catamaran dinner cruise south padre island

Southern Wave

Let's Set Sail!

The original sunset dinner cruise catamaran, family-owned and operated since 2006, let's cruise, lunch cruise.

This lunch Cruise is two hours of relaxing cruising along the bay front with great Island and water views.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

The sunsets on South Padre Island are among the most beautiful in the world. Join us for two hours of relaxing cruising along the bay front with great Island, water and Sunset views.

Sunset Dinner Cruise with Fireworks

Our sunset Dinner and fireworks cruises are 2 hours and a great family activity. Join us for the two hours of relaxing cruising along the bay front with great Island, water and Sunset views.

Moonlight or Afternoon Cruise

If you’re looking for things to do on South Padre Island…..This is The Famous South Padre Island Catamaran Dinner Cruise and we have something for everyone. Join us for two hours of relaxing cruising along the bay front with great Island, water and moonlight views.

Snorkeling Excursions

Join us on The Southern Wave for 3 hours of snorkeling and fun in the sun. You’ll be spending your trip cruising to the north end of South Padre where we’ll anchor for 2 hrs. and have a great time sunning, snorkeling, swimming and eating lunch.

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956 772 SAIL (7245) [email protected]

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Southern Wave Sailing Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

private sailing cruises on South Padre Island!

Come Sail With Us!

  Come sailing with Bay Wind Sailing Charters. Treat Yourself to a PRIVATE Sailing, Catamaran Ride! Enjoy a South Padre Island view from a different and even more beautiful perspective.

"Under Pressure" is a Stiletto 27 cruising catamaran that can comfortably cater up to 6 passengers. It is 27 ft. long x 14 ft. wide. She's built for safety, ease of viewing the surroundings and is ideal for finding secluded beaches.

Our Captain

With over 30 years of experience of sailing these waters, I'd love to show you some of my favorite areas of the Laguna Madre.

Charter Rates

2 hour cruise.

Single person trips are also offered!

Additional People

6 Person Maximum

4 Hour Cruise

6 Persons Maximum

Dinner Package

We cook delicious meals on board!

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Private sailing charters.

We have multiple options available, but all require appointments in advance.  Same day notice may work if the captain is available. Text or call today!

Bay Wind Sailing Charters

1 Pompano Avenue, Port Isabel, Texas 78578, United States

(956) 867-1422

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Sail the South Padre Island Coast on a Southern Wave Catamaran

Cruise along the stunning South Padre Island coast, savor delicious meals, and make unforgettable memories with Southern Wave Catamaran Cruises!

$55-70/person

More than 500 Miles from you

State Gem: Exceptional experiences within your state that are bucket list-worthy Learn more

Description

Experience the beauty of South Padre Island as you sail along the bayfront on a Southern Wave Catamaran. Choose from a variety of cruises, including a lunch cruise, sunset dinner cruise, moonlight dinner cruise, or a snorkeling excursion. Enjoy a delicious chef-grilled meal while taking in the breathtaking island views and listening to live music. This is a perfect way to relax and make the most of your time on South Padre Island.

What's included

Perfect for.

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for boarding
• Enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the bay front
• Savor a delicious chef-grilled meal
• Listen to live music
• For snorkeling excursions: anchor at the north end of South Padre Island for 2 hours of sunning, snorkeling, and swimming

Location & Hours

205 W Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Working Hours

Packing List

• Comfortable clothing
• Swimsuit (for snorkeling excursions)
• Towel (for snorkeling excursions)
• BYOB (Bring your own alcoholic beverages)

   4.8  ● Google reviews

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Sunset Dinner Sail On South Padre Island

Mr & Mrs Texas Outside raced hobie cats for 9 years in California, until my crew fell off (she claims I dumped her) in the heat of a race in the Monterey Bay with the wind blowing 30 and swells of 8 feet and sharks everywhere (so she claims) and a life jacket too small (so she claims), and since catamarans were still in my blood, I was excited about climbing back on board a cat for a sunset dinner cruise.

As soon as we stepped on board, our grandsons immediately started scampering all to the boat and settled down once they found the trampoline between the hulls – not for jumping but perfect for a cruise and watching the bay flow between the hulls. The rest of our group and the rest of the guests found a comfortable place to settle in and enjoy the scenery as we serenely cruised by the shoreline.

