Banana Boat Rides South Padre Island: 20 minutes of thrills

Hold tight and expect to get wet

A banana boat ride on South Padre Island is a 20-minute motorboat activity where you and up to five others sit on an inflatable tube towed behind a speedboat, holding on as the driver cuts sharp turns and accelerates to throw riders into the water. The operator runs both bayside and oceanside routes depending on weather, provides USCG life jackets, and has been operating for 40 years. Children 6 and older can ride with a parent. Maximum weight is 200 pounds per person.

The experience

Twenty minutes doesn't sound long until you're gripping the handles of an inflatable banana boat while a USCG-licensed captain guns the engine and yanks the wheel hard. The ride ranges from smooth glides to rough chop depending on water conditions that morning. You'll get a text before you arrive telling you whether to head to Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill on the bayside or Margaritaville Beach Resort on the oceanside. The boat holds a maximum of six people, so you're packed in tight with family or friends, all of you braced for the same sharp turns and sudden accelerations.

Yes, you will get wet. Yes, you will probably fall off a couple of times. That's not a risk. It's the activity. The captain and crew know exactly what they're doing after 40 years in business, and the whole point is the moment the boat hits speed and you're either holding on or flying into the Gulf. Between the chaos, you'll spot dolphins and other sea life moving through the water. Life jackets are furnished and required, so falling in is just part of cooling off after time in the sun.

What’s included

• USCG life jackets.
• a USCG-licensed captain and crew.
• approximately 20 minutes of ride time.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day28 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sonny’s Beach Service, Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want an activity where falling in the water is the whole point. The banana boat is built for families and groups who are comfortable getting soaked and don't mind the rough ride that comes with it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the actual ride like on a banana boat?

The boat accelerates and the captain makes sharp turns to throw riders off the inflatable tube into the water. The ride ranges from smooth to bumpy depending on water conditions, and most people fall off multiple times during the 20 minutes. That's the intended experience, not a mishap.

Will I get wet on a banana boat ride?

Getting wet is guaranteed. You'll get soaked from spray and splashing, and you'll likely end up in the water when the boat hits speed and turns hard. Bring a change of clothes or plan to dry off in the sun afterward.

Where do I board for the banana boat ride?

You'll receive a text message the morning of your ride telling you the boarding location: either Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill on the bayside or Margaritaville Beach Resort on the oceanside, depending on weather and water conditions that day.

What should I know before booking a banana boat ride?

Maximum weight is 200 pounds per person, and you need enough body strength to board the boat. Don't book if you panic easily, can't swim, or are afraid of falling in the water. Life jackets are provided and required for everyone.