Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

After learning about turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc., take the kids to the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center to come face to face with some of South Padre's other maritime friends. With kid-friendly touch tanks featuring native species like starfish and hermit crabs, plus daily nature presentations on dolphins and other marine life, this non-profit attraction aims to educate visitors about wildlife protection along the Gulf Coast. For an extra fee you can hop on a boat for a Dolphin Tour and meet the animals firsthand. Many recent visitors say that this was their favorite experience in South Padre Island.

Flanking the edge of Port Isabel's Lighthouse Square (across Laguna Madre from South Padre Island and easily accessible from the Queen Isabella Causeway), the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is about $3 per person, which includes entry to the nature presentations held twice a day. For more information, check out the center's website.