Water Activities

Capt. Kevin runs private bay trips on a 20-foot Shallow Stalker for up to 4 anglers, targeting redfish, trout, flounder, black drum and snook; $550 for two, $100 per additional guest, gear and water included.

Capt. Mike Knox offers half- and full-day guided bay charters for all skill levels, fishing the Laguna Madre from Arroyo City down to the island's southern tip. Departs from the Jim's Pier basin.

Operating for more than 40 years, Breakaway runs 1.5-hour dolphin watches (from $18), 3-4 hour bay fishing charters (from $35), snorkeling trips, and fireworks, drone-show and SpaceX launch-viewing cruises.

Capt. Cliff Fleming runs private light-tackle trips across the Laguna Madre for redfish, speckled trout and flounder, plus jetty and Brownsville Ship Channel trips for snook and snapper. Up to 6 passengers, all gear included, no experience needed.

Port Isabel charter running half- and full-day trips on the Lower Laguna Madre and into the Gulf for redfish, black drum, flounder and speckled trout, from $350; up to six anglers, rods, tackle and live bait included. Bring a Texas saltwater fishing license.

One-on-one kiteboarding, wingfoiling, towfoil and surf lessons from IKO-certified owner/head coach Teran Hughes, who also holds a USCG captain's license; waverunner-assisted instruction and guided boat trips available.

Runs dolphin watch and eco-tours, sunset and fireworks cruises, and bay and deep-sea fishing trips from Sea Ranch Marina at the south end of the island. Separate fishing line is (956) 761-2764.

On-sand umbrella and chair rentals with setup at beachfront properties including Sunchase, Wanna Wanna, Parkshore, Seabreeze, Tiki, Suntide II, Aquarius and Sangria; also banana boat rides and beach games.

Island bait and tackle stop with live and frozen bait, gasoline, a boat ramp and slips on the bay; several local guides depart from here. Opens at 6am for early launches.

Federal refuge on the mainland side of the Laguna Madre with more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails; trails are open dawn to dusk every day. About 30 miles from the island via Hwy 100 and FM 510.

Four-boat fleet running year-round from Port Isabel: party-boat deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, dolphin watch and eco-tours, sunset cruises and a kids' pirate adventure cruise. Private charters available.

Bayside one-stop with jet ski rentals and guided tours, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals ($35), parasailing, banana boat rides and fishing charters, plus an on-site restaurant and gift shop on the Laguna Madre.

The 1852 lighthouse just across the causeway can be climbed for views over the Laguna Madre and the island; admission $5 adult, $3 child. Closes during wet weather and the top catwalk may close on high-wind days.

Kiteboarding, wingboarding, hydrofoil, tow-in surf and kite buggy lessons for all levels, plus a retail shop with new and used gear, parts and repair supplies and local wind reports.

Port Isabel bait shop on Hwy 100 just before the causeway with live shrimp, tackle, rods, fresh local fish, shrimp and oysters, and trip basics; opens 5:30am seven days a week.

Umbrella-and-two-chairs day passes booked online or by QR code, with same-day availability, at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, La Copa Inn and Sand Rose Beach Resort beachfronts.

Bayside operator offering parasailing over the Gulf, Sea-Doo rentals and guided jet ski tours, banana boat rides, dolphin and sunset cruises, bay fishing charters and North Bay snorkeling trips.

Nonprofit sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center with resident turtles on view and daily educational programs. Admission is card-only ($15 adult, $5 child); summer hatchling releases are announced on its site.

World Birding Center site with over 3,300 feet of boardwalk over the Laguna Madre wetlands, five bird blinds, a five-story viewing tower and a rescued-alligator sanctuary. Guided birding tours and daily wildlife talks; admission $15 adult, $5 child.

One-hour surf lessons daily year-round at Isla Blanca Beach Park by the jetty, taught in standing-depth water on soft boards; suitable for all ages, non-swimmers and special needs. Board rentals $30/day with delivery available.

Bayside rental shop for jet skis, single and double kayaks and paddleboards, plus guided jet ski dolphin and SpaceX-viewing tours. Same operator as the SPI Sessions brand.

Ninety-minute dolphin watch and eco-tours several times daily from Sea Ranch Marina, from $18 per person; eco-tour versions pull a small net so guests can see bay marine life up close. Also runs summer fireworks cruises and a Wednesday Port of Brownsville tour.