There's No Shortage Of Unique Underwater Wildlife At This Popular Texas Beach

Visitors to South Padre Island, Texas often don't feel they're in the Lone Star State at all. That's because its white sand beaches and clear waters are in stark contrast to many other beaches across the Western Gulf. These traits have earned South Padre the nickname "Caribbean of Texas," making it a top beach in the state. While this small island destination offers a variety of beach opportunities, Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of the island is one of the most popular. Among the many reasons to plan a visit to Isla Blanca is the fact there's no shortage of unique underwater wildlife at this popular Texas beach.

South Padre Island itself is actually part of the 130-mile long Padre Island, which is the world's longest barrier island. However, this long stretch of sand is no longer a singular land mass. Today the Mansfield Channel, which was dug in 1964, divides the island into two portions. The northern part, which includes Padre Island National Seashore, a remote beach popular for camping and fishing. The 30-mile portion situated south of the channel became known as South Padre Island. Isla Blanca Park occupies the south end of South Padre Island, right across the Brazos Santiago Pass from Boca Chica Beach (Brazos Island), the launch site for SpaceX.

Visitors have a myriad of options when it comes to things to do during a visit to Isla Blanca Park. The park is very popular among surfers. It is also a good location to beachcomb and collect seashells. Visitors also have the option of viewing a menagerie of underwater wildlife up close and personal.

When it comes to viewing underwater wildlife at Isla Blanca Park, visitors have a number of options — and you don't have to get wet. You can often spot dolphin and turtles while walking on the beach or jetties. Additionally, a number of boat tour operators are located just outside the entrance to the park at Sea Ranch Marina, offering tours that get you a lot closer to these creatures. Along with dolphins, it is not uncommon to see several species of sea turtles while touring the waterways. The Atlantic green, hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley, and loggerhead sea turtles all nest on South Padre Island.

While most of the tours are simply sight-seeing, some operators offer what they refer to as eco-tours. These typically involve pulling a small trawl seine behind boat, then hauling it aboard to display various marine life, which is kept in live tanks aboard the boat before being released back into the water. The other way to see these creatures is to don a mask, snorkel, and fins, and get in the water with them. Those looking to snorkel have the option of booking a guided tour or going the DIY route.

If you are going explore yourself, the best snorkeling is typically around the jetties, which are home to a variety of fish species, as well as manta rays, sea turtles, and rock lobsters. Of course there are creatures to beware of when adventuring in Texas coastal waters, such as jellyfish. Additionally, strong currents are often an unexpected danger for those unfamiliar with the jetties. With that in mind, it is always advisable to snorkel with at least one other person.

Aside from the beach and jetties, visitors to Isla Blanca Park will find a variety of amenities. The park features a pair of large, covered pavilions right on the beach, which are ideal for getting a little shade and picnicking. Food concessions and rental services (think snorkel gear, floats, paddleboards, and chairs) are located at these pavilions as well. There is also a paved walking trail that winds around the perimeter of the park, a boat ramp for those wishing to pilot their own vessel, and restroom and shower facilities.

Camping on the beach itself is not allowed, but Isla Blanca Park has more than 600 campsites with full water and electric hookups. There are also a handful of cabana-style cabins that can be rented for overnight stays. Reservations are required, and these sites typically fill up fast. There also numerous accommodation options outside the park in the Town of South Padre Island, ranging from hotels to beach houses to condos.

For day visitors to the park, a $12 entry fee is required. The park gates are typically open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., although the hours do vary seasonally. Updates are typically posted to the park's Facebook page. It is also possible to walk the beachfront within the park, as well as the jetties, 24 hours a day. No admission is required for those walking to the beach or jetties from outside the park's boundaries. However, no vehicular traffic is allowed on the beach within Isla Blanca.