Best Tours & Activities in South Padre Island

Not many people imagine Texas to have beautiful beaches, much less waves to surf! This activity is unique because it allows travelers to learn how to surf in Texas, where the waves are warm, mellow, and great for beginners. Learn to surf is a life-changing experience! You will see and feel the ocean like you have never before.

Short on time but big on adventure? Join our 1-Hour Dolphin Dash and experience dolphins up close without spending all day or breaking the bank. You’ll cruise the sparkling waters of South Padre Island and see our playful dolphin friends in their natural habitat. Unlike other tours, we make it easy, affordable, and family-friendly—perfect for a quick getaway, an off-season treat, or first-time visitors. Same amazing dolphins, just faster, fun, and budget-friendly! Spots are limited—dash with us today and make memories in just an hour! Cruise along the lower Laguna Madre on our 67-foot double-decker, specially designed to provide an optimal viewing experience for our guests while on the water. See local dolphins in their natural habitat. Take in Boca Chica Beach (home of #SpaceX), the US Coast Guard Station, and SO MUCH MORE!!!

On this 1.5 hour cruise you're introduced to all the history, sights, and beauty that the Laguna Madre has to offer.

This is the only Inflatable Orca Whale Ride on South Padre Island! We are proud to offer a one of a kind experience for all ages! Come ride on the bay while being towed by a jet ski by our trained and licensed captains! See ya at the dock!

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We’re not just photographers, we’re storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In South Padre Island, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You’ll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We’re proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results

Witness the playful dolphins in their natural habitat and wildlife on this Dolphin Wildlife Cruise in South Padre Island. Perfect for all ages, this 1.5-2hr adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with marine life while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Gulf and views of Space X by water. Guests can bring their own food and beverages, making it a personalized outing. Departures time 2:30 pm from 204 W. Palm St., South Padre Island. - 1.5-2hr cruise to see dolphins and wildlife up close - Suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity - Bring your own snacks and drinks; small coolers allowed

Set sail for a day of bay fishing on the Danny B, a 50 ft. party boat with room for up to 43 anglers. Cast your line into the waters of South Padre Island, where you can catch species like whiting, sand trout, black drum, and shark. This experience not only offers fishing but also provides opportunities for dolphin watching and enjoying the stunning Texas coast. With fishing gear included and a knowledgeable crew ready to assist, this adventure is perfect for both seasoned fishermen and beginners alike.

PRIVATE FISHING 1-6 PASSENGER South Padre Island Bay Fishing! Join us on the beautiful Laguna Madre for a private fishing charter for 1 to 6 passengers aboard our  22 ft Majek or 24ft Carolina. This fishing experience is suitable for beginners, kids, and experts. Depending on the season catches include sand trout, whiting, drum, shark, sheepshead, and other varieties of fish. Fish cleaning is available for an additional fee. $1 small fish ( Such as trout ) $5 big fish ( such as redfish ) Shark Fishing is available upon request. We must know 2 days prior to the trip because special bait must be purchased.

Historical Port of Brownsville Cruise aboard the Danny B. We depart on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am (approx. 4 hours). We set sail down the Brownsville ship channel, where the boat will go into the largest shrimp basin in the world. We will have samples of Texas Gulf Shrimp to try. The boat sails into the Port of Brownsville, where you will see international ships, oil rigs being serviced, and ex-Naval ships being dismantled. You will get a glimpse of Space X, migratory birds, and possible sightings of Bottlenose dolphins. Everything will be seen by boat. The captain gives a historical narration and information of the area.

Enjoy a one and a half hour South Padre Island Dolphin Watch aboard the newly renovated Murphy's Law and see Atlantic Bottle-nose Dolphins in their natural habitat. During the Eco Tour/Dolphin Watch, you will also have the opportunity to see local and migratory birds and various sea life. The guided tour will also include the southernmost U.S. Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, the current location of Space X, and the South Padre Island Jetties...entryway to the Brownsville Ship Channel where one of the largest Shrimp Fleet calls home.

This is a 1 or 2-hour South Padre beach activity that you and your group will never forget. This is an informative, hands-on sand-castling activity that will help you have more fun on the beach than ever before. Equipment is provided and available for use for the duration of your stay on South Padre Island.

