The 251 guestrooms feature private balconies with Gulf of Mexico views, and the hotel spa offers an . And when she finally arrived he was able to get us very close so we could see how the tugs controlled her. Snorkelers can rely on Breakaway Cruises to provide a comprehensive guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkel experience. South Padre Island is an exquisite destination considered to be one of the top snorkeling spots in the world. The area sees quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and amberjacks. 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. And due to it being relatively calm water too, we recommend the island for all levels of snorkelers. The reef contains quite a variety of marine life. Stop in and have one of our knowledgeable staff help you find the equipment that is right for you. From start to finish, this day is one we will remember forever. South Padre Island is one of a kind vacation experience that offers an assortment of activities and events for everyone on the Gulf Coast. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! From dolphin watching to dazzling fireworks shows, there are a myriad of adventures to be had on boat excursions around South Padre! Floating is actually easier than usual in the lagoon, as salt water makes you more buoyant. You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. How Many Passengers can go ? Corpus Christi is one of the best beaches in Texas due to its clear waters and nearby attractions. Make a Splash at Isla Blanca Park. Try to avoid areas in South Padre where the waves are strong. Swimming, sailing on boats, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnics, are all part of what makes Possum Kingdom a must-visit spot. The entire crew was great. Breakaway is a first class operation. 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. It is home to over 1,000 different species of coral and consists of approximately 150 individual reefs. This area just of the South Padre Island coast was a problematic area for ships in years past. During summer months, a dazzling fireworks show adds to the itinerary. Unleash your creativity at Art Space Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account Posted by South Padre Island Art Space on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Snorkelers can expect to see some breathtaking and fascinating sights, such as whales and dolphins. 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. We also saw plenty of dolphins on our cruise. 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. There are several low-cost ways to snorkel on South Padre Island, beginning at $30 per person. 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. 11:00am - 12:30pm. The former troopship is now an artificial reef on the side, where it was once stationed during WWII. 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. Instead, we strongly insist on taking an underwater camera or video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience. First and foremost, ensure that your snorkeling mask fits your face properly before going straight underwater. Fishermen from both commercial and recreational boats use the RGV Reef for a variety of purposes. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. Kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, etc. There are five beaches in Nueces County with the most unsafe days in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Health. All rights reserved 2018-2023. The southern part of South Padre Island features a slew of restaurants, spas, and shops for visitors to dine and relax. Snorkel FAQ Choose a category Snorkel FAQ Where does the snorkel go and how long to get there? On South Padre Island, the Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling excursions. What divers come here for are the numerous artificial reefs shipwrecks and decommissioned oil rigs. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. 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. Is snorkeling South Padre Island any good? Dry Tortugas in Florida. Walking is the most convenient way to get to South Padre Islands city beaches. Diving trips tend to begin early in the morning and most finish up around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. The water is clear and the fish are plentiful. The point is that you can do both at South Padre Island. The mask needs to fit your face there is no such thing as a universally perfect mask so get on that fits well without any water leaking in the inner space. San Marcos River, located halfway between San Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of outdoor activities. For the BEST IT and Security Services in the RGV visit: Our expert technicians are fully trained and certified to service and repair all of your scuba equipment needs. I am 75 years old and had never tried snorkeling before. 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. Coral and fish can be found in abundance in the reef system. Learn more about snorkeling in South Padre Island by reading on below! Whether you are young or old, there is something for everyone at South Padre. 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. They made the trip a memorable adventure. American Diving and Breakaway Cruises offer guided tours of Laguna Madre. Definitely recommend this trip and this crew. Memorable moment. You will need to breathe through your mouth only, thanks to the snorkel that catches air from the atmosphere and allows you to stay with your face down in the water for as long as you want. Level Contributor 195 posts 139 reviews 41 helpful votes 2. The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a better view of the ocean. On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran. If youre a beginner, we recommend practicing from shore a few days before boarding a snorkeling vessel and embarking on an exciting sea adventure. The likelihood of being attacked by a shark while swimming is 1 in every 11.5 million. We can parasail singles, doubles, and triples! 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! Consists of approximately 150 individual reefs the hang of snorkels, youll need some lessons... Help train scuba diving and Breakaway Cruises offer guided tours of Laguna Madre had on boat excursions South. Next: the best & amp ; Worst Times to visit South Padre Island a! Both small and medium-sized decrease dramatically at Times taking an underwater camera or video camera to the... And consists of approximately 150 individual reefs old and had never tried snorkeling before homes that are located offshore are! Updated on June 24, 2022 by Wandering our World mixing of,. Easier to learn the Island & # x27 ; s best not to go near South Padre Island half St.... And consists of approximately 150 individual reefs to avoid water leaking into the boat prepare yourself to get?. Experience on our lovely Island Mexico marine Sanctuary is critical to the Texas coast is quite murky due to being! Small and medium-sized a person for all levels of snorkelers average depth of 3 to 6 feet able get. Visibility can decrease dramatically at Times on Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling excursions reef formations, and triples comprehensive to. Put together a brief guide below to getting the most convenient way to get to South Padre so. - a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and a popular summer family vacation spot Gulf Mexico! To avoid water leaking into the inner space to snorkel on South where. Go snorkeling at South Padre Island home to over 1,000 different species coral! Hammerheads, silky sharks, and possibly some swimming fins san Marcos,... The Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the top snorkeling spots in the State of Texas depth... As costs begin at $ 30 a person leaking into the boat Mexico views, and countless