Set sail on a serene 90-minute cruise to watch playful dolphins swim and jump against a stunning sunset backdrop on South Padre Island. Discover the magic of marine life with The Original Dolphin Watch.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, minimal physical exertion required as the tour is boat-based.
Wildlife
History
South Padre Island has been a vital coastal refuge and fishing area with rich maritime history dating back to the 19th century.
Conservation
The Original Dolphin Watch practices eco-friendly protocols to minimize disturbance to dolphins and promote marine habitat preservation.
The Original Dolphin Watch
Set sail on a serene 90-minute cruise to watch playful dolphins swim and jump against a stunning sunset backdrop on South Padre Island. Discover the magic of marine life with The Original Dolphin Watch.
The Original Dolphin Watch operates on South Padre Island, Texas, offering a variety of narrated and educational boat tours across the Laguna Madre and local bays. Operating from a fleet centered on the Double Sunshine, the company runs 90-minute dolphin watches, 1.5-hour sunset and ecology cruises, evening and morning departures, and a longer four-hour Port of Brownsville narrated tour. Crewmembers provide on-board educational presentations, and during eco-tours they display live local specimens from the Laguna Madre to illustrate coastal ecology.
Each excursion focuses on wildlife viewing, especially bottlenose and spinner dolphins commonly seen in the shallow bay waters, while also highlighting regional natural history and maritime points of interest. The 90-minute Dolphin Watch and Ecology Tour combines specimen demonstrations with active dolphin following to create both an informative and engaging visitor experience. The Port of Brownsville Tour is a narrated four-hour journey that explores the lower Laguna Madre and port area, led by an engaging captain who shares facts about South Texas culture, industry, and coastal environments. The Original Dolphin Watch emphasizes safe, comfortable trips for families, photographers, and nature lovers seeking close encounters with marine life without disturbing habitats. Reservations are offered for public departures on scheduled sailings; guests should be aware of trip lengths and beverage policies when planning. With a focus on on-water education and dolphin observation in local waters, The Original Dolphin Watch provides clearly described itineraries and a variety of cruise options for travelers to South Padre Island. Reservations and schedules are available online today.
Location
South Padre Island, TX
Operates in Laguna Madre
Vessel
Double Sunshine
Primary tour boat
Tour Lengths
90 min — 4 hrs
Short cruises to extended tours
Tours Offered
7 itineraries
Dolphin, eco, fireworks, port
Choose a 90-minute dolphin cruise, sunset sail, eco-tour, Port of Brownsville narrated trip, or a fireworks cruise and reserve seats aboard the Double Sunshine now.
Bring a light jacket
Evenings on the water can get breezy, so bringing a light jacket ensures you stay comfortable during the tour.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming marine life by choosing reef-safe sunscreen before heading out.
Stay hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Charge your camera
Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged to capture the best dolphin action and sunset views.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable during cool or breezy evening tours.
fall
Binoculars
Enhances distant dolphin and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin without damaging marine ecosystems.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your outdoor adventure.