Port Brownsville Half-Day Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
The Port of Brownsville Tour is a 5-hour narrated cruise from South Padre Island across the Laguna Madre Bay and traveling down the Brownsville Ship Channel. Along the way you will see our native Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins and migratory birds. You will learn about South Texas shrimping industry and their fleets, as you enjoy a taste of our local shrimp. You will hear a little history of the area, see decommissioned vessels being dismantled from the top down, oil rigs being built and repaired, and the Port where shipping vessels from around the world load and unload commodities. Upon your return you will see SpaceX launching site off in the distance. Our Captain and Crew make this an enjoyable and educational tour worth your time. Welcome aboard!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Upon arrival please request wheelchair assistance. Crew will be glad to assist in boarding the boat.
You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own food and drinks. Please no glass containers.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
South Padre Island
LAGUNA MADRE BAY is located between the South Texas coast and Padre Island from Corpus Christi south to South Padre Island, TX. One of the Earth’s 6 hypersaline lagoons, where the salinity is above sea water. It has one of the most unspoiled and protected Eco systems in Texas and the U.S.
Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE/PORT ISABEL SHRIMP BASIN is one of the largest fleets of Shrimp Boats in Texas. This location was established in 1953. KEPPEL AMFELS was established in 1990. They are in the business of construction, refurbishment, conversion and life extension and repair of a complete range of mobile drilling rigs and platforms. PORT OF BROWNSVILLE is the only deep-water port located on the U.S.-Mexico Border, with approximately 40,000 acres of land, 17 miles of waterfront, access and direct route to international bridge crossings and rail connections.
What‘s Included
You may bring your own cooler with any drinks or snacks you may like
Coffee, donuts & small shrimp cocktail during the tour
Options
Port Brownsville Half-Day Boat Tour
Reviews
202 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Port of Brownsville
Joni L,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It wasn't ideal weather, but we made the most of it. It was cold and windy. Most of the boat is open, but the bottom has a small mostly enclosed area. There are bathrooms! There are covered areas for sun protection. The trip was great and the captain and crew were phenomenal. Such history in the port and so much knowledge sharing. They served donuts, coffee and later, shrimp cups. Highly recommend.
Delightful day to be in the port and in the boat.
J6617LGjohnn,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was great, the history and the current state of the port was fascinating.
Very informative...
Stacy L,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative beautiful views friendly staff on board I would recommend this tour. Shrimp doughnuts and coffee all provided which was nice
Great value, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Patricia B,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great day on the water despite the cold and wind. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the history and I enjoyed the pelicans. Little sad seeing the decommissioned ships being scrapped and the shrimp boats sold off.
Time welll spent on the water!
W9120KIjudithg,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Left on time, very friendly and courteous deck hands. Served us coffee and donuts and later fresh shrimp cocktail. Eric and Brandon answered tons of questions with a smile. Informative tour about the port and all the goings on in the port by the captain. Enjoyed the dolphins racing alongside the boat. Loved being on the water on a beautiful day. Reasonable price as well.
Learning is fun
Cinde P,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable be sure to bring a jacket for the wind it was so much fun to watch the Dolphins leaping and swimming alongside the boat in the wake
Visiting Padre Island
Ruth L,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great informational tour about the port of Brownsville and a lot of history. The captain and his mates are very cordial and welcoming. They offer donuts, coffee,water and a little shrimp bowl with sauce. You are welcome to bring adult beverages or drinks and snacks of your choice. Wear sunscreen. Bathroom is available onboard and you can move about or sit.
Brownsville Channel 4 hour Boat Tour
Gary K,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Captain Patrick and crew Brandon and Chris were very accommodating and knowledgeable. They welcomed guests and made you feel welcome.
Wonderful way to end our vacation!
protreview,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience. We went on the day cruise on the 6th and the crew was so amazing. They transferred our wheelchair with ease and they were so kind. I can’t remember names so well, but the captain was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. The crew Chris and Brandon (?) were great and with keen eyes were able to spot dolphins. I would highly recommend this cruise, you won’t be disappointed!
Amazing: Dolphins were a bonus
lindalT7171DD,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you to Capt. Michael, Brandon & Eric. We had an amazing time on the Brownsville Tour yesterday. The whole crew was very personable and welcoming. Great job you guys. Just a suggestion you might want to remove the Kitty Hawk from website, some were disappointed they didn't see it. Overall we would highly recommend this tour.
From US$43.30
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Operated by Isla Tours