Was a wonderful experience for my entire family. Staff was very friendly. Learned a lot

We needed to see dolphins and that's exactly what we got (and more). Captain Murphy's Isla Tours is a great activity for fun lovers to do in SPI. It's pretty cheap and you get an hour and a half out on the bay searching for dolphins and taking in the views. Parking is pretty accessible and you ride on Murphy's Law out to the bay. The boat is a bit older but clean and cared for. The captain narrates portions of the cruise to stay interactive but the workers make all the difference. They are extremely friendly and do a great job during the portion where they show off the wildlife they caught earlier that day. One of the biggest pros for us is that they were dog friendly, we couldn't believe it (our dog couldn't either but had a great time). We saw a few pods of dolphins, some in twos, others in fours. They don't stay above the water for long so we recommend being very ready to snap photos as soon as they break the surface. The workers will also go around asking if you would like them to take your photo which is a nice plus as well. Altogether, the experience was very fun. The only slight downside is that the heat really can get to you but prepare accordingly and you should be all set. You can also byob so that's pretty important to note. Definitely a tour we'd recommend checking out if you're in SPI. read more

Isla Tours - On the boat - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

If you get any but Ozzy & Mike to guide you, you're working with rookies. Had a great trip with these guys dolphin watching. Ozzy had some cool creatures he let you touch and learn about. They made the experience wonderful! Thank you both! read more

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Absolutely incredible experience! We went on the sunset dolphin boat tour with Captain Patrick and Eric, and it was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip to South Padre Island! Captain Patrick did an amazing job--his skill and knowledge of the area made the ride both exciting and informative. You can really tell he loves what he does. Eric was equally fantastic--so friendly and helpful, making sure everyone was comfortable and even snapping great family photos for everyone along the way! We saw tons of dolphins playing and splashing right near the boat--it was absolutely magical watching them in the golden sunset light. If you're visiting South Padre Island, don't miss this tour! It's the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable views. read more

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The experience of seeing dolphins isn't worth experiencing the wildlife presentation where the drag a net through the bay to capture marine life to let the passengers hold. Then they keep on the boat until the end of the day (we were on a morning tour and then confirmed they don't release them until the end of the day). They call it an "eco" tour to fool people into believing that it's okay. Violates any rule you're actually taught about interacting with nature... "look, don't touch", "leave no trace", etc. I would never have gone on the tour if my family hadn't already purchased the tickets. Even then, I should have declined. I'd highly recommend you find a different way to experience the wildlife. read more

Erik and Patrick were soooo awesome!! We held a butterfly ray and a starfish too! Dolphins all the way back into the bay! So much fun! read more

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What a fun cruise! Patric and Brandon were so much fun! Highly recommend the sunset cruise. read more

Isla Tours - Sunset bay cruise - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

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Patrick and Brandon just took my wife and me out on a sunset cruise, which was the perfect way to end our spend our honeymoon on the island. We saw loads of dolphins and even more jellyfish! Couldn't recommend enough, and the pilot is a great narrator all along the way. read more

Loved the sunset dolphin watch tour of the bay. You can bring your own beverages and enjoy a great little cruise for a very reasonable price. read more

Took their dolphin tour. We made the res the same day even though their website says it has to be made 24 hrs in advanced. They were nice and worked with us. Granted I went in the middle of the week and not on the weekend. The tour was great and the guides were nice. We saw tons of dolphins and they even swam along side the boat! All the way back to dock. Super lovely experience. I def recommend them. read more

Friendly and accommodating staff. Thanks Anthony and Oz! Knowledgeable captain. Thanks Patrick! Took the Brownsville Channel Tour and learned a ton about the ship scrap yards, shrimp boat industry and dredging. We also saw lots of dolphins chasing the boat which was extra special! read more

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Absolutely wonderful eco trip.. super easy to book, clean boat, excellent staff... dolphins, history, views... special thanks to Angie, Chris, and Patrick for a great adventure. No need to look anywhere else when you are on the island.. read more

Isla Tours - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Super fun! Great way to see the area around south padre. Lots of dolphin and good views! Angie was great and made sure everyone had fun! read more

