An adventure means different things to everyone. Some of us may enjoy those off the wall adrenaline rush activities, while others might relish in something simpler like going on some type of scavenger hunt. Regardless, in both instances, the HUNT is on for something exciting – just a different level of exciting depending on whom you ask.
Here in the RGV, there are plenty of ways to get your heart pumping, especially at well-equipped South Padre Island. From skydiving to charter boats, jet skis, parasailing, zip lining, or even just venturing off in the dunes, there’s definitely something waiting for each and every one of you.
For starters, when I’m about to pay a visit to South Padre, I always check out Groupon to see if I can take advantage of any special deals the site may have. In fact, just recently I was astounded when I noticed that there was a special on rentals for jet skis. So what else could I do, but jump at the chance to ride some waves. I hadn’t been on one for YEARS, so I was super excited to get out there and ride with the family.
At first, it was a bit intimidating, but once I got a few yards in, the sea became my best friend and took me on the ride of my life. The day was beautiful, the sun was shining brightly, and the reflection on the sea was glimmering spectacularly. Riding on the waves and going against the wind at 45 MPH was such an exhilarating feeling!
There’s an energy that runs through your entire body for a moment and all you can think about is the adrenaline rush the adventure gives you.
After speeding up and down the Laguna Madre, it’s nice to take just a moment to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Watching the boats whipping under the Queen Isabella Causeway and observing others as they too bask in the environment is truly a moment to relish in.
We had only rented the jet skis for an hour (there is a two hour option) and the time went by fairly quickly since we were having such an amazing time. The old saying about time flying when you’re having fun is definitely too true in this instance. Maybe next time we’ll opt for the two hours. I know we could have been out there all day.
After having such a glorious time on the jet skis, I was eager to look up some options for what we might be able to do the next day to satisfy our cravings for adventure. There were soooo many options, but I ultimately chose to book a charter boat and get some fishing in with family who were visiting from out of town. Fishing is undoubtedly a great way to bond and you never know what you might encounter in the deep sea.
The following day we were raring to go. The charter boat was a good size and there was even a small crowd of people that had come to join in on the fun. We sat back and gazed at the sea as Captain Larry took us out to find a good spot to anchor down at. We headed under the Queen Isabella Causeway and simply getting up that close and seeing the size of that thing was fascinating. I felt like a little peanut in comparison to the bridge. It’s enormous!
We finally reached our area and the Captain proceeded to anchor us down. Captain Larry also informally gave us some instruction and then blast off – everyone threw their lines out at about the same time. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself when my line basically went nowhere. Fishing really does takes some skill.
After a few tries, everybody seemed to finally get the hang of things. It must’ve been a perfect day to go fishing because we all kept getting bites all around the boat. It truly was very entertaining watching all the men, women, and children as they reeled in, what was sometimes, their first catch ever. This is exactly what one of our family members experienced and the smile on his face was priceless.
Wonderfully, the charter lasted a few hours, which gave us enough time to sail to different areas of the ocean which gave everyone a better chance at catching something. Finally, as we are headed back, a barge emerged beside us, and we excitedly noticed a small group of dolphins swimming alongside it. Everyone hurriedly scrambled to one side of the boat to try and get a glimpse of the magical moment. This was just another wonderful memory I have been blessed to experience at our beautiful SPI.
Although I wasn’t able to try my hand at parasailing, skydiving, or even zip lining, the adventures that my family and I experienced will remain treasured and live with us forever. We should all take pride that this jewel is readily available to us all here in RGV. South Padre Island is FULL of adventure. You just need to find what you are comfortable with and let the party begin.
I’d like to end this blog with a quote from the famous Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
In other words – ride or die! Have fun out there and take it all in while you can.
Jet Skis
Southern Wave
2401 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Charter Boat
Osprey Cruises
1 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
In case jet skiing or fishing aren’t your cup of tea, here are a few other activities that you can enjoy at the Island:
Parasailing
Banana Boat Rides
Pirate Cruise
Paddle Boarding
Zip Lining
Horseback Riding
Surfing
Collecting Seashells
