Explore the Laguna Madre Estuary, a beautiful spot where the. The nonprofit organization ReefBuilders built the RGV Reef in 2002 as a way to help restore and protect marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. Divers who snorkel enjoy the less adventurous option of scuba diving. Texas, the Lone Star State, is widely known for its ten-gallon hats, cowboy boots, and some of the best cuisines in the country. I think we had the most fun talking with these guys and the dolphins were just a bonus. If you and your family need an exciting activity you can all do together, look no further than snorkeling at South Padre Island with Breakaway Cruises. With 54 km/31 mi of white sand beaches and clear water, it is home to many water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. January 20, 2020. South Padre Island. The best Texas snorkeling based on popularity are considered to be South Padre Island, Stetson Bank, East Flower Garden Banks, and West Flower Garden Banks. All Rights Reserved. Snorkeling on the outside of the lagoon is possible but not recommended, as waves can be intimidating and not many operators will take the risk to go out there. Activities list : snorkeling, tubing, fishing, dolphin / turtle watch, shelling, sea life touch and learn, sunset cruise, fireworks cruise, dinner cruise, Established in 2019. Snorkel TX will provide all of their clients with a mask, fins, and snorkel, and even include transportation to and from several river locations. Corpus Christi is one of the best beaches in Texas due to its clear waters and nearby attractions. Explore a comprehensive dive map, track your dives, upload your dive logs, connect with your dive buddies or other divers from around the world, and more. The chicken fajita dinner was great with fajitas, rice, beans, and fruit and beverages included. Also, no fancy equipment is required. The island's best natural reef is the 7 Fathom Reef. A few of us in our party unfortunately got sea sick and he was very kind about it. While snorkeling in the Laguna Madre, you will get the chance to encounter and observe different species of stingrays, redfish, snappers, eels, crabs, trout, jellyfish, herrings, catfish, and even turtles, dolphins and some occasional shallow water sharks! The clear water and bright white sandy bottom there also make it very easy to spot all sorts of marine wildlife. Divers can find a variety of diving sites in this country, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Still nice folks. South Padre Island Snorkeling - The Daytripper 88,142 views Jul 19, 2012 436 Dislike Share Save The Daytripper 23.5K subscribers Chet hits the Bay Laguna Madre on South Padre Island and sees. The arrival was delayed but our amazing Captain Joe Bryant showed us many interesting sites. I was so pleased with the cruise to honor the final voyage of the USS Kitty Hawk. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and other organisms. If you are renting gear in one of the numerous shops on the island, or even purchasing your own, ask the snorkeling guide or shop attendant to assist you in finding the best fit for your face. Didn't see many Dolphins though, 2023 Breakaway Cruises | USCG Certified Vessels, Port of Brownsville Cruise and Shrimp Boil. The warm temperature and great conditions of the lagoon make it possible to stay in the water for an extended period of time, and most snorkeling charters will include a snack or lunch break which allows you to stay out longer and enjoy the excursion to the fullest, giving you more chance of seeing the marine flora and fauna that we all long for. The island has less than 3 square miles of the land area yet is home to hundreds of recreational activities. 3. We stock a full line of scuba diving equipment and accessories from brands such as: SCUBAPRO, Atomic Aquatics, ONeil, Bare, Halcyon, Suunto Dive Computers, XS Scuba, JBL Spearguns, and more. The southern part of South Padre Island features a slew of restaurants, spas, and shops for visitors to dine and relax. Weve put together a brief guide below to getting the most out of your snorkeling experience on our lovely island. Dive Season Summary Jun Jul Aug Sep 86oF 30oC 63oF 17oC Diving Info Lower Laguna Madre Fishing Report By Blast to Cast Captain Mike Knox. Plenty of family-friendly activities are available on this beautiful beach including surfing, sunset cruises, fishing charter trips, banana boat rides, dolphin watching, trekking, rafting, eco tours, parasailing, scuba diving and our absolute favorite: snorkeling on South Padre Island! Technical divers only. The site is heavily decorated with tube-building worms, mollusks,. View Trip. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! This training can give you confidence which will make your snorkeling trip even more enjoyable. The reef contains quite a variety of marine life. For the BEST IT and Security Services in the RGV visit: Our expert technicians are fully trained and certified to service and repair all of your scuba equipment needs. However, the bottom sits in water 41 meters/135 feet deep, which is why the wreck is usually dived by advanced divers. American Diving is The Original Dolphin Watch on South Padre Island. The point is that you can do both at South Padre Island. It's best not to go near South Padre Island because of the strong waves. With 54 km (31 miles) of white sand beaches and clear water, it is ideal for a wide variety of water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Companies like Breakaway Cruises, Southern Wave Sailing Charters, and American Diving have the right blend of experienced instructors and guides and reasonable prices to make them a desirable first choice. (Recommended: A Locals Guide to South Padre Island Nightlife). The Gulf of Mexico Marine Sanctuary is critical to the survival of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. American Diving is a world-renowned dive center for scuba and snorkeling trips to the Gulf of Mexico. You will not be refunded your payment if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience. Southern Wave's 48' custom-built Catamaran is a safe way to experience state-of-the-art