Isla Tours - Sunset tour - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

We were able to see so many dolphins. Captain kept us laughing. Angie was a fantastic. host and gave an educational class on the eco system Erik helped out and showed us so many different types of wildlife. read more

Isla Tours - Dolphins - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Edward, Oz, and Eric were great guides and super knowledgeable. The captain was super funny. We loved holding all the different see creatures! I highly recommend you book this trip! read more

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September 23, 2024- It was my husband's birthday & we decided to take the Dolphin Watch Cruise. 2 things RUINED this experience. They allow people to bring dogs on the cruise, even though it was packed. Sadly, the dog owner, who had the dog on a leash, did NOT control her dog & it bit 2 young children. 1 required medical aid because he was bleeding. The owner did not even apologize until she was shamed by other passengers- no telling if the dog was vaccinated. But a tour boat company should not allow dogs- this was an example of why! 2nd negative- We arrived early as instructed by the crew. It was steaming hot that late afternoon, but we sat on the wooden benches on the dock. When we were allowed to board, my husband & I chose to sit at the back of the boat. Before the boat left the dock, a crew member came over & said we should move several feet away from where we were because they had just repaired fiberglass there that day. The area was not roped off or marked in any way. Sadly, the fiberglass repair was NOT dry & ruined my husband's new, never worn Columbia shorts. Nice job protecting your customers- NOT. read more

We took the sunset /dolphin view tour. Great service. Beautiful sunset! Fun time :) Well worth it! read more

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Essan and Corey were the two men of the hour. They had so much knowledge and we're very educated. The boat ride was smooth and nothing crazy. You could take anything that wasn't glass onboard. Seats on outside were very narrow so if you got more meat on the backside it could be uncomfortable. Bring cash tip for the boys!! read more

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Good times. Family fun. Glad we went. $16 per adult. After taxes, $80 for a family of 4 for 90 minutes. It's money and time well spent. We'll talk about this in years to come, share our dolphin video and photos with others, and will recommend to others. Funny captain. Saw many dolphins up close - great video. Got multiple lessons from the local captain including: how pilots and other boats work in the channel and near marinas, precautions taken to enforce illegal immigration, sea life after an eco drag seeing hermit crab, blue crab, scorpion fish, sting Ray, butterfly ray, and a barbed catfish. It's a smaller boat than the other major provider but I preferred this and it didn't feel cramped at all. The boats literally dock next to each other. There's a small bathroom on the boat and one on the marina before you go. Tip: you can take a small cooler with drinks and snacks. 1 side of the boat always has a breeze. If you're hot, move to the opposite side. I found this tour on TripAdvisor. No, I don't work for them. read more

Patrick, Angie and Anthony by far were the best tour guides. It was a great experience. Highly recommend and great for the price. If you're in the area, try it out, you won't be disappointed. Fun for all ages. read more

It was fantastic! We signed up for the 9:00 am port Brownsville tour and it exceeded our expectations. The crew, Patrick, Angie, Anthony were informative, very knowledgeable, and fun. The coffee, pastries and shrimp cocktail were fresh and served with a smile. Definitely got your monies worth. A must on your visit. read more

Excellent experience with them. I should call out Angie.. she is one of the kindest human i have seen and the entire crew is fun and enthusiastic. read more

Wife and I booked the 90-minute dolphin tour for 7pm so we could see the sunset as well. Saw plenty of dolphins as promised! Crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. Brought my own cooler with canned drinks (no glass) which was a great option. Bathrooms on board if needed. Very cost effective compared to similar SPI tours. 4 out of 5 stars related to loud "Bro-Country" music played the entire tour and way too many folks allowed on the boat at once. Seating was limited and some had to stand. Would suggest lowering the headcount by about 10 to give customers easier movement around the ship and better seating options. All in all - definitely worth the money and a good option for all ages if you want to enjoy a boat ride and see dolphins! read more

Isla Tours - Dolphins as promised! - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Angie, Edward, and Eric did an awesome Job. Patrick the Boat Captain was alright! Haha they were all awesome! read more

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Captain Patrick, Eric and Oz were AMAZING! They were welcoming and polite. We had a great time learning about local history, sea creatures and even different sea vessels. The kids got to hold puffer fish and sea rays and we of course saw some beautiful dolphins. I was also thrilled to be able to support a third generation small local business (captain patrick told us the history of his family's business that he and his brown are now overseeing). You are able to take your own beverages OR purchase before you get on the boat - make sure to do this because the Texas sun is toasty! Thank you to Isla Tours for a great time! read more

