sea life safari south padre island

Book fishing red snapper in federal waters starting June 1.

956-761-6655 (osprey cruises) 956-943-6283 (black dragon pirate cruises), osprey nature & sightseeing cruises, sea life eco-tour and dolphin watch cruises.

When we conceived the Sea Life Safari Cruise, it was with the intent to provide an introduction and overview of the ecology of the Laguna Madre with special emphasis on its wildlife. Our narrator will discuss the natural history of this great estuary and its inhabitants, fin, feather, shell and hide. The passenger yacht Osprey has a high profile and is exceptionally well suited for sightseeing. From the upper deck you have panoramic views and with binoculars you can see for miles (and there’s lots to see). Every trip is a unique experience, and there’s nothing to match it on the Texas coast. Your entire family will enjoy this adventure!

View schedule and prices

Sea Life Safari

Experience dolphin life while sightseeing and learning about the local wildlife and ecology of the Laguna Madre. We’ll use a trawling net to bring sea life directly to you.

Clean restrooms and an air-conditioned cabin provide comfort during your tour while you explore the Laguna Madre and its coastline.

An inclusive tour

Educational experience.

This tour guarantees dolphin sightings during daylight and includes:

• Sea and wildlife watch
• Local and geological history
• Excellent bird watching opportunities (600+ species)
• Live observation and identification tank

Dolphin Watch

Guaranteed sightings.

The South Padre Island area is home to hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. One of the most popular year-round activities in South Texas is to take a Dolphin Watch/Nature/Sightseeing cruise aboard the Osprey. For vacationers and visitors to South Padre Island this is a “Must Do”.

Bring your camera!

An interactive educational experience

Learn about unique sea life such as these sea urchins. You never know what you might see! Get tickets today.

Guaranteed sightings of bottle nose dolphins

On our dolphin watch cruises, you’re guaranteed to see dolphins. Sometimes, our pods travel with their calves.

Up close and personal in our touch tank

On our Sea Life Safari cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to meet sea life first-hand.

View the native brown pelicans

In 2009, brown pelicans were able to be taken off the endangered species list due to successful efforts, most notably ending the use of DDT.

Learn about sealife on a comfortable cruise with snacks and drinks available on every tour.

Join us aboard south Texas’ premier tour boat and experience the spectacular and largely unspoiled natural beauty of South Padre Island and the Laguna Madre.

Relax in the climate-controlled luxury of our beautiful cabin or enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on our upper and lower decks.

Our professional crew is experienced and knowledgeable. The Osprey is the ideal venue to make your corporate and private events fun and memorable.

A Dolphin tale

Did you know that on our cruise you’ll be seeing Atlantic bottlenose dolphins? Dolphins can eat 15 to 30 lbs. of fish in one day and may grow up to 550 lbs. On our cruise, you’ll likely see our dolphins riding the wakes of our boats. Dolphins are the fastest marine mammals and can reach speeds approaching 40 mph (68 kph).

The dolphins are native to this area and are non-migratory. You can see these wonderful mammals year-round.

Dolphin watch facts

Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

Much remains unknown about these incredible marine animals. What remains certain is that you will have a remarkable family experience watching them and their families from the decks of our vessels.