We shoved off shortly after we boarded and started heading north along the western shoreline of South Padre Island. We cruised by the entertainment district and all the fun bars, waving at the patrons who seemed envious of us being on a beautiful catamaran and I could almost hear them thinking, “I want to do that!”

Island legend, Matt Theiss, entertained us the entire trip with his great voice and good guitar picking and medley of island and tropic songs, requests, and tunes appropriate for a sunset cruise on Laguna Madre Bay. The shrimp appetizer was cooked to perfection and it wasn’t long before it was quickly devoured.

As we cruised by some beautiful homes along the bay and a variety of wildlife, the smell and sizzle of grilled onions, seasoned chicken, and beef made my stomach growl and mouth water!

And it wasn’t long before I just happened to be the first in line for some excellent fajitas and all the fixings. The fajitas were followed by some delicious fresh fruit.

And when the sun started to set to a great song by Matt, all my troubles went flying with the wind and I started to feel that life just can’t get much better than this – cold beer, full stomach, family and new friends, great music, a beautiful sailboat with gentle waves lapping against the hulls, and an unbelievable sunset!

We enjoyed it so much we were ready to sign up for the New Years Eve Fireworks Cruise, but they were booked! Maybe next year.

If you’re planning a trip to South Padre Island, you should consider a cruise on the Southern Wave.

Check out our South Padre Island Vacation page .

Author: Mike Sharp

I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.

Wine and Music in Fredericksburg and Luckenbach

A fun weekend in horseshoe bay on lake lbj, museum of south texas history – edinburg, texas, palo duro canyon: playing in the panhandle, cruisin’ clifton and the surrounding area.

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Enjoy Unlimited Seafood And Sizzling Fajitas On The Southern Wave's Sunset Dinner Cruise In Texas

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

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What’s better than a scenic boat ride? One that includes a buffet-style dinner, of course. Southern Wave Sailing Charters in South Padre Island checks both boxes, with their dinner cruise featuring all-you-can-eat fajitas and the most breathtaking sunsets you’ve ever seen.

If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to click here and sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Lone Star State will be delivered straight to your email. Yum!

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Visit the Southern Wave Sailing Charters website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever done the Southern Wave Sailing Charters dinner cruise? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below. Check out our previous article for another bucket-list-worthy boat ride in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Dolphin Watch Tours

Witness some of nature’s most intelligent and playful creatures up close and personal., spend that next family vacation bay fishing in south padre island, breakaway cruise has got you covered, bag that trophy fish, experience next-level offshore fishing in south padre island with breakaway cruises, dolphin watch schedule.

Our Famous Dolphin Watch and Eco-Cruise departs every day at 10 AM. The Duration of the tour in 1.5 hours.

10:00 AM trip is $16 for adults and children. All other Dolphin Watch trips are $18.

Cruise aboard either the Xcape or the Getaway for 1 1/2 hours and enjoy watching some of natures most fascinating animals. We will drag a net and bring aboard sea-life for you to see up close. Please keep in mind that customers will be responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Don’t forget to bring a camera, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and water.

Experience the Best South Padre Island Has to Offer With Breakaway Cruises

Breakaway Cruises gives guests the most memorable Dolphin Watches, Bay and Deep Sea Fishing experiences, Snorkeling excursions, Jet ski Rentals, Private Charters and the list goes on!

Our vessels are USCG certified!

South Padre Island, Texas is located on the tip of the longest barrier island in the United States. Its unique climate makes it one of the most tropical and desired beach destinations for family vacations.

In addition to the soothing breezes and gorgeous waves, we provide customers with tons of fun activities including Dolphin Watches, Bay and Offshore Fishing Trips, Snorkeling excursions, jet ski rentals, private charters, and so much more! We all need a vacation every now and then, and Breakaway Cruises gives you, your friends, and your family the opportunity to enjoy great food, see amazing sights, and make forever memories.

Jet Ski Rental

Need a break from the lazy sandy beaches of South Padre Island or a relaxing bay fishing trip in Laguna Madre? Hop on one of our jet Skis for an adrenaline rush! One of the most popular activities in South Padre Island, jet skis, are barrels of fun and easy to learn. Ride at full speed over the Laguna Madre Bay to clear your mind. Enjoy some extraordinary sights as well, including a glimpse of the SpaceX Starbase Launch Facility.

