South Padre Island Attractions

South Padre Island offers a variety of activities beyond fishing, making it a perfect destination for all types of adventurers. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding. Nature enthusiasts can explore the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, where they can observe migratory birds and local wildlife. For those seeking excitement, the island features thrilling activities such as parasailing and horseback riding on the beach. Additionally, families can visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark for a day of fun or take a sunset cruise to enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast.

Parasailing Adventure in South Padre Island

Combine views and excitement on a parasailing adventure that enables you to glide over the coast of South Padre Island. Great for everyone from kids to adventure junkies, the safety-conscious and entertaining staff ensure a fun a secure trip. Plus, your guide helps you spot wildlife and orientates you to your surroundings so you can identify what you are looking at when you’re in the air.

Sunrise Serenade Early Birding and Dolphin Watch Cruise

Our tour of the Laguna Madre is uniquely captivating for bird watching due to its status as a critical habitat for a vast array of bird species. As one of the world's few hypersaline lagoons, it supports a rich biodiversity that attracts both resident and migratory birds. Birdwatchers can expect to see a variety of species, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and endangered piping plovers. The area is renowned for its large populations of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Additionally, the serene and relatively undisturbed environment provides excellent opportunities for observing birds in their natural habitats, making each bird-watching tour on Laguna Madre a memorable and unique experience.

South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

The mission of the SPIBNCAS is to educate the public about the birds of South Padre Island and the Laguna Madre Coastal area, with an emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness. Our primary goal is to provide an excellent, one-of-a-kind birding opportunity coupled with interpretive tours on-site and educational opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of South Padre Island. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is a non-profit organization and all money received from fundraising events, entry fees, donations, and sales are used for the sole intention of furthering our mission of education and conservation. Come by and visit with the staff and volunteers working here. You’ll witness the wonderful splendor of nature, and what it has to offer, and leave our facility feeling positive and amazed!

Eco and Dolphin Watch Tour of South Padre Island

Share the waters with the world’s most playful sea mammal on a family-friendly dolphin-watching cruise. During the tour, listen to interesting and informative narration on the diverse marine life that lives within the waters surrounding South Padre Island. Keep an eye out for a 'pod', which may consist of 10 to 30 dolphins. A wildlife-safe net may pull in starfish, sea horses, and more for your viewing pleasure.

Private Sunset Cruise South Padre Island

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—on a South Padre Island cruise aboard a comfortable private 6-passenger boat. Enjoy beautiful views of the skyline as you make your way along the Texas Gulf Coast, and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife. This private yacht charter is ideal for couples, family, friends, or those celebrating a special occasion.