There are plenty of exciting ways that you can experience the water on your trip to South Padre Island. You can rent a boat of your own or go on a fishing charter or boat tour with an experienced captain.
Adventurers may want to go kayaking or jet skiing, while those who want something slower will enjoy a dolphin tour. But one of the most unique things to do in South Padre Island is scuba diving!
Whether you’ve never been scuba diving before or are already passionate about the activity, scuba diving in South Padre Island is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Dive South Padre will be your resource for everything scuba diving while you’re in town. Here’s what to know before you dive in!
Training and Certification
If you’re new to scuba diving, Dive South Padre has you covered. Their Open Water Scuba Certification program is perfect for beginners. You’ll learn the fundamentals of your gear and safety measures to take when you’re in the water, so you’ll be confident and prepared for your first official trip. You’ll be working with an instructor certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), who can answer all of your questions throughout the course.
To take part in the Open Water Scuba Certification program, you must first complete online classwork and testing. Then, to officially become certified, you’ll need to attend two confined water/pool sessions and two boat dive trips.
If you’ve already got some diving experience, consider the Advanced Scuba Certification course. You’ll get to take a deep dive (pun intended) into a diving specialty you’re interested in, all while improving your skills as a diver and learning more about the world below the surface.
This training consists of at least six open-water dives with pre-set specifications, along with three additional dives customized to your preferences. To participate in the Advanced Scuba Certification course, you must be at least 16 years of age and must already be certified as an NAUI Scuba Diver or equivalent.
Dive Trip Options
South Padre Island scuba diving is unlike anywhere else, thanks in large part to the unique dive sites you can encounter during your trip. Dive South Padre has two one-of-a-kind trips for you to experience: the Texas Clipper and the Aquarium Jack-Up Rig.
The Texas Clipper is an artificial reef nearly 500 feet long that sank back in 2007. Previously known as the “USS Queens” and, later, the “SS Excambion,” this ship was the first attack troop transport to arrive at Iwo Jima in WWII. After its time as a warship and a luxury liner, it was used as a maritime training vessel. Now, you can find the Clipper about 17 miles off the SPI coast.
On this dive trip, you’ll get to stay in the 80- to the 90-foot range while you see this fascinating wreck. In addition to the wreckage itself, you’ll also get to see thousands of fish, corals, and other reef organisms as you explore. This excursion is a 2-tank trip that’s recommended for advanced divers.
Alternatively, you might be interested in the Aquarium Jack Up Rig Dive. “The Aquarium” is the name of a group of Jack Up Rigs found around 15 miles off of the SPI coastline; these rigs have been in place since 2014. Both beginner and advanced divers are invited to see thousands of fish species including lionfish, angelfish, barracuda, amberjack, snapper, and more.
You’ll find beautiful structures and wildlife from the sea floor above the surface, so there’s plenty to see on this 2-tank trip. There’s plenty to see no matter how far down you dive, which is why this trip is ideal for any skill level. Stay near the surface if you’re new to scuba diving, or for more advanced divers, getting near the sea floor offers even more to discover.
Other Excursion Options
Dive South Padre offers more than just scuba diving excursions, though. If you want to experience the waters differently, consider heading out on a snorkeling trip or a dolphin watch tour!
Snorkel trips allow guests of all ages and abilities to experience the incredible community living just below the water’s surface. You’ll only be 3-6 feet below the surface, making this 3-hour trip accessible to anyone. A licensed snorkel guide will take you on a fascinating tour of the Laguna Madre marine estuary, where you’ll have the chance to see incredible fish species and other marine life everywhere you turn.
All your snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) is included in this trip, and for those who aren’t comfortable in the water yet, snorkeling vests are available.
Plan Your Trip to South Padre Island
Come learn why so many families have made SPI their annual vacation destination. Contact Padre Island Rentals today to book your next Texas getaway!
Want to experience the water while staying above the surface? Check out The Original Dolphin Watch for a one-of-a-kind excursion! You can book an eco-tour at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., or for a truly unique experience, book the sunset tour starting at 6 p.m. No matter which tour you book, you’ll have magnificent views of the water everywhere you look, along with the chance to see majestic dolphins as they play in the waves just feet from your boat.
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn all about the area and the local marine life thanks to your experienced and knowledgeable captain. It’s fun and educational all at the same time! Plus, these trips are some of the most budget-friendly activities you can find around SPI, so even families on a tight budget can enjoy the experience.
Your South Padre Island Vacation
Once you’re done exploring the waters for the day, you’re bound to be tired. You’ll want to have a comfortable and welcoming place to freshen up and rest your head at night. That’s where Padre Island Rentals comes in! We’re proud to be your premier resource for the best South Padre Island vacation rentals.
Whether you’re traveling with your partner or the entire family, we’ve got a rental that will work for you. Our South Padre Island rentals provide all the comforts of home, including fully stocked kitchens, flat-screen TVs, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, convenient parking, complimentary WiFi, and more. Plus, you’ll find that any activity you’re interested in is no more than a few minutes’ drive away.
While you’re staying in one of our South Padre Island condos, we want to make sure you don’t worry about a thing. That’s why our team is always available to answer your questions or make recommendations about the best things to do in the area. We’ll take care of all the details of your lodging so you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones and relaxing on your well-deserved vacation.
From scuba diving and snorkeling to lounging on the beach, building sandcastles, trying local seafood, and learning about the area’s history, South Padre Island offers something for everyone to enjoy.