• Dolphins are very intelligent and social animals. Often, they will approach our boats, seemingly interacting with our guests, often performing acrobatic stunts and hunting for fish in small pods.
• When dolphins hunt, they usually gather into small groups and work together to herd a group of fish either into a tight ball or by forcing them into the shallows. They take turns feeding and can eat 15 to 30 lbs. of fish in one day.
• The Atlantic bottlenose’s ability to hunt for fish in cooperative pods places them near the top of the food chain in our local ecosystem.
• Dolphins are very quick and can reach speeds approaching 40 mph.
• They love to surf and play. They often ride the bow wave of our vessels or surf the wake behind our boat as we tour the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre bay.
• Atlantic bottlenose dolphin can be found throughout the world, mostly in temperate waters. The bottlenose dolphins native to South Padre Island generally grow to be between 7 and 9 feet in length and can weigh up to 550 lbs, though 400 – 500 lbs. is more typical.
• South Padre’s bottlenose dolphins have an average reported lifespan of around 20 – 25 years, with females generally outliving males. There are, however, reported occurrences of dolphin living to be over 40 years in age.
• The only predators South Padre’s dolphin face challenges from are humans. They are protected by the U.S. Marine Mammal Act and it is illegal to attempt to swim with or feed our dolphin.
• A dolphin is not the same as a porpoise. Dolphin have a beak (hence the name bottlenose), a larger dorsal fin and sharper teeth.
• Echolocation allows dolphin to bounce sound waves off of objects enabling them to determine distance, size and shape of the objects. Echolocation is also used as a form of communication. They use a series of high-pitched clicks that are unique to each dolphin.

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South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DOLPHIN RESEARCH & SEA LIFE NATURE CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

South Padre Island Boat Rides: The Voyages You Shouldn’t Miss

Table of Contents

While vacationing near the ocean, it is always a great idea to hop on a boat, swing with the waves, and take in the beautiful views of the shore. This is one relaxing activity that everyone can enjoy, no matter how young or old. Taking a fun boat ride was definitely one of the activities we were looking forward to on our family vacation to South Padre Island . Located on the Gulf of Mexico, near the southern tip of Texas, this charming resort town has no shortage of businesses that offer boat tours and short cruises. With so many South Padre Island boat rides to choose from, it can be confusing trying to decide which one to pick.

Find the Perfect Boat Ride for You

It is certainly important to find the boat ride that would be most enjoyable for you, and the choices around South Padre Island are plenty: There are educational eco tours, pirate ship cruises, sunset boat rides, deep sea fishing voyages, and even boat trips for people who would like to bring their dog on board. As long as you know what you are looking for, you will probably find it!

Here we are, right before boarding for our Sea Life Safari Eco Tour

Our personal experience with the South Padre Island boat rides was really enjoyable. We took two separate cruises, and they were truly unique and completely different from each other. All of us had a great time, so we highly recommend that you give them a try.

Sea Life Safari Dolphin Watch Eco Tour

TIP: Board at Pier 19 in South Padre Island, TX, and plan to arrive about 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled time for your tour.

Here is the boat for our Sea Life Safari Eco Tour by Osprey Cruises, docked at Pier 19

The first boat ride we experienced in South Padre Island was the Sea Life Safari Dolphin Watch Eco Tour by Osprey Cruises . It all started at Pier 19, where we boarded for this adventure. The boat had two deck levels and felt very open, which is of course, great for sightseeing. Our crew consisted of Captain Nick, Deckhand Dillon, and Bekah, all very friendly and welcoming people.

Angie ready to have some fun on the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour

The Queen Isabella Causeway Story

As soon as the tour began, Captain Nick gave us a very interesting overview of the area as well as some fascinating history. We learned that the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, which connects the mainland to South Padre Island, collapsed on September 15, 2001, after a tug boat crashed into it. Tragically, a number of people drove off the broken bridge and lost their lives. Coincidentally, this all happened only a few days after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Captain Nick was one of the people who helped out by continually transporting passengers between South Padre Island and the mainland until the causeway was fixed.

Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway

Catch of the Day

After getting a little more familiar with the history in the area, it was time to meet some of the local sea critters. Deckhand Dillon threw a large net in the water, and explained that we would collect some marine animals, look at them, and release them back unharmed at the end of the tour. I admit, I was a bit worried as I always am when we, humans, mess with nature, but the kids were super excited.