Dolphin Watch

Set sail with Breakaway Cruises on an incredible eco-adventure to witness some of the Laguna Madre’s locals. Our unique and thrilling dolphin watch tours offer guests memories to last a lifetime. Feel the sense of wonder overtake you as the majestic creatures leap across the waves and play together. Dolphin watching in South Padre Island is a must-do activity!

Bay Fishing

There’s no doubt that South Padre Island’s Laguna Madre is home to some of the most diverse and tasty fish in the region. Board our newest and fastest 65 foot long and 25 foot wide catamaran, Isabella, based at Breakaway Cruises for a bay fishing trip unlike any other. Expect to catch Whiting, Sand Trout, Sheepshead, Shark, Black Drum, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and others!

Private Charters

As the top cruise line company in South Padre Island, Breakaway Cruises offers only the finest private charters. We have years of experience cruising along the beautiful South Padre coastline and host unforgettable parties and events. Our mission at Breakaway Cruises is to cater to the needs and desires of both tourist and corporate market events in South Padre Island.

Snorkeling Excursions

The one-of-a-kind location of South Padre Island provides visitors the opportunity to see and experience some amazing things, our snorkeling excursions being one. Prepare yourself to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life, rare reef formations, and other fantastic features. See all the wonders the Laguna Madre has to offer with Breakaway Cruises snorkeling trips.

Deep Sea Fishing

If you desire an exciting and challenging experience, then offshore fishing deep beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico is for you. Our robust and spacious catamaran, Isabella, is ready to take you and your family on an unforgettable deep sea fishing trip! Many different and extraordinary trophy fish await you on your excursion. Be ready for a fight as red snappers, kingfish, dorado, bonita, ling, shark, and many more bite at your hook.

Field Trips

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary educational adventure? Look no further! Breakaway Cruises invites you to experience an unforgettable field trip like no other. Our team is thrilled to offer you a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and create lasting memories with your students.

Special Events

Want to learn more about things to do in south padre island.

If you want to know more about Breakaway Cruises and the premier activities we offer in South Padre Island, take a look at our blog section! Here we go more in-depth on certain features of the fun things we offer our clients – Breakaway Cruises has you covered!

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33384 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, Texas 78597

(956) 761-2212

Get In Touch

© 2023 Breakaway Cruises | USCG Certified Vessels

LONGBOARD BAR AND GRILL - The Live Music Capital of South Texas!

2022 winners texas travel award for live music venue in small market., open every day at 11 a.m for lunch and dinner. , live bands daily and 3 bands on the weekends. ,   click here for  music s chedule, contact us for your private parties  956-772-7022, 205 w. palm st. south padre island, tx, 78597 , dock |dine | drink | dance , family and pet friendly., we are waterfront restaurant & entertainment hot spot in the south entertainment district on south padre island.  family and locally owned. we are inviting you to a location that was once a pillar of this area. this old school favorite is coming back to life as a venue, bar and grill for all ages., come watch the most beautiful sunsets on our beautiful deck overlooking the the blue waters and listen to great live music everyday. great views of the fireworks in the summer months. , we are an open air 9000 square feet venue of entertainment enjoyment.  we have live bands 7 days a week. , contact us for your private parties:  weddings, receptions, company outings, birthdays etc we've got our main deck, south bar deck, roof top sky deck or our private upstairs bar., the original sunset dinner cruise, docked at longboard is the southern wave catamaran the original sunset dinner cruise, family owned and operated since 2006.  a visit to south padre island wouldn't be complete without a cruise on the southern wave. for reservations call 956-772-7245 www.sailspi.com, thank you for contacting us.

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Dinner Cruise Sailing Snorkeling Watersports

• 205 W. Palm Street At LongBoard Bar and Grill South Padre Island TX 78597
• (956) 772-7245
• Visit Website

Every day weather permitting.

Driving Directions:

Driving 1/2 mile North on Padre Blvd from the Causeway, turn left at Palm Street and we are docked at The LongBoard Bar and Grill.

