City Guides: Things to do While Boating in South Padre Island, Texas
Located off the southern coast of Texas, South Padre Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for boating, fishing, swimming and birding. Gulf Coast beaches offer long stretches of sand, crystal clear water and a variety of watersports like kiteboarding, windsurfing and offshore fishing charters.
Part of the Rio Grande Valley, this Lone Star state island sits along Padre Island National Seashore, near Port Isabel and the Mexican border. It’s about 27.5 miles from Brownsville, TX, the official end point of the ICW. With access to South Bay and Bahia Grande, it’s a terrific spot to visit from a private boat dock for rent.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Photo: Visit South Padre Island Facebook
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is the place to be for nature and bird lovers. Located on 50 acres of tidal wetlands along the Laguna Madre, there are five bird blinds and a five-story observation tower where you can catch the best views of orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, hummingbirds, Kentucky warblers, roseate spoonbills, ducks and other wildlife. Walk along the bayfront boardwalk, take guided birding tours and nature talks or visit the alligator sanctuary, butterfly garden and sulcate tortoise exhibit.
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Photo: Laguna Madre Nature Trail Facebook
The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is next to the Birding and Nature Center. It stretches runs from the Laguna Madre wetlands to the South Padre Island Convention Center. A 1,500-foot boardwalk covers four acres of marshland for bird and nature watching. More than 300 species of birds visit the area throughout the year. The trail is free and open 24 hours, making it a fun place to visit from a boat lift for rent at any time.
South Padre Island Farmers’ Market
You’ll find some of the best local produce and seafood around at the South Padre Island Farmer’s Market. Vendors offer meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, seafood and more. This is a terrific way to stock the galley or get ready for dinner back at the private boat slip rental. The market is open rain or shine every Sunday.
South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center
Photo: South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center Facebook
Located beside the Port Isabel Lighthouse, the South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center makes a nice excursion from a boat slip for rent. The center focuses on eco-tourism, environmental conservation and education on native Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphins. You can take boat tours to see wild dolphins in the Laguna Madre, feed a giant turtle and visit touch tanks and aquariums with eels, crabs, an octopus, seahorses and stingrays.
Sea Turtle Inc.
Sea Turtle Inc is a conservation center for rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles. Meet Allison, a turtle with a prosthetic fin, and listen to daily “turtle talks” where you’ll learn about the conservation efforts and rescue/rehab of sea turtles in the Gulf oof Mexico. Take a self-guided tour through the rehabilitation and education centers, watch daily presentations and feedings or visit the museum and gift shop.
Island Adventure Park
Photo: Island Adventure Park Facebook
Set on 40 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay, Island Adventure Park is the place for adventure seekers. Go horseback riding (including sunset and moonlight rides) or soar through the sky on a zip line. There’s an Island Fun Park with go-karts and mini golf for those who like their action closer to the ground. The kids can also check out furry creatures and parrots at the petting barn or take a pony ride.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
At 72 feet tall, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is the perfect way to see the whole island and get in some fun selfies. It was built in 1852 (retired in 1905) and used as a lookout during the Civil War and World War I. Climb the 75 steps to the top on a self-guided tour, relax at the on-site park or check out the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center.
Gravity Park
Gravity Park is one of the best adventurous spots to visit from a private boat lift rental in South Padre Island. The amusement park has go-karts (one for kids and a multi-level track for adults), the tallest reverse-bungee in the world, a giant swing with views of the whole island, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, mini golf, a climbing wall and an arcade. Find it within easy access to the beach, dining and entertainment.
We hope you’ve found some new spots to visit the next time you’re visiting or hanging out at a private boat slip for rent in South Padre Island. Let us know your favorites!