Dani and Angie enjoying the views from the boat

Hubby and the kids waiting to see the catch of the day

Before long, Dillon pulled the net out of the water, and we got to see all kinds of fascinating little sea creatures. There were several puffer fish, a catfish, a couple of starfish, a small stingray, an interesting looking crab, and some other kind of little fishies. Dillon and Bekah quickly removed the sea creatures from the net and placed them in a couple of containers filled with water that were set up on the boat. Next, Dillon proceeded to tell us all kinds of interesting facts about the animals, before letting us hold some of them for a little bit. Our kids were very excited about this, and both agreed that the puffer fish were especially cute!

Dillon talking about pufferfish

Dillon holding a catfish

Dani holding a pufferfish

Here is the pufferfish up close…

…And here is the little stingray…

…One of the starfish up close…

…And the strange-looking crab…

…Another little fishie

Dani and I on the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour

Dolphin Greetings

After cruising for a while longer, Captain Nick announced that we should start watching for dolphins. He added that we had arrived to the area where they like to hang out. It didn’t take us long to spot a playful dolphin trio swimming right near the boat. The three amazing creatures made a few small jumps as though they wanted to greet us, then dove deeper, and disappeared from view. A few moments later, the dolphins surprised us again as they came back up to the surface in a totally different place. This game of peekaboo went on for sometime, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Swimming dolphin in South Padre Island

Angie on the lookout for dolphins

The Jetties and the Views

From the dolphin area, our tour continued towards the Jetties of Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of the island. As we were passing the most prominent jetty, a long walkway over the water, we saw the best views of South Padre Island’s skyline in the distance. To top it all off, a few more dolphins made an appearance not too far from our boat.

View of the Jetties and South Padre Island

Captain’s Helper

After cruising for a bit longer, Captain Nick turned us around, and started heading back. At this point, he invited the kids to join him at the Helm, promising to let them drive the boat. Dani, our younger daughter, managed to overcome her shyness, and had fun steering the boat for a good while.

Dani driving the boat under Captain Nick’s direction

Back to Pier 19

When we returned to our starting point at Pier 19, Dillon and the kids sent all the sea critters back home into the ocean. After we parted with our great crew and left the docking area, we stopped nearby to watch a crowd of local pelicans patiently waiting and hoping to snatch some food. A man was cleaning some fresh fish for the restaurant at Pier 19 , and from time to time he was throwing scraps to the birds.

Pelicans in South Padre Island

Black Dragon Pirate Ship Cruise

TIP: Board at Pirate’s Landing Pier in Port Isabel, TX, and plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled time for your cruise.

We enjoyed so much our Sea Life Safari Eco Tour that all of us were very excited to hop on another boat ride the following day. It was going to be a ride of a different kind, one that would take us on a pirate adventure.

Fun at Pirate’s Landing Pier

We crossed the Queen Isabella Causeway from South Padre Island to the town of Port Isabel, and arrived near Pirate’s Landing Pier . This is where the Black Dragon Pirate Ship was docked.

Black Dragon Pirate Ship docked at Pirate’s Landing Pier in Port Isabel

Unfortunately, when we tried to check in for our cruise at the ticket counter, we found out that it had been canceled because there weren’t quite enough passengers. They did however inform us that we could still get on the sunset pirate cruise, departing a couple of hours later.

TIP: Purchase your tickets in advance, and call to make sure your cruise will depart as planned. Occasionally a cruise may get canceled or postponed if there aren’t enough passengers, although this happens rarely if ever during the busy seasons.

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Since we had some time to kill, we decided to check out the Port Isabel Lighthouse located right next to the pier. On the way there, we treated ourselves to some truly delicious ice cream from Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker .

Cute street near Pirate’s Landing Pier in Port Isabel

Once at the lighthouse, we paid the minimal fee, and climbed to the small balcony at the top. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the views up there were really wonderful. On one side, we could see the town of Port Isabel, and on the other, Pirate’s Landing Pier, Queen Isabella Causeway over Laguna Madre, and South Padre Island in the distance.

TIP: Bring cash for the Port Isabel Lighthouse. At the time we visited, this was the only form of payment they accepted.