Southern Wave Catamaran Charters is located on South Padre Island, on the southern tip of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Their spacious 48 foot sailing catamaran was custom built for our Sunset Dinner Cruises, Snorkeling Lunch cruises, day charters and private gatherings for 2 guests or up to 46 guests. Southern Wave's design with its 25' beam, provides a safe, spacious open environment for passengers to experience state-of-the-art catamaran sailing while enjoying the scenic beauty of South Padre Island, Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico. If you're looking for things to do on South Padre Island.....This is The Famous South Padre Island Catamaran Dinner Cruise and we have something for everyone. The sunsets on South Padre island are among the most beautiful in the world. Join us for two hours of relaxing cruising along the bay front with great Island, water and Sunset views. The Sunset Dinner cruise includes The chef who grills an all you can eat beef and chicken fajita dinner with the trimmings, picnic buffet style, grilled fish, jumbo grilled shrimp as appetizer, fresh fruit and all you can drink bottle water and sodas. The musician will keep you entertained with great music. You can bring alcohol beverages (BYOB). This is a must do activity on the Island. Book early.

• Lunch & Dinner Cruises
• Fireworks Cruise
• Snorkel Cruise
• Private Charters
• Watersports

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Rep/contact info, daniela camacho, daniela camacho owner.

• Phone: (956) 772-7245
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1-888-7 09-8283

Private boat holds 1 -6 passengers

Enjoy South Padre Island Sunset cruse on Laguna Madre.

Private Sunset Cruise

​South Padre Island is perfect for an evening sunset boat cruise over the Laguna Madre by catamaran. While cruising along, your captain will share the history, sights, and beauty that the Laguna Madre and South Padre Island have to offer. Playful local bottlenose dolphins often join us!

• Parasail Flight Options Single, double, or triple ( Weight restrictions apply )
• How Many Passengers can go on the boat? Boat type? Our boat is a Coast Guard Certified 31ft Ocean Pro. Holds 12 passengers
• Parasail Departure times 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm
• Flight Time / Total Trip Time Flight time in the air is approx. 7-10 min. 600 ft of line Total trip time: approx. 60 min
• Age Limit 4-5 yrs. Child must be able to fit into our smallest harness.
• Weight Limit Due to winds weight limits adjust daily. Minimum combined weight 160 - 250 lbs Maximum combined weight 350 - 550 lbs * Please note customers may be weighed upon check in *
• Parasail & Drinks! Yes you can bring that yummy margarita or pina colada with you! If you would like drinks for your adventure please allow for time to order and get your drink To Go from the partender. Lots of drink variaties are available for both adults and kids. DRINK MENU CLICK HERE
• $ Prices Per person $89 Observer $59 * An observer is someone who would like to ride along in the boat but not parasail *
• Parsailing description Parasailing take-offs and landings are done directly from one of our new Coast Guard Certified 31ft Ocean Pro. 600 ft. of line sends you high over the beautiful waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and views the entire South Padre Island. Parasail flights can be done as singles, doubles (tandems) or Triples depending on winds and weight. Your professional Captain has many years of experience and follows all parasail guidelines making certain your parasailing experience is one of a kind! While parasailing from above you will see South Padre Island's beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, and wildlife. Wildlife sights regularly include Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Osprey Hawks, Brown Pelicans, Great White Pelicans, and sometimes sea turtles. ​ Leave South Padre Island with a Parasailing experience of a lifetime!
• Departure location 204 W. Palm St. South Padre Island, TX 78597 GOOGLE MAP

Now fishing red snapper in state waters. Book now to guarantee a spot.

956-761-6655 (osprey cruises) 956-943-6283 (black dragon pirate cruises).

Go First Class!

The quality of your vacation experience is what’s important to us at Osprey Cruises. With six boats, we offer you and your family choices that range from Deep Sea and Bay fishing excursions and sightseeing nature cruises to Pirate Adventure cruises. Something for everyone in Port Isabel! If you’re looking for fun on the water, you’ll find it here. Welcome aboard.

Want to score the big catch? Choose from our Bay Fishing or Deep Sea Fishing Trips .

Book a Private charter for your special event. Your enjoyment is what counts and outstanding service is our goal!

Fireworks cruises

Our cruises offer the finest in luxury voyages in the Laguna Madre. Complete your romantic getaway with your own fireworks display. Get tickets today.

All ages enjoy our Sea Life Safari cruises. Set out for your adventure on the Laguna Madre today. Get tickets today.

A pirate's life for me

Yo ho! Ahoy there mateys. Join our pirate crew for adventures on the high seas of the Laguna Madre. Yar. Get yer tickets now.

