Discover the thrill of watching a SpaceX Starship rocket launch while cruising South Padre Island's waters on a private boat tour. Spot playful dolphins and soak in incredible sunsets for a truly unforgettable experience.
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 as the activity involves mostly sitting on the boat with easy boarding and disembarking.
Wildlife
History
South Padre Island has long been a strategic point for coastal trade and was historically a fishing village before becoming a popular tourist destination.
Conservation
Efforts to protect local marine life include designated wildlife refuges and community-led beach cleanups to maintain the delicate coastal ecosystem.
Parrot Eyes Watersports
Discover the thrill of watching a SpaceX Starship rocket launch while cruising South Padre Island's waters on a private boat tour. Spot playful dolphins and soak in incredible sunsets for a truly unforgettable experience.
Parrot Eyes Watersports is a South Padre Island, Texas-based watersports operator offering a variety of guided and rental experiences on Laguna Madre Bay and nearby waters.
The company runs parasailing flights that lift guests up to 700 feet for panoramic views of the island and Gulf beaches, and it operates a Rocket Launch Charter — a 1.5 to 2‑hour private boat cruise that highlights dolphin sightings, Laguna Madre sunsets, and views of the SpaceX Starship rocket. Parrot Eyes also offers a 5‑hour inshore Fishing Charter focused on Red Fish, Speckled Trout, and other bay species, with equipment and local expertise provided for a family-friendly outing. For riders seeking high-energy water time, the business runs a guided 1.5‑hour jet ski tour covering roughly 30 miles that visits island highlights and offers wildlife viewing, plus jet ski rentals for self-guided fun in the lower Laguna Madre Bay. Captains and crew are presented as experienced in the business descriptions, and trips emphasize safety, local knowledge, and unique photo opportunities. Reservations and private charters are available for groups looking for a custom shoreline perspective. Located on the popular South Padre Island, Parrot Eyes Watersports positions its offerings for families, groups, and visitors who want active, memorable experiences on the water. The fleet and trip formats provide options for scenic sightseeing, wildlife encounters, fishing, and high-speed watercraft adventures, all centered on Laguna Madre Bay and the surrounding Gulf coastline. Boat-based trips include dolphin sightings and chances to view the SpaceX launch area from nearby waters.
Location
South Padre Island, TX
Operates on and around Laguna Madre Bay
Tours Offered
5
Parasail, boat, fishing, and jet ski options
Trip Durations
1.5–5 hours
Guided and private outing lengths
Family Friendly
Yes
Suitable for families and groups
Book parasailing, a Rocket Launch Charter, a 5-hour fishing charter, or a guided jet ski tour with Parrot Eyes Watersports for scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens
To capture both distant rocket launches and close dolphin interactions, a camera with a good zoom is highly recommended.
Wear Sun Protection
Evening cruises can have lingering sun exposure, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are important.
Arrive Early for Optimal Seating
Arriving ahead of schedule helps you choose the best seat to view both wildlife and rocket launches unobstructed.
Dress in Layers
Coastal evenings can cool quickly after sunset, so bringing a light jacket ensures comfort throughout the cruise.
Waterproof Camera or Smartphone Case
Protects your devices from splashes during the boat cruise.
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during late afternoon hours when UV rays are still strong.
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Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
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Binoculars
Useful for spotting distant dolphins and getting a closer view of the rocket launch.