Top South Padre Island Dolphin Watching

Watch for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that thrive along the coast of South Padre Island on a 1.5-hour wildlife boat tour from Sea Ranch Marina. Cruise past the U.S. Coast Guard Station and Boca Chica Beach, with a comfortable seat on a wildlife-watching boat that’s equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net so you can see South Padre sea life up close.

Keen fishers will love the opportunity to spend half a day out on the water on a fishing tour of South Padre Island. Depending on the season and conditions you may be able to catch sand trout, whiting, shark, sheepshead, and more. Bring your own gear or use what's provided. A valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required.

A parasailing trip over South Padre Island is a popular choice for adventurous travelers. Once in the air, take in sweeping views of the island and surrounding natural landscape rarely seen by visitors or locals alike. Your guide ensures a smooth takeoff and landing, as well as tips on what wildlife you may be able to spot, from bottlenose dolphins to osprey hawks.

Going to South Padre Island and not going in the water is like visiting New York City without visiting a museum. This South Padre Island Banana Boat Experience lets you take up to six people on an unpowered, inflatable recreational banana boat. Enjoy cruising the waters on the boat, taking in sights and having fun. Life jackets are provided for a safe day on the water.

Share the Gulf of Mexico waters with bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and more on a private 90-minute boat tour from South Padre Island. The 26-foot catamaran has space for up to six passengers, which makes it an ideal experience for families or friend groups. Between wildlife encounters, learn the storied past of the area. Discover the history of the native Karankawa tribe, local shipwrecks, and more.

Boat rides can be packed with people trying to see the sights from the water. Choose this alternative South Padre Island Jet Ski Experience and see the same views without being pushed around by the crowd. This Jet Ski experience allows you to ride by yourself or with just one other as you explore the waters of Laguna Madre.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—on a South Padre Island cruise aboard a comfortable 26-foot (8-meter) leisure catamaran. Enjoy beautiful views of the skyline as you make your way along the Texas Gulf Coast, and keep an eye out for bottle nose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife. With space for up to six passengers, this private yacht charter is ideal for couples or those celebrating a special occasion.

Immerse yourself in the culture and city of Texas’ South Padre Island during this South Padre Island Scavenger Hunt. A remote host will help you begin your scavenger hunt and let you in on the rules of play before you start. Once you’re up to speed, you’ll enjoy doing creative challenges, detective hunts, social experiments and dares, and learning about the city’s culture. A fun way to get acquainted with South Padre Island.