Amberjack season is open

Amberjack season is open and our famous 10 hr deep sea trips are available again. Ask for the amber jack discount when you call!

Charter, Dinner & Fireworks Cruises

Osprey sea life cruises, eco tours, dolphin watch & sunset cruises, the black dragon, pirate adventure cruises, the osprey ii, deep sea fishing, bay fishing, private charters, all vessels in the osprey fleet are available for private charter.

Imagine a sunset cruise on our passenger yacht Osprey for your wedding, corporate meeting, birthday party, or other special occasion. We’ll help you make it magical.

Birthdays Weddings School Field Trips Corporate Charters

Phil Calo, General Manager and Events Coordinator, will be happy to help you with your arrangements. Call him today for your reservation, 956-592 2223.

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The best cruises in South Padre Island

Call 956-761-6655 or 956-943-6283

Osprey Cruises

501 E Maxan St

Port Isabel, TX 78578

Copyright © 2024 Osprey Cruises

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18 Essential Restaurants on South Padre Island

Feast on fresh fish, oysters, and seafood all year long

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South Padre Island is a spring break haven for rowdy tourists, but the Texas island, and its beaches, are open year-round. Whether you’re there for kiteboarding or to kick back at the beach, South Padre Island offers a wide variety of cuisines, including Tex-Mex, Italian, and fresh-caught seafood — many with stunning Gulf Coast views.

If you’re there for a fishing weekend, try ending the day by visiting one of several local restaurants, such as Dirty Al’s or Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar, to boil or fry your catch for you. And don’t forget cocktails: between margaritas with fresh-pressed juice from Viva SPI and craft beer from Padre Island Brewing Co., there’s plenty of options on the island to treat yourself on your next vacation.

Here are 18 of the best restaurants on South Padre Island.

Mariscos Playa Azul Cafe

Nestled within the Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island, Mariscos Playa Azul Cafe specializes in Tex-Mex seafood, including saucy shrimp dishes plated with rice and vegetables, as well as fried platters of shrimp, calamari, tilapia, flounder, and other varieties of seafood. Of course, the restaurant also has enchilada and tamales, along with a variety of refreshing drinks; choose from cucumber, pineapple, hibiscus, and more.

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Josephine’s Kitchen

Josephine’s Kitchen, which is only open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a brunch favorite to fuel up before a day at the beach. Check out its award-winning shrimp and grits or weekend specials: A roast pork hash or brioche French toast stuffed with strawberries and cream cheese.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josephine's Kitchen (@josephineskitchenspi)

Perfect for couples wanting a date night on their beach vacation (or just an excuse to wear hard pants), F&B one of South Padre Island’s most exciting steakhouses. The steak is the star of the show here, but the menu also includes a wide selection of luxurious entrees like smoked duck breast, short rib ragu, and sea scallops. The drink menu reminds you you’re on the coast, offering cocktails heavy on citrus and fruit flavors — like an Italian 75 brightened with blood orange juice, lemon, and citrus-infused Nue vodka.

Cafe on the Beach

The Palms Resort, a decades-old hotel, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a view from its restaurant, Cafe on the Beach. But you don’t have to be a guest at the resort to try the food, which includes seafood like red snapper and oysters, and twists on brunch favorites such as migas and malted pancakes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Palms Beachfront Resort & Cafe (@thepalmsresortcafe)

Laguna Bob is one of the most notable oceanfront restaurants on South Padre Island, offering fried shrimp, wings and burgers with a killer view. Check out the daily $8 specials for more affordable meal options, and don’t miss the live entertainment options, either. Different bands play live music almost daily. with different bands playing nearly daily.

Padre Island Brewing Co.

South Padre Island’s stop for brewed-on-site beer also has a vast menu. However, those expecting a traditional pub menu will instead find fresh snapper filets and beer-battered shrimp, as well as entrees like Texas quail and pizza topped with smoked meat. Padre Island Brewing Co. offers various dietary substitutions for vegetarians, plant-based eaters, and people avoiding gluten, like a cauliflower pizza crust, Beyond Burger, and vegan mozzarella, all provided without an extra charge.

