There’s nothing quite like a trip to the beach in the summer – especially an established Gulf of Mexico vacation spot like South Padre Island, with breathtaking views and golden sea-and-surf opportunities.
Wherever you go on the island, water fun awaits you – taking the form of oceanside activities of all kinds, ranging from water sports to fishing.
On your next trip, you’ll definitely want to check out a few of these businesses, which are known all over the island as some of the most happening spots for fun in the sun and water adventure.
BAYSIDE WATER RENTALS AT JIM’S PIER
Bayside Water Rentals at Jim’s Pier, located at 211 West Swordfish Street, rents single kayaks, tandem (or two-person) kayaks, angler fishing kayaks, paddleboards, and the Giant SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard, minimum four people, maximum eight people). And for an additional fee, Pamela Allen, owner, can provide personal lessons.
They are also the only company on South Padre Island to offer LED light-up technology on their kayaks.
“What I feel sets us apart is first of all our customer service,” said Allen, speaking on behalf of the company. “We treat people the way they’d like to be treated when visiting a business. They quickly become part of our Bayside Water Rental Family.”
She added that people can come catch a beautiful sunset on the water in their light-up kayaks, adding, “They’ll get their WOW EXPERIENCE and see the BEST sunset in Texas.”
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The prime location of Jim’s Pier boardwalk makes for a great view. Hours of operation from March to September are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by reservation only during the off season.
A gorgeous fireworks display event, where kayakers can see a display as they traverse the water, is guided and held from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekly, with attendance by reservation only.
For more information on how you can join this unique experience, call 956-660-6645 or visit www.SPIFUN.com.
COCONUT JACK’S
Coconut Jack’s outdoor bayfront patio restaurant and bar, located at 2301 Laguna Boulevard, is not only a great place for food, drinks and live entertainment, but it’s also a great stop for exciting water sports.
Here, visitors can enjoy parasailing, waverunner rentals, and waverunner tours. Open every day of the week, the bar is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., the kitchen from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and water sports from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Coconut Jack’s, a veteran-owned-and-operated family business, has been a mainstay on South Padre Island for more than 30 years, giving visitors the opportunity to have fun and enjoy food, beverages and water sports while exploring the beauty of the island and the Lower Laguna Madre. Coconut Jack’s is also a live music venue that features local talent and Texas recording artists such as Mark Alan Atwood and The Whites (Robbie and Danielle White).
People may come for the water sports, but they stay for the relaxing atmosphere, gorgeous views, delicious drinks – and island spirit.
To find out more about how you can join in the adventure, visit www.coconutjacksspi.com or call 956-761-4218.
PARROT EYES
Parrot Eyes, located at 5801 Padre Boulevard, has it all: It’s a restaurant, bar, marina and haven for water sports.
Here you can experience parasailing 700 feet above the Laguna Madre Bay, banana boat rides, private fishing charters, and sunset dolphin watch tours. After you visit the Dolphin Cove and see the dolphins in their natural habitat, you can also book a one-and-a-half-hour, professionally guided Jetski Water Tour!
There you’ll visit what’s beneath the Causeway and visit the “Fingers” of Port Isabel, getting to see some really notable local spots – including a creepy haunted ship and the commercial shrimping industry at work. Then you can grab a meal at the restaurant and watch the sun set and take in the glorious view.
Hours for activities may vary.
Visit https://parroteyesspi.com to learn more, or call 956-761-9457. Parrot Eyes also offers rental options for those who’d rather choose their own solo adventure.
EH BRAH SUP
At Eh Brah Sup, located at 5009 Padre Boulevard, Suite 16, visitors can enjoy what’s known as Stand Up Paddleboarding – a fast-growing sport and full-body workout that with the right gear, even a relative beginner can enjoy.
The company offers private Stand Up Paddleboarding tours where people of all ages and experience levels can explore the waters of the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico.
The gentle waters of the Laguna Madre Bay make it easier to navigate, and with guided instruction the process is relatively simple. The tours last approximately an hour and a half. Use of life preservers and booties is included in the tour, and the company is also a seller of Stand on Liquid Paddleboards, a unique Texas brand.
Eh Brah Sup also lets paddleboarders bring their dogs along for the journey – an added perk!
For more information, visit ehbrahsup.com or call 956-433-9116.