Went on a half day tour and sunset cruise. Both times we saw dolphins! Captain is funny and the staff are attentive and friendly. I 100% recommend a trip with them! Can't wait to come back and use their company again. read more

Isla Tours - Dolphins - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

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Another great time with Capt Murphy and Isla Tours!!! We had a great time on the Dolphin Watch and Angie, David and Edward were a great crew. Thanks again, you guys never dissappoint. read more

Isla Tours - David and Edward on The Murphy's Law!!! Great time! - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Went with Isla Tours & Murphy's fishing to see the Starship launch . Captain Patrick was hilarious and kept the mood light. Edward was very helpful and knew a lot about the area. Angie was a delight and also had a great sense of humor. Despite the launch being somewhat obscured by clouds we had a great time and would definitely choose this crew again!! read more

Isla Tours - Another Tesla driver excited for the launch - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

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Excellent sunset tour, the staff are very nice and professional. Captain Murphy and Angie are so much fun, Angie loves to dance and the Captain will make you laugh. We also saw a lot of dolphins. read more

Isla Tours - Sunset - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

We decided to add this attraction to our 30th wedding anniversary trip to South Padre Island. Was not disappointed. Captain Mike and his crew kept everyone entertained the whole trip. We watch several dolphins and experienced a wonderful sunset. This is a must do. I highly recommend you add this adventure to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed. We went on 9.11.24 read more

Isla Tours - This is a still shot from o e of many videos we got of dolphins - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

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We had a great time on the dolphin watching tour! Saw LOTS of dolphins! Boat was comfortable. Patrick, Angie, and Anthony were AWESOME! Thank you crew!!!Will definitely look to Isla Tours again! read more

Our family had a great time on the sunset Dolphin Tour on March 22, such an amazing staff with lots of knowledge about the Island and surrounding areas. We will definitely visit again. read more

Simply said, a wonderful experiance . My wife and I were so happy. The water, the views, the marine life. Its truly a fantastic time. I cant wait to go back. my wife and I came back feeling rejuvinated with memories of what we experianced. read more

We absolutely loved the eco day trip dolphin boat ride. Angie the coordinator and Patrick as the captain were so much fun and high energy! My daughter and I loved it so much today that we booked the sunset dolphin boat tour on New Years eve at 4pm tomorrow. My boyfriend and his 2 kids are coming along as well. We are very excited for our trip tomorrow. Star, the ticket coordinator is very helpful and friendly. Great staff! read more

Family trip of 14, from 80-14 year olds, with Captain Patrick, Eason and Angie. All were super nice and informative. Eason was helpful with waters and pointing out the dolphins. Angie explained a lot about the local industry and helped us with our shrimp! Such a nice boat ride, informative and great captain and crew. Would highly recommend! read more

Went out with Capt. Mike and Carlos. Capt. Mike did an outstanding job. We experienced a lot more than we expected. Thanks again Capt. Mike and Carlos. read more

What a great time, Angie, Patrick and Chris were a great crew. Angie provided a lot of information.

Went on Friday evening. Best dolphin watch I've ever been on. The captain went out of his way to make sure we all enjoyed the experience.

We went on the dolphin tour yesterday afternoon and it was a really fun experience. We had kids ranging in age from 6 to 14 plus adults and everyone had a good time. The captain was humorous and informative, and Jennifer showed the kids a bunch of sea creatures and told them a lot of interesting facts about them. Best of all, we got to see plenty of dolphins, many swimming right alongside the boat. The bathrooms and boat were very clean, too. Perfect family excursion! read more

Isla Tours - Dolphin right beside the boat - Boating Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

We did see dolphins but the boat was overloaded so getting good pictures was hard. People who showed up at 6:30 as requested were shoved aside by latecomers to get on the boat. Getting on the boat was scary cause the step was too low and getting off was worse. Besides the rude untrue comments the captain made about sea world it's was not the most comfortable cruise. Find another one. They all go the same place and Fish Tales was less crowded as was The original dolphin tour read more