Sea Life Center
South Padre Island
For an eco-experience like no other while in South Padre Island be sure to book a tour with the Sea Life Center, the small educational rescue center off of Port Isabel.
This center allows guests to feed and touch local marine animals, learn about area sea life, and spot wild dolphin tribes on boat tours. Their mission is to 'educate the public regarding the wild bottlenose dolphins native to the Laguna Madre Bay and South Padre Island in addition to promoting public support for the wildlife of [the] area'.
Inside the actual center, you will find touch tanks and aquariums holding local marine creatures such as octopus, eels, stingrays, seahorses, starfish, and more. There are fun and educational exhibits throughout that help you learn more about each creature. School field trips will love the touch tank time, as well as the optional nature walk and/or nature quest that accompanies the experience.
One of our favorite things about the center is the dolphin tour available, the experience offering up 'up close and personal encounters of the best kind', an exciting and educational glimpse into the daily lives and routines of a wild bottlenose dolphin tribe. These small group tours are led by Scarlet the Dolphin Whisperer and her dog Rossi and last about 1.5 hours. Scarlet has been following the tribe for 18 years, offering up some of the best wisdom into the dolphins' lives you will find!