Banana Boat Ride South Padre Island: 20-Minute Water Thrill

Hold on tight as the boat accelerates across the water.

A banana boat ride on South Padre Island seats up to six riders on an inflatable tube towed behind a speedboat for 20 minutes of open-water action. You wear a USCG life jacket and ride with a live English-speaking guide. Multiple departure times run throughout the afternoon, so you can fit it into a free window between beach time and dinner. Minimum age is 7 years. Riders must weigh no more than 250 pounds and have at least moderate physical fitness.

The experience

You show up at the dock, get fitted with a USCG life jacket, and climb onto the bright yellow banana boat. A long inflatable tube with handles running down its spine. The boat holds up to six people, so you might be riding with strangers or with whoever came with you. Once everyone is seated and holding on, the speedboat takes off, and the banana boat skims across the water at speed, bouncing over the Gulf's surface. The ride lasts 20 minutes, which is long enough to feel the rush but short enough that your arms don't give out from gripping the handles.

The guide is there the whole time and speaks English, so if you have questions before or after, you can ask. The afternoon departures, running from 12:30pm through 4:30pm, mean you can book around whatever else you're doing on South Padre Island: a morning at the beach, lunch, or time at the pier. Just show up a few minutes early, confirm your spot, and you're in the water within minutes.

What’s included

• USCG life jacket for all riders.
• 20-minute ride with a live English-speaking guide.
• up to six riders per boat.

Options for this experience

9 options

Guide in English12:30

Guide in English13:00

Guide in English13:30

See 6 more options

Guide in English14:00

Guide in English14:30

Guide in English15:00

Guide in English15:30

Guide in English16:00

Guide in English16:30

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday9 departure times: the first at 12:30, the last at 16:30

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Check in 15 minutes your before departure. Check in location next to Lobo Del Mar Cafe. Look for sign SPI EXCURSIONS. That is where our activity desk will be located”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SPI Excursions

Is this one for you?Book an afternoon slot if you have a free window between beach time and evening plans: the multiple departures let you choose the hour that fits your day without committing to a full excursion.

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Top questions

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 24h before the start.

What should I wear on the banana boat ride?

Wear swimwear or clothes you don't mind getting wet. A USCG life jacket is provided and required for all riders. Avoid loose items like glasses or jewelry that could fall into the water.

Can my young child ride the banana boat?

Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. They wear the same USCG life jacket as adults and ride alongside you on the boat.

How many people fit on the banana boat?

The banana boat accommodates up to six riders at once. If your group is larger, you can book multiple departures or split across rides.

What time should I arrive before my departure?

Arrive a few minutes early to check in, get fitted with your life jacket, and board. The ride itself is 20 minutes on the water.

Is the banana boat ride rough on the body?

The ride bounces over the water and requires you to hold on to handles, so it involves impact and physical exertion. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiac or respiratory conditions, or previous back or neck injuries. Pregnant women cannot participate. Riders should have at least moderate physical fitness.