Enjoy an Eco Tour in South Padre Island

Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or the incredible family trip of a lifetime, there’s something for everyone in Texas’s little slice of heaven. If you crave the experience of walking along miles of beautiful beaches, it’s here. If you want to dip your toes into the warm and inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’ll happen. If you dream of ocean adventures like catching a wave on a kiteboard, you can. While you’re here, you will also enjoy endless fantastic shopping and fine dining options. There are so many things to do on South Padre Island, and you’ll want to stay forever!

No matter your vacation tastes, there’s something locals and visitors all agree on – South Padre Island is a premier destination to see abundant wildlife on sea and land! It’s a fishing and birdwatching paradise, and there are many eco-tours and adventure charters on South Padre Island.

Get ready because we will give you all the information you need to have an unforgettable wildlife encounter. After that, pack your bags and start exploring South Padre Island rentals with Padre Getaways!

Sea Turtle Inc.

If you want to get up close and personal with a gem of South Padre Island wildlife – sea turtles – then one of the best ways to do it is at historic Sea Turtle Inc.! The story begins with Ila Fox Loetscher – aka The Turtle Lady of South Padre. An accomplished pilot (and correspondent with Amelia Earhart), in 1965, Ila turned her attention to rehabbing sea turtles and providing education about this fantastic animal. She formed Sea Turtle Inc. in 1977 and created a haven for explorers and volunteers alike. 

Sea Turtle Inc. is open all year, and visitors can get up close and personal to the resident turtles and learn all about them and watch them feed! You could meet full-time resident turtles Allison or Hang Ten or any of their friends. There are plenty of programs for kids, adults and many fun things to do.

Sea Turtle Inc. is located at 6617 Padre Blvd. You can reach them by phone at (956) 761-4511. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Sunday), and in the summer, hours are extended until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, and $4 per child. 

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Sanctuary

There’s much more to South Padre Island wildlife than just sea turtles. A visit to the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Sanctuary is a treat for adventurers who want a taste of many different kinds of animals. The sanctuary bills itself as “Rio Grande Valley’s premier destination for birdwatching,” and it’s not hard to see why. Their location makes it the perfect place to find birds soaring, butterflies flying, and to see so much more.

The sanctuary boasts over 3300 feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a five-story viewing tower. The sanctuary Boasts over 3300 feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a five-story viewing tower. These attractions ensure the best views for everyone in your party. A visit to the on-site alligator sanctuary is well worth it because you’ll meet Big Padre – a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator from Port Arthur – and Lady Laguna. You can also take a guided bird tour featuring a stroll along the boardwalk through tidal wetlands along the Laguna Madre. You’ll be treated to excellent encounters and great education from the trained staff.

Current hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost to enter is $10 for adults and $8 for students, military, and seniors. Children 4-12 are $5. Annual passes are available, and binoculars can be rented for $3. Complimentary wheelchairs and strollers are available on site. Hours and times are subject to change, so check their website. In addition, you can find information there on what to see around the sanctuary, and when. Bird tours are extra and paid in addition to admission. The cost for a bird tour is $10 for adults. Students 13-18 and seniors 55+ are $8. Be sure to check their website for tour dates and times.

The Sanctuary is located at 6801 Padre Blvd. Call them at (956) 761-6801.

gulls on the beach
Photo from Shutterstock

Breakaway Cruises

There are lots of great options for viewing wildlife around the Island. But what if you want to bring along your fishing rod for some South Padre Island fishing? Well, Breakaway Cruises has all that and more! In addition to eco-tours, Breakaway Cruises offers dolphin watching, bay and deep-sea fishing charters, snorkeling, jet ski rentals, and more.

If you want to explore and have a meal, try the Port of Brownsville Tour with a shrimp boil. You’ll be treated to the sights and sounds of Port of Brownsville – including a view of abundant wildlife – all paired with tasty shrimp and andouille sausage, corn and potatoes, fruit, and garlic bread. You can also head out to see even more amazing wildlife with the dolphin watch and eco-tours that get you as close as possible to the famous dolphins of South Padre Island.

If you want the thrill of casting your line into the bright blue waters, book a deep-sea journey or a bay fishing trip aboard a two-decked boat that will get you close to whiting, trout, shark, and more. All bay fishing gear and bait is included in this incredible family experience.

Breakaway Cruises is located at 33384 State Park Road 100. You can call them at (956) 761-2212. The dolphin watch starts at $20 for 1.5 hours, while the dolphin watch with birding starts at $25 for three hours. Fishing excursions start between $40 and $70. Be sure to contact Breakaway Cruises in advance about hours and pricing for specific tours and availability.  

Book Your South Padre Island Rental

Now that you have so many options to get you close to the fantastic wildlife, there’s no reason not to check out South Padre Island beachfront rentals and the South Padre Island condos that can get you right in the heart of all that’s best about this incredible vacation destination. It’s a popular place, and we have a great selection!

Plan Your Stay

Don’t delay. Get to the sea, the sand, and the wildlife on South Padre Island and have the vacation of your dreams. Let Padre Getaways help you to make it happen.

When you book with Padre Getaways, you’re not just finding a place to stay. You’re getting the SPI rental you want to suit the needs of any group. We screen each party for safety, and our easy check-in process means you can get here and get to the fun, fast! We can help you find the most fun attractions and the best restaurants and hotspots to make the most lasting memories with our expert knowledge.

Need a one-bedroom, one-bathroom cozy condo for a romantic getaway? We have it. Want a three-bedroom, two-bathroom with great ocean views for the whole family? It’s here. The best part is, when you book with Padre Getaways, your rental may include a fully equipped kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, convenient parking, and close proximity to the most popular attractions in the area.