Join us on a thrilling expedition where sightings of the magnificent Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are a year-round spectacle! Step aboard and let Isla Tours whisk you away to the dolphins' natural playground. This 1.5-hour voyage takes you into the enchanting Laguna Madre, where the waters are teeming with life and excitement. Feel the thrill as these playful dolphins dance around our boat, offering you a rare glimpse into their world. This excursion promises more than just dolphin sightings. It's a brief but captivating tour of the Laguna Madre, where the natural beauty and vibrant marine life will leave you in awe. Imagine the joy of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat, leaping and frolicking in the waves just feet away from you! Whether you're an avid nature lover, a family looking for fun, or someone seeking a new adventure, our dolphin tour is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience – book your spot today and make memories that will last a lifetime

Our 3 hour excursion is perfect for families and guests of all ages! All equipment is provided. Work up an appetite and enjoy our legendary angus burgers and hot dogs. Don’t forget to BYOB!

Parasail off the back of our new 31' ocean Pro! 600 ft. of line sends you high over the clear waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and view the entire South Padre Island. You can fly singles, doubles (tandems) or Triples.

NOTE IMPORTANT: This booking is for 1 boat that can bring 1-6 passengers. Please only select 1 "traveler" on Viator. On this private 1 hr cruise you're introduced to all the history, sights, and beauty that the Laguna Madre has to offer. 

The Port of Brownsville Tour is a 5-hour narrated cruise from South Padre Island across the Laguna Madre Bay and traveling down the Brownsville Ship Channel. Along the way you will see our native Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins and migratory birds. You will learn about South Texas shrimping industry and their fleets, as you enjoy a taste of our local shrimp. You will hear a little history of the area, see decommissioned vessels being dismantled from the top down, oil rigs being built and repaired, and the Port where shipping vessels from around the world load and unload commodities. Upon your return you will see SpaceX launching site off in the distance. Our Captain and Crew make this an enjoyable and educational tour worth your time. Welcome aboard!

Banana Boat Fun for everyone! Safe and easy to ride on a beautiful sunny day in South Padre Island.

45 min of fun in the sun on your jet ski. Speed across the waters of the Laguna Madre in South Padre Island Texas. Jet Ski departures start at 11 am until 6:00 pm. This last departure is subject to change due to sunset time change.A Jet Ski can hold up to 1 extra ride-along passenger as long as the total weight does not exceed 350 lbs. Per Texas State Law you must be born before September 1st, 1993, and provide a valid ID with a picture and date of birth at check-in. If born after Sept. 1, 1993, you must be at least 18 years of age or older and provide a boaters certificate along with valid ID

Small group experience! No more than 6 passengers. We travel to the Northern part of South Padre Island. It takes our Jet boat approx 8 - 10 min to get to the snorkel location.The snorkel location is in clear shallow waters about 3-4 ft deep. The bottom is soft white sand and seashells along with some seagrass plugs scattered. If you bring food, lots of fish will swim up to you and eat out of your hand. You are allowed to bring food, alcohol or non alcoholic drinks. Just NO GLASS. Yummy drinks can also be ordered To Go from our departure location at Lobo Del Mar Cafe. Please be sure to allow time for getting drinks to go.

Book with Team Barefoot for a 5-star parasailing adventure! As a family-owned and operated business, we guarantee a personal, fun, and safe experience you won’t forget!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature, where sightings of the magnificent Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are a year-round spectacle in South Padre Island! Step aboard and let Isla Tours whisk you away to the dolphins' natural playground. Our one-and-a-half-hour adventure is not just a tour; it's a voyage into the enchanting Laguna Madre, where the waters are teeming with life and excitement. Feel the thrill as these playful dolphins dance around our boat, offering you a rare glimpse into their world. But that’s not all! This family-friendly party cruise promises more than just dolphin sightings. As the day winds down, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking South Texas sunset, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink, casting a magical glow over the water. And just when you think it can't get any better, you'll have a front-row seat to a spectacular fireworks display over the bay, lighting up the night in a dazzling array of colors!

