7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Port Isabel That You Shouldn't Miss

April 19, 2022 Frederic Celentano

Port Isabel is a city in Cameron County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville and the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan areas. The population was 5,006 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Port Isabel

1. Black Dragon Cruises

Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,044 reviews

Black Dragon Cruises

Voted top cruise attraction in the state of Texas. When planning your things to do activities in the South Padre Island area, a pirate adventure cruise aboard the Black Dragon is a must. Activities includepre-board entertainment, mock cannon battles, face painting, water pistol fights, dolphin watching, sword duels, treasure raids, sightseeing, general hi-jinks, fun and more fun. We'll be looking for you. AARRGGHH!

2. South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center

110 N Garcia St, Port Isabel, TX 78578-4500 +1 956-299-1957 [email protected] http://spinaturecenter.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,010 reviews

South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center

This nature center is a voice for dolphins wild and free, we do not keep them in captivity. Hours for Summer: Open Daily 10 to 4pm We have DAILY BOAT TOURS to take you out to meet our amazing DOLPHINS Our facility has a touch tank and marine exhibits to help all who visit understand how we can help save our precious species of the sea. Our boat is not a commercial tour but a tour of six or less for your experience of a lifetime. We have many rescue animals at the center and have found forever homes for hundreds.

Reviewed By kathypZ3898WB - San Antonio, United States

We had an amazing experience on the last day of our trip. Captain Dave took our family of 5 (18, 13, and 9 year old kids) out for private dolphin experience. We had great weather and were very excited to find a pod of 8 dolphins who were ready to entertain. They were doing some Sea World style jumps and flips (which apparently is highly unusual) and captured our attention the whole time. While we were out there two very large boats also came out for dolphin watching. Each had to have 30+ people on them. Made me appreciate our private and small experience even more. I would definitely say that this was the highlight of our trip. Very peaceful, calm and unique portion of our vacation.

3. Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier

501 E Maxan St, Port Isabel, TX 78578-4501 +1 956-943-7437 [email protected] http://www.piratespier.com
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier

Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier in Port Isabel, TX is located perfectly at the entrance to the Queen Isabella Causeway that leads to South Padre Island. You can't miss us... Just go to the Lighthouse in Port Isabel. Pirate's Pier is the longest pier in Texas. We take pride in keeping our grounds and facilities in immaculate condition. We have everything you need for a great fishing experience. You will find a complete tackle and bait shop, snack bar, clean restrooms, plenty of secure paved parking and a first class restaurant all in one place! Here on vacation and didn't bring any fishing equipment? We have rental poles, tackle and all types on baits including mullet, live and frozen shrimp, shiners, squid and more. Our store has ice, cold drinks, beer, wine, sandwiches and all kinds of snacks. In addition, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is available on-site if you get really hungry.

Reviewed By 512erickac - San Benito, United States

This location is stunning, right on the gulf and the bay. The pier is huge, you can fish off the pier or rent a boat. You can rent fishing poles and anything else you may need. The view of the bridge to South Padre Island is stunning. There are a ton of cute shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlor and more. You could spend an entire day here!

4. Port Isabel Lighthouse

421 E Queen Isabella Lighthouse Square, Port Isabel, TX 78578-2412 +1 956-943-7602 http://portisabellighthouse.com/lighthouse/
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 275 reviews

Port Isabel Lighthouse

You can see the entire South Padre Island from atop this historic lighthouse, first lit in 1853. A replica of the lighthouse keeper's cottage is on the grounds.

Reviewed By phong5637

Beautiful lighthouse on the road just right before the bridge to go into South Padre Island. Don't forget to visit the seafood restaurant right at the lighthouse. Foods are very good.

5. Port Isabel Historical Museum

317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel, TX 78578-4107 +1 956-943-7602 http://portisabelmuseums.com/mopi/
Excellent
37%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 60 reviews

Port Isabel Historical Museum

6. Dolphin Docks

Excellent
54%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
8%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 50 reviews

Dolphin Docks

Dolphin Watching, Bay Fishing, Marine Ecology Tours, Sunset Cruises, Fireworks Cruises, Port of Brownsville Tours, and Private Charters. Serving South Padre Island, TX and Port Isabel, TX

7. Osprey Cruises

Excellent
74%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Osprey Cruises

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