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11 Essential Restaurants on South Padre Island

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Grapevine Cafe

With an all-day breakfast menu, Grapevine is arguably the best breakfast and lunch spot on the island. Find standout lemon blueberry goat cheese pancakes topped with lemon zest and whipped cream, breakfast platters, agua frescas, and coffee roasted in-house. Need something on the run? Stop in for the tacos Tejanos. In both regular and supersize, these come packed with scrambled eggs, with the choice of adding a plethora of meats, including beef fajita and chorizo, and veggies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Grapevine Cafe (@thegrapevinecafe)

The Meatball Cafe

The Meatball Cafe is a South Padre Island favorite for pizza and pasta to feed a family. Its gorgeous patio surrounded by greenery is also a great date night spot to dine on lobster ravioli or fresh-made linguini and clams. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Meatball Café (@themeatballcafespi)

Daddy's Seafood & Cajun Kitchen

Load up on fresh seafood at Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen, which serves everything from Cajun-style seafood boils loaded with crawfish, snow crab, shrimp, and platters of oysters on ice. The restaurant also has a fish market so that you can bring some Gulf Coast goodness home. 

Rocotto Grill

For a different kind of seafood feast, Rocotto Grill offers Peruvian and Japanese food, including a small variety of sushi rolls and seafood-laden dishes such as black paella, which is loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp and octopus and takes its name from squid ink which is mixed into the rice. 

Ceviche Ceviche

For a fast raw fish option, Ceviche Ceviche offers fast casual ceviche that can be loaded with a choice of fresh vegetables, avocado, fruit, citrus, sauces and more. Come early — it opens at 10:30 a.m. and tends to sell out before closing. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The original Ceviche Ceviche (@cevicheceviche_spi)

Yummies Bistro

This cheery breakfast and lunch spot specializes in thick, fluffy pancakes and a barbacoa plate served only on Sundays. Its lattes are a show-stopper, loaded with Irish cream syrup, Mexican chocolate, dulce de leche, Nutella, and other flavors and topped with brightly colored, highly Instagramable latte art. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yummies Bistro (@yummiesbistrospi)

Gabriella's

Gabriella’s is a classic sit-down spot for pasta, subs, brick oven pizza and Italian entrees, from chicken marsala to chicken parmesan. The mussels Italiano and fried ravioli are a favorite among the wide variety of appetizers. Just looking for a brick-oven pizza to take back to the hotel? Try pizza delivery from its sister restaurant, Pizzeria Express by Gabriella’s. 

Sea Ranch Restaurant-Bar

South Padre Island has plenty of seafood restaurants, but Sea Ranch has an extensive range of fish, shrimp, crab, scallops, lobster, oysters and more. One of its signature dishes is its red snapper, which can be prepared in various sizes and presentations, including fried, broiled, blackened, grilled, or Cubano.

Viva SPI is the lunch and dinner counterpart to the owners’ better-known South Padre Island restaurant, Yummies Bistro, a breakfast joint only a mile away. Yummies Bistro specializes in straightforward, albeit delicious American breakfast fare, but Viva SPI offers a more upscale, Latin-influenced menu, such as a light mango ceviche and shrimp tacos. The cocktails menu here are a hit, and many have fresh-pressed juice, like palomas and a range of margaritas.

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Nautico island grill.

Nautico Island Grill is one of South Padre Island’s newest restaurants; it only opened in January. Owners and South Padre Island natives Jenna Ghilain, Briana Ghilain-Scanlan, and Danni Lynn Smith have created a hotspot for excellent grub on the island. Ultralight seafood and colorful Tex-Mex plates have garnered acclaim;  the fish tacos — served fried, grilled, or blackened and slathered with jalapeño ranch or chipotle sauce — are one of the most popular offerings here. On the way to the beach? There’s a drive-thru for online orders.

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Mahi Nic serves a straightforward menu with pulled pork-loaded nachos, thick-cut fries, burgers, and tacos. Check out its frozen margaritas and frozen lemonade, too, to keep away the Texas heat. As a bonus, it is on a South Padre Island dock, only steps away from the water. 

Dirty Al’s opened in 1986 by Alfonso Salazar, whose family now owns several notable South Padre Island restaurants, including Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen and Josephine’s Kitchen. But the original still serves Gulf Coast staples, like peel-and-eat shrimp, seafood tacos, po’ boys and, of course, baskets filled with heaps of fried shrimp, fish, oysters, and chicken. 

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