Leave the shore behind and embark on a 90-minute journey into the sparkling emerald waters of South Padre Island. This isn't just a boat ride; it's your front-row seat to the ocean's most enchanting ballet. Witness the playful antics of wild Bottlenose Dolphins as they swim, leap, and chase our wake, and keep an eye out for the acrobatic spins of their smaller, spirited Spinner cousins. The mission is to connect you with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, offering an unscripted glimpse into their world.

We first travel 2 miles alongside the historical Queen Isabel Causway until we reach the inside canals in Port Isabel known as little Venice Italy. Your professional guide will give you insight into the surrounding areas while you continue your experience under bridges and through the waterways. After passing the huge fishing and shrimping boats we continue into the Brownsville shipping channel, home to many of our local wild dolphins. Afterward is South Bay where you can see the Space X Star Ship Rocket Launch facility and then pass the Gulf of Mexico. Before returning, you will be given free time in an open area to ride the Jet Skis. IMPORTANT -TEXAS STATE LAWA Must be born before September 1st, 1993, and provide a Valid ID with picture and date of birth on it Born after September 1st, 1993: If born after September 1st, 1993 must be at least 18 yrs old & provide a Texas Boater's certificate number and Valid ID

The fishing on the bay is an exciting chance to reel in Sheepshead, Black Drum, Sandtrout, Whiting, and many others, including SHARK! Bay fishing trips primarily target tasty sand trout and whiting, but customers will also have opportunities to catch red drum and black drum. Customers can also bring their own gear if they desire, but Captain Murphy’s will not be responsible for it. All persons fishing, ages 17 and older are required to have a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License. You can easily purchase a fishing license online by going to Texas Parks and Wildlife website and Fishing License

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures include a tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, learning tool, and social experiment! Guests get to discover our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues—for points! Regardless of their score, they enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard. They can race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors that day. Get ready to learn about sustainability, discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

To play Operation City Quest in Brownsville, you'll use an app to gather points by completing exciting tasks and finding objects around the city in any order you choose. Use strategy to gain the most points on the app's leaderboard and beat out other teams. Our scavenger hunt has a remote host that will help throughout the game via chat. Let's get competing in Brownsville.

Using an app on your smartphone, you'll be given nearly 120 objects to find during your scavenger hunt. You'll then wander throughout the downtown area searching for the items. Once you've found the object, you'll send a photo in to score points. Along the way, you will perform challenges for even more points. You'll have 13 categories of objects you can find in this city walk, with each object varying in points depending on the difficulty. Don't worry, you won't be alone. You'll have a remote guide that will be texting you during your game if you need help or have a question. They will also encourage you and give you hints along the way! The objective of the game is to have fun, rank #1 on the leaderboard, and try to get as many points as possible by finding all of the objects!

Uncover the wonders beneath the waves in a thrilling snorkeling adventure at North Bay, South Padre Island. A quick 10-15 minute boat ride whisks you to a vibrant underwater oasis in shallow 3-foot deep waters. With soft white sand local sea life and gentle sea grass, this family-friendly activity is perfect for snorkelers of all ages. This 2.5-hour guided tour runs daily, making it a convenient and memorable outing for everyone.

Book with us! We are the only Parasail Company on South Padre Island to Parasail over the Beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay. Serving Family Fun for 40 years! Family owned and operated. Sonny's Beach Service offers three locations with Beach Rentals, Ocean and Bay Parasailing with thrilling Banana Boat Rides. Both Parasail and Banana Boats hold 6 passengers. Public Welcome.

We have been in business for 40 years providing Family Fun on South Padre Island. We are the only company to banana boat Oceanside and Bayside (weather permitting). Your USCG licensed Captain and Crew are always there to assure a fun, safe ride. Banana Boating is a fun way to enjoy the views and experience seeing dolphins and all sorts of sea life. This activity is fun for the whole family. YES, you will get wet and probably fall off a couple time, it's just part of the ride. What a great way to cool off after some time in the sun.

Use an app to survive a zombie apocalypse in Brownsville. In Zombie Scavengers, explore the city however you'd like to search for items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse. You'll get points for finding these items. You can also do some zombie themed challenges for points on the app as well. Strategize in order to get the most points and survive the apocalypse. Your remote host will be there for you via chat if you need anything. Can you survive the apocalypse in Brownsville?