Snorkeling at North Bay, South Padre Island: Small Group

Hand-feed fish in shallow clear water, no experience needed

Snorkel the northern shallows of South Padre Island in a small group of up to 6 with a local guide, snorkel gear and bottled water included. The water runs 3-4 feet deep over soft white sand and seagrass, where fish will eat from your hand if you bring food. The trip lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and suits all fitness levels. Children from age 1 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel adventure at North Bay

• Travel to North part of South Padre Island
• Snorkel in clear shallow waters

The experience

The snorkel site sits in the clearest part of North Bay, where the bottom is soft white sand scattered with seashells and seagrass. Water depth stays around 3-4 feet, so you stay in control the whole time and can touch down whenever you want. Bring food (bread, crackers, anything), and fish will swim right up to your hands to eat. No experience is required. The guide handles the setup and stays with the group the whole time.

You get snorkel gear, bottled water and a local guide who speaks English. The group caps at 6 people, so it never feels crowded. If you want drinks beyond water, you can order them to go from Lobo Del Mar Cafe at the departure location. Just allow time to pick them up before you leave. Bring your own food and drinks if you prefer (no glass containers). Alcohol is allowed.

The whole outing runs 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. All taxes and fees are built in, so there's nothing to add at checkout except gratuities if you choose to leave them.

What’s included

Snorkel gear, bottled water, a local professional guide who speaks English and all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by SPI Excursions

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you can follow the whole experience comfortably. The shallow 3-4 foot depth and small group size work for families with children and anyone new to snorkeling.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to hand-feed the fish?

Yes. Bring whatever food you want. The fish will eat from your hand. You can also bring alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, but no glass containers. If you'd rather not pack anything, Lobo Del Mar Cafe at the departure location sells drinks to go. Just allow time to order before the group leaves.

How deep is the water where we snorkel?

The water runs 3-4 feet deep over soft white sand and seagrass. You can touch the bottom anytime and stand up easily, so it's comfortable for all skill levels.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel gear, bottled water, a local English-speaking guide and all taxes and fees are included. Gratuities are not included and are left to your choice.

How many people go on this snorkel trip?

The group is capped at 6 passengers maximum, so it stays small and personal.