South Padre Island is one of Texas’ premier vacation destinations, even holding the title of the Best Beach in Texas. For fun in the sun and waves, there’s no better place to visit! As part of the island’s appeal, there is a wide range of watersports to try and something for everyone no matter your experience level.
What is a Watersport?
You might be wondering what actually qualifies as a watersport. While some might have different definitions, the term “watersports” generally refers to anything that requires a combination of physical and mental skills while in the water. Under this definition, swimming counts as well as a variety of other activities that require equipment, such as jet skis, banana boats, parasailing, kiteboarding, and flyboarding.
Some of these activities might be a little less familiar. Banana boating involves sitting on an unpowered inflatable raft (often shaped like a banana!) that is towed. The fun in the activity is flying through the water while maintaining your balance on the raft. Parasailing also involves being towed but instead the rider is attached to a canopy that sails through the air.
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport where the rider surfs through the water using the power of wind. Flyboarding is a relatively new sport that involves strapping yourself onto a board, which propels you 50 feet into the air using the power of hydraulics.
These are just a few of the most popular water sports, ones that can also be experienced in South Padre Island. If any of these activities excite you, here are some of the best places to go for rentals and tours.
Bayside Water Rentals
With LED glowing kayaks, paddle boards, as well as group stand-up paddle boards, Bayside Water Rentals offers the adventure you’ve been searching for. And just in time for summer, they’ve just added electric, shaded paddle boats that seat between 4 and 6 people.
Rent kayaks and paddleboards through Bayside Water Rentals for daytime adventure for only $20/hr. Tandem kayaks are only $30/hr. If you prefer a sunset adventure, reserve a romantic sunset kayak on a tandem kayak for $55; and if you want to go all out, take a kayak out under the fireworks for $45-$75.
Parrot Eyes
For great fun and food, Parrot Eyes is the place to be. It’s a bar, restaurant, and watersports rental/marina all rolled into one. One, two, and three-seater jet skis are available from $120 for 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a 1.5-hour jet ski tour with an experienced guide.
For $80, book a parasailing tour that takes you 700 feet over Laguna Madre Bay. For $30, you can jump on a giant six-person inflatable banana boat and go for a ride. For a calmer experience, kayak and stand-up paddle boats are also available for rent.
Book your tours and rentals online or contact Parrot Eyes at 956-761-9457.
Where to Stay
After an exhilarating day in the water, return for some much-needed rest and relaxation to your South Padre Island condo rental. We offer beachfront rentals, boat-friendly rentals, pet-friendly rentals, and more. Choose anywhere from one to four-bedroom rentals, all of which include luxurious amenities to make you feel right at home. Book your dream South Padre Island vacation rental today!
Coconut Jacks Watersports
For jet skis and parasailing, Coconut Jacks Watersports has you covered. For those 21 years or older, jet skis are available for rent. Valid ID is required. A one-seater jet ski costs $75 for half an hour and a two-seater costs $100 for an hour. If you’d prefer to try your hand at jet skiing with a bit of guidance, jet ski tours leave at 8am and last for one hour.
You can also book a “winch direct parasailing” experience, which is the safest and most widely accepted form of parasailing in the world today. This means you safely take off and land from onboard the boat as opposed to the beach or a floating barge. Cost is $75 per person.
Coconut Jacks rentals are open from 10am to 6pm daily. Book online or contact them at 956-761-4218.
South Padre Island Watersports
For traditional as well as more unique watersport options, check out South Padre Watersports. They offer kiteboarding, flyboarding, paddle boarding, and surfing lessons – all for an affordable price with equipment included.
Rental options include jet skis, paddleboard, kayaks, kiteboards, water bikes, surf boards, skimboards, boogie boards, and wetsuits. Jet ski tours are also available.
For more info, call or email at 956-299-9463 and sales@airpadre.com.
