Closer to Nature on South Padre Island

Most travelers envision South Padre Island as a beach vacation spot with water sports as the main attraction, yet we have much more to offer, such as an expansive ecotourism industry. The natural barrier island is home to a diverse ecosystem that provides a unique experience for tourists to interact with the local flora and fauna. South Padre Island's most prominent attractions are based on ecotourism and allow visitors to learn more about wildlife and how South Padre Island plays a vital role in migrating birds, nesting sea turtles, and local dolphins pods.

The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to educate guests about the birds found on South Padre Island and to emphasize the importance of environmental conservation. They have an expansive facility, with over 43 acres of wetlands, over 3,000 feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a five-story viewing tower, all to provide a unique birding experience. When touring the property, you can choose a guided tour or roam freely. Aside from the birding activities, they also have an alligator sanctuary, taking in alligators found by local authorities or communities that do not have the resources to house them. Once the alligators arrive, Sanctuary staff will help assimilate them into the relaxing South Padre Island lifestyle.

One of the most popular activities on South Padre Island is the dolphin watch and eco-tours offered by local boating companies. The dolphin-watch tours are simple tours; the boats head out and look for pods of dolphins swimming in the waters. Dolphins love the attention they receive from tourists and enjoy riding the waves produced by the boats. Eco-tours are similar; the only difference is that the crew drags a net behind the ship to present the marine life living in the bay. Guests get a chance to hold the sea creatures in their hands before releasing them back into the water. These tours are very relaxing and are the perfect activity if you’re looking for a calm ride on the water.

If you’re hoping to visit some of South Padre Island’s oldest residents, visit Sea Turtle Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing any injured sea turtles that make their way to South Padre Island. The first building is the Main Hospital, where they house their newest patients, as well as turtles that will eventually be released back into the wild. A boardwalk connects the two buildings, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. Following the boardwalk, visitors will find the Education Center, where the staff informs the public about different endangered species of sea turtles and ongoing conservation efforts to help all marine life. Visitors will find interactive displays, a museum, and a gift shop inside the Education Center. Outside, you have access to the resident tanks. Here you learn about each sea turtle and how it ended up on SPI. You can also catch one of the facility’s Turtle Talks, colorful presentations held in a theater overlooking the water.

All of the ecotourism facilities are open year-round and offer their services rain or shine. Families, couples, and solo travelers can enjoy these activities and learn how South Padre Island coexists with its natural environment. For further information on South Padre Island, visit sopadre.com.