SPI Activities

south padre island

THINGS TO DO

Visit our What's Up Cats YouTube Channel for a first-hand look at things to do on South Padre Island.

South Padre Island offers tons of thrilling water sport activities, fishing excursions and eco tourism adventures. Below is a list of the places to call for an adventure filled vacation to South Padre Island.

South Padre Island Windsurfing
The Laguna Madre bay separates South Padre Island from the Texas mainland and is recognized as one of the world's top windsurfing destinations. The sailing season off South Padre runs from September through May. Water depth varies from three to five feet, daytime winds average 18 mph, and the average yearly temperature is in the 70s. Novices and pros come to sail the bay, the Jetties, Boca Chica, and the Ditch, site of some of the fastest windsurfing speeds in North America.
Windsurf the Boatyard
H2O Sports

South Padre Island Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is fast becoming the hottest new water sport and South Padre Island offers year-round, world-class kiteboarding conditions. The Laguna Madre's waist deep water and consistent winds offer beginner to expert riders near perfect flat-water conditions to hone their skills. Advanced kiteboarders will enjoy riding the Laguna Madre and the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Experienced, certified instructors are available to teach you about this exciting sport.
Air Padre Kiteboarding
Pro Kite
Windsurf, Inc.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling on South Padre Island
In 1985, Captain Tim O’Leary founded American Diving. He made the move from the commercial diving industry to the sport diving community. Since that time American Diving has been introducing divers of all levels to the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of South Padre Island. Choose from several dive trips.
American Diving

Sandcastle Lessons
Have you ever wondered how they build those amazing sandcastles you see around South Padre Island? Take lessons from a pro and learn how to build a spectacular sand castle. Contact one of the experts below and make sand castle building a must-do activity while visiting South Padre Island!  
Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services
Sand Castle Lessons

Deep Sea and Bay Fishing
Whether you want to venture out to the deep blue offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico or relax on the bay, South Padre Island has fishing for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Book a deep sea or bay fishing trip with an experienced fishing guide or charter to experience the best fishing South Padre Island has to offer.
Henry's Charters
Captain Murphy's Fishing Trips
Danny B Fishing Charters
Osprey Fishing Charters
South Padre Island Fishing Guides

Dolphin Watch and Eco Tours
South Padre Island offers many dolphin watch and eco tours where you can experience marine life in its natural habitat. South Texas is a year-round home to several large pods of dolphin including bottle-nose and spinner dolphins. This is a must-see when you visit South Padre Island.
Henry's Charters
The Original Dolphin Watch
Captain Murphy's Isla Tours
Breakaway Cruises

Golf
The Rio Grande Valley offers great golfing for handicappers of all levels. Keep in mind that our temperate climate allows golfers to tee off 12 months a year. The closest championship course is the South Padre Island Golf Club, located 15 minutes away in Laguna Vista. Please visit www.spigolf.com for more information.

Other courses are located in Brownsville (30 minutes) and Harlingen (45 minutes). For more information about any of these courses, call the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-SOPADRE (767-2373).
956-433-5502

Horseback Riding
A trip to South Padre Island would not be complete without taking a horseback ride across the beach to soak in the amazing sights of the shoreline. Book a morning horseback ride, a horseback ride for the whole family, a sunset horseback ride, or a moonlight horseback ride - there are options for everyone.
South Padre Island Adventures
SPI Stables

South Padre Island Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
The calm waters of the Laguna Madre Bay make South Padre Island the perfect location for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There are plenty of places on South Padre Island to rent kayaks and paddle boards.
Parrot Eyes Rentals
Air Padre

South Padre Island Parasailing
Get spectacular views of South Padre Island while flying hundreds of feet in the air. Parasailing is a family friendly activity and does not require any skills.
Parrot Eyes
Sonny's Beach Rentals
SPI Excursions

Sea Turtle, Inc.
Dive into the unique world of sea turtle conservation! Sea Turtle, Inc. is open year-round for visitors to meet  rehabilitating and non-releasable sea turtles. Self-guide through our rehabilitation and education facilities to learn all about sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy our daily presentations and turtle feedings. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1978 by Ms. Loetscher better known as “The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island.”

South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is the Rio Grande Valley's premier destination for birdwatching. Their unique location on South Padre Island is the perfect place to observe the birds, butterflies and natural wildlife in coastal South Texas.  Visit us on South Padre Island, walk the bayfront boardwalks, take a birding tour and explore the natural life of the Rio Grande Valley.