Enjoy a private nighttime cruise on South Padre Island and catch a breathtaking fireworks show from the water. Perfect for friends, families, or couples wanting a memorable celebration.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required; mostly sitting and standing.
Wildlife
History
South Padre Island has a rich heritage as a fishing and shipping hub, which contributes to its vibrant local culture and maritime traditions.
Conservation
Efforts to protect the sensitive coastal ecosystem help preserve clean waters and local wildlife, with ongoing beach cleanups and responsible boating practices encouraged.
The Original Dolphin Watch
Enjoy a private nighttime cruise on South Padre Island and catch a breathtaking fireworks show from the water. Perfect for friends, families, or couples wanting a memorable celebration.
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 Non-Glass Beverage Containers
Enjoy your favorite drinks on board but avoid glass containers to keep the cruise safe for everyone.
Wear Layers for Cooling Night Breezes
Even summer nights can get cool on the water, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Arrive Early for Best Boarding Experience
Getting there early helps you settle in comfortably and find a good spot for photos.
Charge Your Camera Batteries
Strong battery life is essential to capture those vibrant fireworks without interruption.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Brings comfort against cool night breezes during the cruise.
fall
Non-Glass Drink Container
Required to comply with safety rules on the boat.
Camera or Smartphone with Extra Battery
Captures the vibrant fireworks display with sufficient power.
Mosquito Repellent
Helps prevent insect bites during warmer months on the water.
summer