There are so many things to do in South Padre Island.
Whether it’s surfing in the waves or digging your toes into the warm sand, it’s truly a vacation paradise. But if you’re looking to have an experience that’s truly out of the ordinary, consider a dolphin cruise in South Padre. It’s fun for the whole family! Seeing spinner and bottle-nose dolphins – as well as the sea life at the bottom of the bay – will surely create memories for a lifetime. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at South Padre Island dolphin tours!
The Original Dolphin Watch
This company bills itself as “South Padre Island’s number one dolphin watch tour company.” On an Original Dolphin Watch tour, you can see dolphins from a covered, double-decker boat. You can add on an Eco-Tour and see marine life from the bottom of the bay or take a snorkeling trip through their sister company, American Diving.
For their summer tour options, embark on the popular Dolphin Watch Eco Tour from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for $15 per person, or from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $18 per person. You can also experience Dolphin Watch from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $18 per person or from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for $15 per person. The Sunset Dolphin Watch runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for $18 per person, and the three-hour snorkeling tours are $35 per person.
Infants under two years old ride free on all tours.
Breakaway Cruises
Breakaway Cruises says it’s “rated the best dolphin watch on South Padre Island” and is another company offering 90-minute dolphin adventures and eco-tours aboard their covered vessels, the Escape or the Getaway, as well as a variety of other activities, including snorkeling, and firework and dinner cruises. Cruises start at $20 per passenger and depart daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Isla Tours
Captain Murphy’s Isla Tours are another great way to get into the bay and see dolphins and other sea life. Isla Tours offers 90-minute dolphin tours and eco-tours in a double-decker, covered boat, as well as seasonal fireworks and sunset cruises.
You can choose to embark on an Eco-Tour from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $15 per person. Alternatively, select the Dolphin Watch Tour from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $15 per person.
The seasonal (summer), family-friendly Fireworks Cruise is $30 per person and is a party on the water! You can take it on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Make sure to book your tours at least 24 hours in advance.
Fins to Feathers
The Fins to Feathers experience offers something for both dolphin and bird lovers visiting the Laguna Madre Bay of South Padre Island. What’s unique about Fins to Feathers is their small group focus – limiting tours to six people or fewer on board.
Birding tours last 2.5 hours and have a minimum of four people. The rate is $45 per person, no matter the age. Dogs are welcome on tours with advanced notice.
The Dolphin and Birding Combination Tour is also 2.5 hours with a four-person minimum. This tour not only takes you up close to flying friends, but also gets you up close and personal with dolphins in the area. Dogs are also welcome on this tour, with advanced notice.
Tours depart daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fins to feathers also offers fireworks, rocket launch, New Year’s, birthday, and anniversary tours.
Where to Stay on SPI
South Padre Island activities are plentiful, and adding a dolphin tour takes the fun and adventure to another level. So, pack your hat, sunscreen, and camera, and have an encounter to remember!