View of Laguna Madre from Port Isabel Lighthouse; Pirate’s Landing Pier is to the left and Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway is to the right

Angie heading down inside Port Isabel Lighthouse

Cruise Time

We returned to the pier in a couple of hours, and were excited to finally get in the pirate spirit. After checking in at the ticket counter, we didn’t wait for long before we met two of our pirate hosts, Shorty and Robo Todo. The whole experience started with them firing a cannon off the pier, and producing a loud bang and a lot of smoke.

Shorty and Robo Todo, two of our pirate hosts

Shorty and Robo Todo about to fire the cannon

The smoking cannon

Once we boarded the ship, we met the other members of the pirate crew, Captain Black-Hearted Andy, Sea Dog, and Scarlet, our bar tender drink specialist. Yes, there was a fully stocked bar on the ship.

Starting out our sail on the Black Dragon Pirate Ship

Captain Black-Hearted Andy

The lovely Ms. Scarlet

Hubby and the Kiddos

Fun for Everyone

During the cruise, our hosts put on a hilarious spectacle, which included pirate stories and fun pirate games for all the kids on board. At one point, they handed us water guns, and encouraged us to fire at will. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy “shooting” everyone, while trying to take photos and protect my camera from getting soaked, but I did come out of this victorious. All the kiddos also had fun with spraying their parents, and the pirates! There were other great kid adventures as well, like collecting treasure, dancing, and participating in a sword fight. Everyone also got a tattoo and a lovely, painted-on mustache.

Kids having some fun on the Black Dragon Pirate Ship

Dani in a pirate sword fight

Perhaps my personal, favorite thing from this whole, really fun experience was the view at sunset. There was definitely something enchanting about watching the warm hues and the final rays of sunshine while sitting on a pirate ship. So, in the end, it worked out for the best that our earlier ride was canceled!

Watching the sunset from the Black Dragon

Arriving back at Pirate’s Landing Pier

Other South Padre Island Boat Rides

If you are looking for a different boating experience, there are definitely other options to consider. Start by checking out all the other boat rides that Osprey Cruises has to offer. If you specifically want to bring your dog on board, visit Fins to Feathers and book a ride for you and your furry best friend. In the end, whatever you choose, remember to sit back and relax…and take in all the beautiful views that the area has to offer!

Special Thanks

We would like to thank South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and Osprey Cruises for inviting us on board. We had an absolutely amazing time, and want to be sure to mention that while these boat rides were sponsored activities, all opinions expressed in this article are our own. Please, refer to our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to South Padre Island, Texas

• South Padre Island Official Website – Find information on hotels, attractions, restaurants, beaches and much more
• Beach Park at Isla Blanca – Check out all the fun water rides that this waterpark offers, and get your tickets
• Isla Blanca Park – Plan a visit to this beachfront park in South Padre Island, and take a walk on the jetties
• Osprey Cruises – Check out some fun South Padre Island boat rides you can take, including the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour and the Black Dragon Cruise , and book your adventure
• Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site – Learn about the history of this beautiful lighthouse, and plan your visit
• Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services – Book a sandcastle building lesson, and learn some fun, new skills
• Sea Turtle Inc. – Learn about the fascinating sea turtles and the amazing mission of this rescue center
• South Padre Island Adventure Park – Book a horseback ride on the beach, zip line, and feed some hungry goats
• South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center – Discover the large variety of birds that live near Laguna Madre

Note:   Unless otherwise indicated, the photos in this post were taken by Vessy with a Nikon D5600 camera. Please send us an e-mail ( [email protected] ) if you would like to use any of them. All images are subject to copyright laws.

These activities took place on January 5 and January 6, 2019.

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Wow, what a great adventure! And lovely pix. The stingray can be out of the water? And he didn’t sting?