sailing while enjoying the beauty of South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. Belize is also a great place to dive because it has a lot to offer. We went to 2 different dolphin spots and saw many swimming in both places. JJ was great too! Yes, there are coral reefs in South Padre Island. Awahua Beach in Hawaii . Some snob elitists from other snorkeling locales would have you believe the water is not clear enough in South Padre Island for good snorkeling. They also offer morning and afternoon deep sea fishing excursions, getting you out into the open water to land a fresh catch of snook, snapper, trout, and other species that are found in the local waters. Their excursions travel north through the Thompson Channel and also includes a tour of the beautiful homes that are located along the channel. How expensive is a snorkeling South Padre Island tour? On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran. Snorkelers will be able to see blue tilapia crayfish, sunfish, red-eared slider turtles, and other exquisite marine life in these gorgeous, spring-fed waters. While there are many snorkelers that prefer to swim without fins, we like to use them as they give us a little extra push, especially if you want to dive down to see that colorful fish or pretty shells up close! With 54 km/31 mi of white sand beaches and clear water, it is home to many water sport activities such as fishing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition to snorkeling excursions, the charter companies based in South Padre Island offer more adventures that will get you out exploring the vast waters surrounding the island. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. Best Snorkeling In Texas: South Padre Island, Gulf Coast & More, Best Snorkeling In Virginia: Virginia Beach, Sunset Beach & More, Where Is The Best Place To Snorkel In The Bahamas, Best Mountain Biking Trails in Moab, Utah. . Dry Tortugas in Florida. From dolphin watching to dazzling fireworks shows, there are a myriad of adventures to be had on boat excursions around South Padre! Learn the fundamental knowledge and skills to safely dive in open water in their Open Water Scuba Certification class, where you will begin in the comfort of a controlled water environment before moving to open water training dives. The entire crew was great. The sanctuary was established in 1992 as a means of protecting the environment and wildlife that live there. If you have never snorkeled before, make sure you get familiar with the equipment. Best Times To Visit South Padre Island The best time to visit South Padre Island is from September to February. Finally, be sure to take care of your body by putting on sunscreen. South Padre Island, Texas, is home to the LOPSITU, or the largest outdoor, permanent sandcastle in the world. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). and What company/agency would be best to take a child. They are located offshore and are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. are just a few of the many adventure activities to enjoy here. The waters here are extremely popular among a number of expert divers and diving instructors. It is located within Cameron County and has a total area of 9.68 sq. South Padre Snorkeling tour You will get a 3-hour trip, basic snorkeling equipment, some water, and maybe some fruits for this price. South Padre Island is an exquisite destination considered to be one of the top snorkeling spots in the world. Marine life you can see when snorkeling South Padre Island, Useful tips for snorkeling at South Padre Island, Best time to go snorkeling on South Padre Island. Summer in Texas is undoubtedly the best time of year to enjoy its many exciting activities, and March through May, in particular, is the finest season to explore the many waters on a snorkeling adventure. You will start off by sailing no more than 15 min to our fun spot, once we arrive there will be a quick demonstration on how the snorkel gear works and make sure it fits you properly to ensure you have the best time possible. Since you will be spending most of your time with your back exposed to the sun, be sure to put sunscreen on the back of your neck and other exposed areas. Snorkeling Excursions The one-of-a-kind location of South Padre Island provides visitors the opportunity to see and experience some amazing things, our snorkeling excursions being one. If youre interested in snorkeling while on vacation in South Padre Island, youre in luck! Book Now. Unofficially, South Padre is known as the "Sandcastle Capital of the World" because of the sand quality. Beginning with some online work, you can be ready to hit your two pool sessions upon arrival in South Padre Island. September also happens to be the rainiest month in SPI, with an average of seven rainy days a month. South Padre Island is a great place for shore diving. If you find yourself alone in the water, try not to panic. This picturesque island is known for its 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water. The water was amazing!! He even got us up close and personal with dolphins!! . Best Snorkeling in South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Southern Wave Sailing Charters, Ka Motion Sailing Adventure, Tritoon Charters, American Diving, Poseidon Charters, Isla Charters Located on the northern end of Padre Boulevard just south of the South Padre Island Convention Center, Sea Turtle, Inc. is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it stays open until 5. km of land and 2.72 sq. We had to show up both days for answers. On South Padre Island, the Breakaway Cruises offers snorkeling excursions. Re: Snorkeling at South Padre? South Padre Island Tourism South Padre Island Hotels South Padre Island Bed and Breakfast South Padre Island Vacation Rentals If you want to take advantage of all the island has to offer, you can also stay at a picnic area or resort. To get the hang of snorkels, youll need some basic lessons. Whether you're looking for a family vacation spot or an adventure travel destination, South Padre Island has something for everyone. 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