Eco Tours/Dolphin Watch
The numerous sea creatures inhabiting the waters surrounding South Padre Island are a fun, exciting and educational way for you to spend an unforgettable day! Osprey Cruises, The Original Dolphin Watch, Breakaway Cruises, Captain Murphy’s, Dolphin Docks, and SPI Excursions can all help you plan your adventure.
Fins 2 Feathers
Dolphin and Birding Tours on the Laguna Madre Bay of South Padre Island. Fins to Feathers is committed to education and conservation through experiential learning. With their friendly and informative guides, they create the experience of respectfully observing wild and free dolphins, fishing and playing in their natural environment.
Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 110,000 acres, a portion of which are open to the public for wildlife related activities like wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, Interpretation, photography and environmental education. The refuge is home to an incredible biodiversity with more than 450 plant varieties, 417 species of birds documented, 130 types of butterflies, 45 mammal species, 44 reptile and amphibian varieties and approximately 40 fish species. Learn more and prepare for your trip here.
Laguna Madre Nature Walk
This 1,500-foot boardwalk crosses four acres of marshland, where bird watchers can spot many coastal and migratory birds and numerous others tempted by the berries on the fiddlewood bushes along the trail. Check out the map to learn where you’ll be headed!
Sea Turtle Inc
Dive into the unique world of sea turtle conservation! Sea Turtle, Inc. is open year-round for visitors to meet our rehabilitating patients and non-releasable residents. 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. Learn more about Sea Turtle Inc, their mission and what to expect when visiting this amazing organization.
SPI Art Trails
Follow the detailed map to ensure you don’t miss any of the fantastic art we have here on South Padre Island. The map highlights the Sea Turtle Art Trail, Sandcastle Trail, and more information on the local art scene. View the Map here. For the full information booklet stop by the SPI Visitors Center.
SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
The island’s premier birding site! It offers 43 acres of protected coastal wetland habitat comprised of both saltwater and freshwater marsh. The dual wetland ecosystem attracts an incredible diversity of birds as well as other animals such as fish, turtles, crabs, pollinators, dragonflies, mammals, and alligators. A three-quarter mile raised boardwalk trail loops through the wetlands with five shaded viewing blinds and a rescued nuisance alligator sanctuary along the way. Click here to learn more!
UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab
The Coastal Studies Laboratory located on South Padre Island was established in 1973, and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region. Learn more about their Museum & Aquarium here.
Whaling Wall
The Whaling Wall is part of artist Wyland’s contribution to walls around the country. The Whaling Wall is featured at the South Padre Island Convention Center and its located on the north end of the Island, approximately four miles north of the causeway. The title of Wyland’s Whaling Wall #53 is “Orcas off the Gulf of Mexico’. This magnificent mural takes up three sides of the convention center’s walls. Wyland’s purpose in painting these murals is to raise awareness to the dangers that these marine mammals face. Robert Wyland, the artist, was born in Detroit in the mid-1950s. He has become famous for painting enormous outdoor murals of marine life on buildings throughout the nation. Check out the map here.