Thanks so much for stopping by, Julie! Well, Dillon, our deckhand, was holding the tail and the sting gently while the kids handled the stingray. So, perhaps it would sting, but Dillon knew exactly how to prevent that from happening! 🙂

These look like so much fun! The sea life safari looks awesome! My kids would love learning about all the sea critters! And that pirate ship just looks FUN!!!

Thanks for stopping by, Lisa! Both rides were really great…and we were lucky to have such beautiful weather! 😉

It looks like you guys had a great time lots of interesting creatures from the sea for sure. Thanks for the suggestions.♥️

It is my pleasure, Jennifer! It sure was awesome to see these creatures up close! 🙂

I love the dolphins and the pirates! What an amazing experience!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Tammie! It really was great to experience all these sea adventures! 🙂

What a wonderful experience. The crab looked cool. Dolphins are always great to see. The Pirate ship adventures is something we would love to do.

Thanks for stopping by, Missy! It was a lot of fun…and both tours were so totally different. The pirate ship was definitely A BLAST! 😉

Never say no to playing with pirates!!!! ARGH!

That’s right!…Or you may need a hook for a leg! 🙂

What a great round-up of boat rides! I’d love the dolphin one. Last year about this time we joined a boat ride in Clearwater with the aquarium where we “collected” a variety of sea life – the kids LOVED it!!!

Thanks so much, Pam! Yesss…the kiddos were totally into all the fascinating sea life…and I was, too! 😉

Looks like so much fun! I love being out on the water. I think that the last fish was a Grunt. We used to catch them in the Keys! They make a grunting noise when they are out of the water! lol

Awww, thanks for the info, Tricia! Perhaps you are right! This one was a very jumpy little fish. We could barely hold it! 🙂

How very cool! I love the water and boat excursions are always a favorite for everyone in my family. It looks like you all had a great time!

Thanks, Shirley! We really did have a great adventure…and the crews on both tours were so wonderful! 🙂

We would love the dolphin tour!

The dolphins were amazing…such adorable creatures! 🙂

That looks like such a fun experience! I have seen dolphins in the wild twice and it was the coolest thing ever! And that sting ray!! I would DIE! I love them so much!! 🙂

It was really great! The kids were so excited to hold all those critters, and then send them back into the ocean. 🙂

I love puffer fish! We scuba dive everywhere we go and puffer fish makes me laugh, ha!

Woow, cool! Yesss…they are so funny looking, especially when they puff up all the way! 🙂

Adding to my bucket list! This looks wonderful- we would especially love the eco tour!

Thanks for checking it out, Sarah! You will have a lot of fun! 🙂

This place looks awesome! So many fun options. My kids would love it there!

It really was a lot of fun for everyone! I hope you guys visit sometime soon! 🙂

We just went on our first eco boat tour. We would do it again in a heartbeat! Everyone had so much fun!

Aren’t these eco tours great? We sure had fun getting to know these little sea critters! 🙂

What a great hands-on experience for the kids! The pirate adventure looked so fun!

I LOVED this trip to South Padre Island! How did you get the idea to plan it?? 😱🤩

Well, Angie girl! I wanted to take us somewhere sunny and warm, and since we had never been to South Padre, I thought we should see it! 😉

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Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center

• Facilities 2.5
• Atmosphere 3.0

After learning about turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc. , take the kids to the Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center to come face to face with some of South Padre's other marine animals. With kid-friendly touch tanks featuring native species like starfish and hermit crabs, plus daily nature presentations on dolphins and other marine life, this nonprofit attraction aims to educate visitors about wildlife protection along the Gulf Coast. For an extra fee (about $25 per person) you can hop on a boat for a 90-minute Dolphin Tour and observe the animals living in the Laguna Madre Bay. Many recent visitors said this was their favorite experience in South Padre Island.

Flanking the edge of Port Isabel's Lighthouse Square (across Laguna Madre from South Padre Island and easily accessible from the Queen Isabella Causeway), the Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, which is used to help feed and care for the animals. For more information, check out the center's website .