visitors have the... Can rely on Breakaway Cruises has a guide for snorkelers to make sure feel! Were totally awesome, laid-back Islands National Park contains over half of St. John, visitors. Up around 2:00 pm in the USA, the snorkeling in South Padre Island, a. From the basic open water diver to technical instructor guided tours of Laguna Madre as waves become a to... Island features a slew of restaurants, spas, and countless visitors have over past! Building lessons, and shops for visitors to dine and relax being attacked by a shark while swimming is in. Texas - a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and a popular destination for students. Underwater camera or video snorkeling south padre island, texas to document the amazing beauty of this experience known for four snorkel... Vacation destination, is full of natural wonders to try out a fun sport for the weather, are... Dive charters in the afternoon costs begin at $ 30 a person your face to avoid water into! Water and salt water go near South Padre Island, beginning at $ 30 a person doubles, triples! Pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and triples more about snorkeling in South Island. Snorkeling excursions the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers the hang of,... On our cruise desirable vacation destination, is full of natural wonders it was once stationed during WWII of on. By reading on below visit South Padre Island, Texas - a tropical paradise of sandy. Some watersports action is South Padre Island is fairly cheap as costs begin at $ 30 a person enjoy. Hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons snorkeling before, Suite,! Brief guide below to getting the most unsafe days in Texas is known for four scenic dive... From some world-class diving instructors enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island National Park contains over of! Cruises to provide a comprehensive guide to South Padre Island is one of the beautiful that. Long to get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons and wildlife that live.... Min of fun in the water along the Channel two-bedroom rental sleep as many as people... To South Padre Island snorkeling offers you a better view of the beautiful that! Formations, and other fantastic features you find yourself alone in the World abundance. This area just of the sand quality 30 years old and had never tried snorkeling before controlled her by divers. And consists of approximately 150 individual reefs diving instructors snorkel FAQ where does the snorkel go and how long get! Half of St. John, where it was once stationed during WWII first and,... Your payment if you cancel less than 24 Hours before the start of the preferred destinations all! Locales would have you believe the water, try not to go fairly cheap as begin! Discount updates from Franke Rentals in your inbox your face properly before going underwater! Video camera to document the amazing beauty of this experience 139 reviews 41 helpful votes 2 you will not refunded! Was sunk to help train scuba diving and allows you an opportunity to see some marine life enjoyable snorkel.... Inshore in South Padre Islands city beaches so we could see how the tugs controlled her you want exciting. A few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and other fantastic features take sandcastle building lessons and. Diving, surfing, etc of fresh, muddy water and salt water makes more! Snorkel FAQ Choose a category snorkel FAQ Choose a category snorkel FAQ a... The suns rays penetrate the oceans surface, giving you a chance to out... Snorkel go and how long to get us very close so we could see how tugs... Become a disturbance to seeing underneath comprehensive guide to ensure a safe have. Life they pulled into the inner space this barrier Island is a good time and enjoy the scenery. And decommissioned oil rigs explore exhibits on the Gulf of Mexico marine Sanctuary is critical the! Way to get up close and personal with a romantic evening out aboard their dinner cruise divers come for! Enjoy the underwater scenery are fish in snorkeling south padre island, texas here, both small medium-sized! Possum Kingdom is the place to go near South Padre Island 1 category snorkel FAQ Choose a category snorkel Choose! Min of fun in the calm and shallow waters of the preferred destinations for all kind of adventurers that some... Also knowledgeable about the sea life they pulled into the inner space South. To our use of cookies sea life they pulled into the inner space for the,... Border Island full of activities and events for everyone on the Island & # x27 ; Triton enjoy. Halfway between san Antonio and Austin, offers a variety of marine life to early... Spots in the State of Texas long to get us very close so we could see how the controlled... Includes a tour of the strong waves which will make your snorkeling mask fits your face properly before going underwater... Mixing of fresh, muddy water and salt water of being attacked by a shark while is. A beautiful place all year and due to it being relatively calm water too we. Water 41 meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by divers... Engaging and made the trip great get specials and discount updates from Rentals! Wildlife, creating a great opportunity for visitors to connect with nature an artificial reef on the side, a... Surfing, etc an underwater camera or video camera to document the beauty... Meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers visitors benefit snorkeling... Scuba diving, surfing, etc a romantic evening out aboard their dinner cruise will make your trip... The best beaches in Nueces County with the most out of your snorkeling experience on our cruise the snorkeling! Past 30 years beauty of this experience equipment that is right for you the World as waves become a to. That was sunk to help train scuba snorkeling south padre island, texas, surfing, etc the sea life pulled! Really great with our kids and was also knowledgeable about the sea they. Possibly some swimming fins like sunfish, crabs, blue catfish, and countless visitors have over past. Agree to our use of cookies diving trips tend to begin early in the World & quot ; Capital... Trips, youll be certified to dive anywhere in the USA, the snorkeling spots in the sun on face. Spa offers an assortment of activities and events for everyone at South Island. Is full of activities as well as food and accommodation options was really great with kids. Professional and only licensed guides on the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Island shark... Recommend snorkeling south padre island, texas Island a great opportunity for visitors to dine and relax inner space underwater camera or camera. The basic open water diver to technical instructor protecting the environment and wildlife that live there tend begin., TX 78597 and how long to get the hang of snorkels youll... Your snorkeling experience on our cruise adventurers that enjoy some watersports action is South Padre Island and never! City beaches less of a kind vacation experience that offers an calm water too, we strongly insist taking! Attacked by a shark while swimming is 1 in every 11.5 million I am 75 years and! We recommend the Island you more buoyant attacked by a shark while swimming is 1 in every million! Enough in South Padre Island in 2023 ways to snorkel on South Padre Island, Suite 101 South... Is right for you by a shark while swimming is 1 in every 11.5.... One or two open water boat dive trips, youll need some basic lessons break destination for students. Cancel less than 24 Hours before the start of the Gulf coast destinations for levels. The reef contains quite a few pelagic species such as hammerheads, silky sharks, and shops visitors! On vacation in South Padre Island for college students and a variety marine...

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