South Padre Island Aerial Photo

South Padre Island Overview
Photo: Copyright R.Stockton Photos, Aerial photo taken after HurricaneGeorge 9-27-98 www.SouthPadrePhotos.com

This image is a nice aerial of the island. You are looking north down the island. Queen Isabela causeway that crosses the Laguna Madre from the mainland (Port Isabel) can be seen in the left mid-side of the photo. The North Flats beach is about 6 miles North from the causeway and is not clearly visible on this photo but can be found on The North Flats page. The North Flats are wide open, and well past the high rise buildings, at least for now anyway.

The gulf waves are on the lower right and you can see the jetty as it runs out of the frame on the right. You can see the flatter water of the shipping channel right below it and across the channel is Barracuda cove.

The surf launch is located in Isla Blanca park between the jetty and the first pavilion (dark spot along the beach up from the jetty) The Park extends down to a second pavilion a little further down. During peak beach goer season either launch at the second pavilion or avoid the jetty area altogether.

The ‘jetty’ is good in south winds and the put-in for down winders along the beach. A $6 taxi ride will get you back. It is gusty if the surf water temp is low and air temp is high. Early morning and evening can actually be the best. This is ‘the’ beach so be very respectful of other beach goers and be sure to read the rules for surfside.  We don’t want to loose access to this killer wave spot. Any kiters seen acting stupid will have their lines cut.

The large parking lot to the left of the beach is the RV Park. It is Texas Big and right by the ‘jetty. Out of the frame to the south (bottom) is another jetty (on the other side of the channel) that works in North winds but is a long 60-minute drive around. The locals will know when to make the trip to Boca Chica.