and other big-game fish, while inshore guides take you to hit
the speckled trout and big reds along the coast.
In downtown Port Isabel the waterfront is the center of the
action with the Tarpon, Port Isabel and Pelican Point marinas
all within walking distance. Rustic seafood restaurants such
as Will and Jacks Burger Shack & Beer Garden, Joe's Oyster
Bar and Dirty Al's are filled with down-to-earth and artsy
locals. Take time to chat with them as this quiet and low-key
beach town is filled with stories and hospitality.
If your cruising itinerary includes an arrival here in October,
the weather cools off and the town's Day of the Dead festival
on Halloween weekend explodes on Maxan Street; the
township is in its full quirky splendor. Or, join the adventurers
in June and arrive for the start of the Great Texas 300
when Hobie Cat sailors race the entire Laguna Madre up to
Galveston in what is billed as the longest distance small-boat
catamaran race in the world.
But the best reason to cruise south to the border is to
experience the true untouched beauty of South Texas’
waters. The Laguna Madre is, indeed, a still-undiscovered
boating natural wonder in America with her salty waters,
near constant winds and predatory birds soaring from the
plains. With sand-covered barrier islands protecting bays,
fertile estuaries rumored to have sheltered the infamous
pirate Jean Lafitte, and empty beaches stretching for miles
along the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas coast should not be
forgotten. These cruising and fishing grounds are just waiting
for adventurous boaters and anglers to come and discover
them. The fresh oysters and blackened redfish freshly landed
are also waiting for your plate at the many restaurants and
beachside eateries of this rustic island town. Then just dig
your feet in the white sand, sip an adult beverage and watch
the fiery sunset that customarily plays out across the deserts
of Texas—but this time with surf rolling at your toes.Above, left to right: Sportfish boats line the docks at Padre Island marinas waiting for fishing season—and the weekend. Hobie
Cats prepare for the Great Texas 300. Cruising families enjoy Schlitterbahn, one of the nation's biggest and best amusement parks.
Below: Fine beach sand attracts world-class sandcastle-building competitions to Padre Island. Everyone loves babies especially sea
turtles released on South Padre Island.
82 • SOUTHERNBOATING.COM • MARCH 2016
IMAGES COURTESY OF CITY OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU