Southern Wave Sailing Charters — Attraction in South Padre Island

Let me brake down our snorkeling trip one aspect at a time.

Sailing? It is an amazing boat. It really is. But they put up the sail and then turn on a motor and "sail" along. On the return trip the sail was down the entire time. So you are not actually sailing. Just stating it up front.

Also we "sailed" along the shore. Yep -- 90% of the time we were 50-100 feet from shore. Not a real big "ocean adventure". You "sail" along the shore for about 2 miles maybe 3, then turn out into the water probably 1/4 mile and anchor boat. Then do the return trip.

Snorkeling? Lets be honest - It is a D in the snorkeling world. An "F" would be snorkeling in your pool. I saw about 20-30 fish in about an hour until I came back to the boat and the staff was throwing food from the grill into the water. Because of that there were 100's of fish around the boat. Why didn't we just do that from the beginning well because of the "super friendly staff" - see below.

The water? 3-4 feet deep with loads of grass that was 1 foot tall and a few sandy spots. The water felt great. Really warm actually. Clarity. good but not great.

Staff? Well they sure weren't a friendly bunch. Only talked to the guests when they had to give instructions. It would have been so easy to make this trip a blast. They could have said some things about south padre, joked with the crew, laughed a bit, maybe initiated some interaction, heck - asked people where they were from. They were hard working - no doubt, but they didn't look like they enjoyed their work or the people. I had two comments my way and I'm a friendly outgoing talk to everyone type. the two comments were - "don't step on the cussions" and "if you don' want bleach on your feet you better move." The captain never talked to anyone to my knowledge outside of saying "I need everyone in front" or when he gave instructions on snorkeling which consisted of "we have life jackets. Its 4 feet deep so you likely wont need them."

You are on a catamaran...how can you not be happy and make it fun for people? Oh well...just saying.

Food....Burgers? Not so great...burgers on a griddle with cheese. Did have as many as you could wish for.

Fruit? We had 28 people that I counted on the boat. They brought out one tray about 1.5 foot diameter beautifully arranged and it was good. But we should have had 3 or 4 trays with that many people. Oh and it comes out after the burgers and chips - with hopes people wont want much.

Oh don't forget the chips! They went all out on chips. They had an unlimited supply of small bags of Lays Original chips. That is right - Lays Original. Now I'm not dissing Lays Original. They are good, but their was no other choice.

I was wondering if they used the variety box from Costco and you know the only kind left after a party are the Lays original. Did they just run out of all the others and now they can only bring out Lays until they are all gone? I thought that was pretty week.

Oh and if you want to snorkel, the entire bay side is 3-4 feet deep. Not sure if there is a place you can snorkel 20 feet off shore or not, but you could just walk out to it. Believe me 20 feet out aint gonna be much different than half a mile out. Just bring food - hold some bread in your hand in the water and pretty soon you will be swarming with fish.

Fish? If you do this, bring some bread to feed the fish....It will be much more rewarding. Not much variety though. Catfish and some other perch thing and a couple...

We thoroughly enjoyed our snorkeling expedition! Smooth cruising on the catamaran, led by our friendly ship captain Tino and his ship mate Danielle. They were very helpful and patient with the beginners. We journeyed up the bay side of the island, enjoying the breeze and the view, to a safe snorkeling spot in four foot water. Those who were nervous were able to walk around if they chose. Life jackets are provided for the kids. And everyone who was brave enough to snorkel out away from the silt we stirred up was able to swim through clear water admiring a variety of fish and pant life. We collected several shells, and while we were out there, our group found a hermit crab and a baby stingray! Tino and Danielle made the best burgers we’ve ever enjoyed, and we would highly recommend this experience when you stay on South Padre. It’s well worth it!

We also purchased a waverunner jet ski rental at the same time. Louís and his assistant were very friendly and considerate of my nervous uncertainty! After leading us around the sand bar, they let us play around in the bay for a while. When I needed to cut our rental short, they noticed we were returning to shore and came back out to guide us in around the sandbar. If jet skis are your thing, you’ll love it! My friend had a great time. :)

Southern Wave operates out of the Longboard bar and grill. And both Tino and Louís recognized us from earlier and greeted us again. You just can’t beat that kind of friendly service. Highly...

Welcome aboard the Southern Wave, located on the beautiful South Padre Island. You should expect to arrive at Longboard Bar and Grill at least 10-15 mins early to allow all guests the full 2 hour ride time. Once aboard, you’ll be introduced to the friendly staff and U.S.C.G boat Capt Faustino Camacho. Be mindful that this is not a full course meal, however you will be provided with complimentary non alcoholic drinks, beef fajitas, grilled chicken and grilled shrimp. The serving portions are perfect for most people to give them an opportunity to taste the local culture. Live music is provided, the music is family friendly and isn’t Blaring loud, which allows everybody to have even that romantic conversation, with that perfect background music. You’ll cruise along the lower Laguna Madre, allowing you to site see the beautiful sunset, Wildlife, local scenery and local night life for beach-goers. A later cruise is also available, which will allow you to witness the fireworks display. The friendly staff will assist the elderly and handicapped passengers on and off the boat. P.S. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, it is byob. Please drink responsibly. Remember to tip the friendly staff and live musician. As always, welcome to the beautiful South...