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More Best Things To Do in South Padre Island

#1 Laguna Madre Nature Trail

According to many, the best way to experience South Padre's wild side is to take a stroll along the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a boardwalk that runs from the South Padre Island Convention Centre out to the Laguna Madre wetlands. This is also a major spot for bird-watching: Throughout the year, more than 300 species of birds pass through the South Padre Island area and the Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a great place for you to see them in their natural habitat. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is open 24 hours a day and access is free.

Right next to the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, you'll find the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, which offers more bird-watching, a five-story viewing tower and an auditorium showing short documentary movies. You'll be able to see different bird and butterfly species as well as other wildlife. Admission to the center costs $6 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children. Visit nature center's  website for more information.

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South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

South Padre Island is famous for its breathtaking gulf environment, from the pristine beaches that line its shores to the amazing marine life that call the Gulf of Mexico home. At South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center, visitors can learn more about South Padre Island and the beautiful creatures of the deep. Read on below for more information on this fantastic attraction in South Padre Island! South Padre Island Tourism has something for everyone!

A Fun, Fascinating, and Family-Friendly Attraction

The South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center offers interactive educational aquarium exhibits and touch tanks with rescued sea animals at the Sea Life Center.

Admission to the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center is a mere $3.00 per person, making this attraction as wallet-friendly as it is family-friendly. The entrance fee also includes entry into the nature presentation held at the center twice each day.

Additionally, the facility offers tours of the Laguna Madre Bay to see a family of wild dolphins that has lived near the shore for nearly two decades, as the nonprofit organization does not believe in keeping dolphins in captivity. For a fee of $25.00 per person and a maximum group of six people, you and your guests can ride with Captain Scarlet Colley and her dog Rozzi to go see the enchanting wild dolphins of Laguna Madre. Due to the eco-friendly nature of the dolphin watching tour, the boat does not drag nets through the sea beds to show you marine animals up-close. However, the tour fee does include meeting at the Sea Life Center for an in-depth tour, where you can see such creatures close up.

The center is open daily, between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm. You’ll find the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center located on Light House Square in Port Isabel, between the lighthouse and the Pirate’s Landing Restaurant. The center can also be reached by phone at (956) 299-1957.

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South Padre Island Tourism

Our team of reservation specialists can’t wait to give you more information on the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center, as well as other incredible attractions that are waiting for you on our beautiful island. Call or email our office and ask about booking your stay with us today to learn more!

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Education Nature Tours

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center Daily Guided Bird Walks

One of nine World Birding Center sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the Nature Center provides one-of-a-kind birding opportunities, coupled with interpretive tours on site. Visitors will learn about birds on the Island, as well as the diversity of fish, dolphins, plants and more.

 spibirding.com  956.761.6801

Captain Murphy’s/Isla Tour Isla Tours’ Eco Tour and Dolphin Watch Visitors will enjoy a 90-minute dolphin watch and eco-tour aboard Murphy’s Law. The crew nets sea life from the ocean floor and brings it aboard for an interactive presentation. The excursion also gives visitors a chance to view the diversity of local and migratory birds.

 islatours.com  Fishing Trips 956.761.2764  Isla Tours 956.761.4752

The Original Dolphin Watch Dolphin Watch and Ecology Tour This exciting, interactive tour begins with the crew of the Double Sunshine netting live specimens of marine life. The animals are then transported into a living, saltwater laboratory where visitors can experience an up-close presentation given by one of the crew. Once the sea life is safely returned to the water, the Double Sunshine continues the excursion, following dolphin pods along the Devil’s Elbow.

 theoriginaldolphinwatch.net  956.761.4243

Fins 2 Feathers Dolphin & Birding Tours Captain Scarlet Colley, a renowned “dolphin whisperer,” offers tours to view the area’s many dolphins up close. The tour is perfect for birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts who want to get up close with the abundant and diverse birdlife.

