Recreational Sports

Golf
The Rio Grande Valley offers great golfing for handicappers of all levels. Keep in mind that our temperate climate allows golfers to tee off 12 months a year. The closest championship course is the South Padre Island Golf Club, located 15 minutes away in Laguna Vista. Please visit www.spigolf.com for more information.

Other courses are located in Brownsville (30 minutes) and Harlingen (45 minutes). For more information about any of these courses, call the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-SOPADRE (767-2373).

Tennis
South Padre Island's sunny days make for perfect play - regardless of your skill level. All of the major hotels and condominiums feature tennis courts which are available to their guests. The staff at the South Padre Island Visitors Center (800-767-2373) can also offer suggestions on private and group lessons.

Horses on the Beach
Horseback riding on the beach North of city limits. Not a trail ride - no single file riding. Children and first time riders are welcome. Daily specials. Open year round, weather permitting. Pony rides for children 4 and under. Call for reservations. 956-761-HOSS (4677).
More info: Island Equestrian Center

Active Sports

Windsurfing
The Laguna Madre bay separates South Padre Island from the Texas mainland and is recognized as one of the world's top windsurfing destinations. The sailing season off South Padre runs from September through May. Water depth varies from three to five feet, daytime winds average 18 mph, and the average yearly temperature is in the 70s. Novices and pros come to sail the bay, the Jetties, Boca Chica, and the Ditch, site of some of the fastest windsurfing speeds in North America. For complete information on conditions, accommodations, equipment, and rentals, contact Windsurf Inc. on the Bay (956/761-1434 or 800-880-5423) or Windsurf the Boatyard (956/761-5061).
And mark your calendars for the SPI Windsurf Blowout, always the first weekend in May! Blowout participants compete in course slalom and long distance races. For more information on Blowout go to www.spiwindsurfing.com or call 1-800-657-2373.
www.windsurftheboatyard.com
www.windsurfinc.com

Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is fast becoming the hottest new water sport and South Padre Island offers year-round, world-class kiteboarding conditions. The Laguna Madre's waist deep water and consistent winds offer beginner to expert riders near perfect flat-water conditions to hone their skills. Advanced kiteboarders will enjoy riding the Laguna Madre and the waves of the Gulf of Mexico.
Experienced, certified instructors are available to teach you about this exciting sport.
South Padre Kiteboarding
South Padre Island Kiteboarding
Air Padre Kiteboarding

Surfing
Learn to surf at South Padre Island, Texas, the #1 surfing destination in the Gulf of Mexico! With warm clear water and gentle waves most of the year, the surfing area at Isla Blanca Park is an ideal location for beginners of all ages.
South Padre Surf Co. 956-772-7272

Scuba Diving
In 1985, American Diving and Ocean Systems International moved from the commercial diving industry to the sport community. In that move, we brought commercial diving techniques and mixed gas technology with us. Mixed gas diving in open circuit systems has now become almost common place in the "Tec" community. Proper training with a qualified and experienced instructor is the first step in the "new adventure" of technical diving. Instruction at American Diving and Ocean Systems International stems from the knowledge and discipline of the offshore saturation dive teams.
One Padre Blvd
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
www.divesouthpadre.com

Snorkeling
Come snorkel the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and view the area's sealife in their natural environment. Fun for all ages. Beginners welcome. Kayak Tours and Rental
www.divesouthpadre.com