Top South Padre Island Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

Family friendly Fireworks party cruises are normally from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Tuesdays, Fridays and other special occasions during the year. This excursion gives you a brief tour of the Laguna Madre Bay which is home to many species of fish and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. It is one of the largest hypersaline lagoons in the US. Enjoy some of the most unusual South Texas sunsets, where the sun seems to melt into water. And there is nothing quite as spectacular as watching Fireworks up close and personal from your viewing spot on the Murphy's Law overlooking the Laguna Madre Bay. This is a cruise to remember!

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.

Sand sculpting on South Padre Island is an art form. Learn tips and tricks for building sandcastles like a pro during a hands-on sandcastle lesson—a great choice for families with kids. This activity takes place on the beach most convenient to your location. Plus, choose from a 1- or 2-hour lesson and multiple times to best suit your schedule. Sand sculpting tools are provided and can be used throughout your stay.

Explore the waters around South Padre Island and keep an eye out for local dolphins on this boat cruise. With a small group of just six passengers or fewer, you'll get personalized attention from your captain and plenty of time to ask questions. Listen to wildlife- and history-focused commentary, which lets you learn lots more about the island and its ecosystem than you would simply exploring on your own.