 fin2feather.com  956.299.0629

Sea Turtle Inc. Turtle Talks The primary mission of Sea Turtle, Inc. is to educate the general public about the Island’s endangered sea turtles and their marine environments. Visitors can participate in a “Turtle Talk,” which are given multiple times a day. They can also visit the turtles that are being rehabilitated here for return to the wild. Sea Turtle, Inc. also offers school field trips, which include an interactive presentation and a tour of the facility.

 seaturtleinc.org  956.761.6801

Osprey Cruises Sea Life Safari This sightseeing tour gives visitors a close look at dolphins and other local marine life. The tour, which guarantees dolphin sightings during daylight, includes an eco tour, a history of the local area and its geology, bird watching, and close observation of living sea life.

 ospreycruises.com  956.761.6655 or 956.943.6283

Breakaway Cruises Dolphin Watch and Eco Cruise This enjoyable and informative two-hour cruise gives visitors the chance to see some of the area’s abundant Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Visitors will also experience exceptional bird watching and abundant sea life, carefully brought up from the depths for up close viewing and education.

 breakawaycruises.com  956.761.2212

UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab Discovery Cruise & Floating Classroom The Coastal Studies Laboratory located on South Padre Island was established in 1973, and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region.

https://www.utrgv.edu/csl/ 956-761-2644

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10 of the best things to do on South Padre Island

August 28, 2019 // By Kimberly Suta

By Kimberly Suta San Antonio Local Expert August 28, 2019

South Padre Island is easily one of the best beaches in Texas , but there are so many more magical reasons to visit! A barrier island with 34 miles of pristine shorelines located at the tail of Texas, this unassuming beach town has always been a favorite getaway for Texans.

The beach is truly beautiful with perfectly warm waters for swimming, fishing and playing. Once outside the city proper, you can get on the county beach to camp, make a bonfire and find a private stretch to go seashell hunting. However, you can't stay at the beach all day, can you? So here's what else is in store for you at Texas' only tropical island.

Horseback riding on the beach

You've seen it in movies – those romantic gallops along the sea swept beach – so why not give it a try? Go in a group or on a private horseback ride with Island Adventure Park . While a beach ride is fun, a sunset ride will take you along both the beach and bay, as well as through the tranquil sand dunes.

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The ranch also features a petting barn with goats, pigs and chickens, and for the more daring in your party, they have a beginner's zip line. Make sure to inquire about their private beach parties and bonfires for a truly special island experience!

Go on a sea safari

Discover a new perspective by going on a Sea Life Safari with Osprey Cruises . These boat cruises not only go in search of the plentiful dolphins around the island, but give you an opportunity to check out the sea life living along the ocean shore. This is an ideal excursion for families with young kiddos. There are plenty of other dolphin tours to choose from as well.

Enjoy delicious seafood while cruising the bay

Of course, there may be something better than dolphins. Shrimp! Hop on a boat with chef Diego of Southern Wave for a dinner cruise along the bay. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as enjoying a fresh seafood meal on a boat while listening to live music and watching a sunset paint the sky over the water.

Where to eat on South Padre

For a seafood meal on land, there's almost too many options to count. Breakfast at the only coffee roaster in town, Grapevine Cafe & Coffeehouse is a good place to start with everything from eggs Benedict to chilaquiles.

For lunch, check out the Cafe on the Beach for ultimate views. For dinner, while you can't go wrong with tried-and-true Sea Ranch, a tradition for Texans who have been visiting the island for decades, there's a fine dining option in town and it's oh-so-good!

F&B is stunning, both inside and out and hits every note, from the cocktails to the exceptional service and, of course, the cuisine. Chef Walter Greenwood, who honed his skills at the famous Bartolotta restaurant in Las Vegas , has elevated the island with his creative, mouthwatering dishes. He's not only sourcing premium Gulf seafood, but local produce. His trick is to let the ingredients shine – and it's one he most certainly has mastered.

