Top South Padre Island Water 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.

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.

Learn about everything from the South Texas shrimping industry to the history of Brownsville with this 4-hour cruise. You'll also get a glimpse of Starbase, a rocket factory and launch facility created by Elon Musk's SpaceX. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins or migratory birds right from the deck. As an added bonus, coffee, donuts, and shrimp cocktail will be served, free of charge.

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.

Combine a fun Jet Ski ride with a bit of history during this tour of South Padre Island. Join a small group and zip along the blue-green waters to several points of interest including Port Isabel, Brownsville, and even South Bay, home to the Space X Rocket Launch facility. While you ride, your guide sheds light on the history of the area.

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.