Port Brownsville Half-Day Boat Tour: Dolphin-Spotting and Shrimping Industry Insights
4.7
103 Ratings
South Padre Island
Embark on a thrilling half-day boat tour from Port Brownsville and spot dolphins while learning about the shrimping industry. Discover the history of the area, witness decommissioned vessels being dismantled, and see the bustling Port where international shipping takes place.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • South Padre Island - LAGUNA MADRE BAY is located between the South Texas coast and Padre Island from Corpus Christi south to South Padre Island, TX. One of the Earth’s 6 hypersaline lagoons, where the salinity is above sea water. It has one of the most unspoiled and protected Eco systems in Texas and the U.S.
What's Included
  • Bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Enjoy coffee, donuts, and a small shrimp cocktail
Additional Information

Embark on a guided 4-hour excursion via boat at the Brownsville Harbor, commencing from South Padre Island and voyage across the Laguna Madre Bay, leading down the Brownsville Shipping Channel. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to observe native marine life, such as the Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins, and various migratory birds. Discover the Southern Texas shrimp industry, and savor some locally caught shrimp. Discover the region’s rich history, witness retired ships being disassembled, oil rigs under construction or repair, and the bustling Port where global shipping vessels carry out commodity transaction. On the way back, you’ll have a distant view of SpaceX’s launch site. Our experienced Captain and Crew work to make this a delightful and informative tour. Welcome on board!

  • Upon arrival please request wheelchair assistance. Crew will be glad to assist in boarding the boat.
  • You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own food and drinks. Please no glass containers.
Location
33256 State Park Rd 100
State Park Road 100
We are located approximately 3/4 mile south of the Queen Isabella Causeway in the Sea Ranch Marina. Turn right into the Sea Ranch Marina and yield right of the Sea Ranch Restaurant. We are behind the restaurant. Look for the Texas Flags. Your boat is the Murphy's Law
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(103 Ratings)
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Scenic704594
Apr 12, 2024
Excellent Choice - If you are here for only a brief time, this is a #1 choice. You will see plenty of dolphins & a fair amount of birds. The captain is native to the area & is very knowledgeable about the port & the ships in it & is a good narrator. The fresh donuts & fresh shrimp were a nice bonus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L541djvickib
Apr 4, 2024
Education and FUN - all in one! - Murphys boat tours are the best!!! Went to Port if Brownsville this morning. Weather was PERFECT!! Boat ride was informative and entertaining. Esson and Angie served us coffee and donuts; then later some delicious shrimp. HIGHLY recommend if you’re near SPI!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N479ndpatriciah
Apr 4, 2024
Highly recommend Isla Tour. Angie and Essen made our trip. - This trip never fails to give the best tour of Brownsville Port. Angie and Essen were such good host for us. They brought everything to us. The shrimp was amazing. The Captain is so knowledgeable about everything on the trip back and forth. Music and dancing. You just can’t beat this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
940shayd
Apr 4, 2024
Thanks! - Angie and Essan were great! Captain Murphy was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the island. Great views as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karensx1297vw
Mar 27, 2024
Great Educational and Dolphin Experience - Angie, Essan, and Captain Patrick are all you could ask for as a tour guide. Would highly recommend them to explain all about the ships to Brownsville and you will see dolphins. Great food. All for one price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorisw3162em
Mar 27, 2024
Outstanding! - Angie,, Essay and Captain Patrick were outstanding!!! They could not have been more friendly!! They were so informative and each of them happy to answer questions. We had so much fun and learned so many interesting facts. I can't forget the donuts and shrimp~yummy!! I highly recommend this tour and crew!! Thank you thank you!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S8391mlmichaelk
Mar 27, 2024
The Best - The very best Captian Murphys, and Captian Patrick and crew, Angie and Ethan are super great. I would recommend Isla tours Captian Murphys all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Siobahn
Mar 30, 2024
Okay tour - Okay tour. Could have lived without the captain's barking and borderline racist "ay yay ai" after every comment about Mexicans. It was a nice half day on the water. Would have liked more facts about the ships being dismantled and shipping in general. Did see the remains of the Kittyhawk and a fair amount of dolphins.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Penelope_m
Apr 17, 2024
Disappointed - Had this scheduled for a Tuesday, they called to reschedule for Wednesday, then called again to reschedule for Thursday. Each time because "the captain who does these tours isn't available". Called again saying needed to reschedule for either Friday or next week, which I couldn't because we leave. They did give me a total refund, but would have preferred the cruise. Why allow someone to book if the captain won't be there?
Review provided by Viator
William_s
Apr 9, 2024
Canceled trip - Trip got canceled so no it was not a good experience, I guess I won’t be booking with them again since we didn’t even get to go on the boat
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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