Check out the island's Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary

After all that good food, you'll probably want to burn some calories, and what better place than the SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary ? The dozens of alligators, mostly baby alligators, are a new and fascinating addition to the island.

The walk throughout the center is both relaxing and educational. They have 3,300 feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds and a five-story viewing tower. You never know what you'll see, but it's likely you'll find some roseate spoonbills and egrets.

Pay a visit to Sea Turtle, Inc.

Continue the adventure with a visit to Sea Turtle, Inc. , where they not only showcase some giant turtles, but also work to heal and protect the turtles. They have a turtle hospital onsite with several patients being assisted at any given time.

Turtle hatchlings are also assisted as they are born on the island. If you go during the right time of year, typically summer, you can see the baby turtles for yourself. Sea Turtle, Inc. also sells tickets when they take a boat ride out to release a healthy turtle.

Catch up on your beach reads

There's nothing better than reading a good book at the beach. If you left yours at home, don't worry! Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard bookstore is a reader's oasis. With a plethora of books to choose from, couches to lounge on and beautiful architecture, it might just be the best independent book store in all of Texas. Make sure to ask the owners for their recommendations and you'll go home with a page-turner.

Build the best sand castle ever

If you're ready to get in some more beach time, why not try something new? Create a masterpiece sand castle with pro builder Andy Handcock of Sand Castle Lessons . It's not as hard as you might imagine. Andy demonstrates how to easily create windows, carve stones and build steps in your sand castle. It's a great family or team building activity. Your castle may not last forever, but the memory will!

Spend a day at Schlitterbahn

Kids or no kids, you cannot leave South Padre without spending at least a little time at the most phenomenal water park in Texas, Schlitterbahn. They feature indoor and outdoor rides and attractions, plus a river "transportainment" system so you never have to leave your tube. It's the hottest spot to float the day away!

Chill out at the best bars with views

After all this excitement, where can you chill out? LongBoard Bar and Grill is the island hangout for great bar eats, yummy cocktails and some much-needed rejuvenation, with gorgeous views of the bay. Parrot Eyes, which has been around for decades is also a fun option, with live parrots and non-stop Jimmy Buffet.

About Kimberly Suta

Kimberly A. Suta is a writer and filmmaker based in San Antonio. She is a viand explorer traveling the world in search of the best morsels! She has merged her love of food and film by creating a culinary series called Homegrown Chef , which features the best chefs and restaurants in San Antonio, Texas.

Read more about Kimberly Suta here.

Connect with Kimberly via: Facebook | Twitter

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Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

110 North Garcia Street, Port Isabel, 78578, TX

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

Seeing sea turtles should whet your appetite to view the other majestic animals found in the Gulf waters. At the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center, kids can touch starfish and hermit crabs in their tanks, then attend a show that introduces the star attraction, dolphins. To see dolphins in the wild, jump aboard one of the many boats that leave from the marina at the southern end of the island.

Family Hotels Near Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

Schlitterbahn Beach Resort

Pearl South Padre

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Isla Grand Beach Resort

Comfort Suites South Padre Island

Family Attractions Near Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Port Isabel Lighthouse Square

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Isla Blanca Park

South Padre Island Adventure Park

Family Restaurants Near Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

Yummies Bistro

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The Big Donkey

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South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center

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South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Sea Life Safari Nature Tour

Island explorer i & ii.

A hands-on experience unlike any other cruise. View natural habitats & an island bird sanctuary, collect shells and touch sea life. The only tour licensed to pull a net and guided by a Marine Specialist from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Kids and adults of all ages will love this unique marina life adventure! This tour only departs from the CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM .

This tour only departs from the CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM .

• Multiple Daily Departures
• Departs: Clearwater Marine Aquarium at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 (on Island Estates )
• Tickets are booked through the Clearwater Marine Aquarium ("Select A Date" button above redirects to CMA website )
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