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
213 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
You will learn a lot!
Jane M,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting, informative and windy, but very worth it! Lots of dolphins, pelicans and close up views of the shipyard. The crew, Brandon and Eric(?) were friendly and helpful. Thanks for the tour!
Very fun
angelapY4799RO,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a very informative tour. We went with my Sister-in-Law & her husband. It was their first time on this trip. They actually worked at Navel systems & were the engineers on some of the ships. They actually gave the narrator some information on the ships.
Educational experience
Susan A,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It is windy on the whole ride. Seeing the dolphins is a bonus. Interesting to learn about the ship scrapping industry.
Very relaxing and informative!
Q9955AQannap,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Brandon and Patrick did a fantastic job!
Fun and informational
M5377TIwesleym,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great time, Super friendly Staff(Brandon included) not too crowded so you can see everything, tour was well though out/planned
Time and $ Well-Spent
Lynne W,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour! Ship captain not only ‘ followed the script’ but he was constantly on the lookout for extras. Thanks to him we not only got a great tour and learned interesting history and current developments but also got to see interesting wildlife. Well worth the $$!
Worth the reasonable cost
Paultie,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice harbor tour. Great commentary about the history and vurrdnt activites going on in the harbor. Didn't expect a huge Navy ship scrapping operation. Amazing!
Port Brownsville History and Activity is Amazing
JoM541,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Saw a lot of dolphins! Boat ride was a little long for my husband but he was so facinated with the information and the captain's knowledge of the story behind Port Brownsville. We both learned a lot and what a wonderful crew; very polite, professional and friendly. Great donuts and shrimp cocktail too.
Very informative
X5473FPphilb,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I wanted to see what all was going on in the port area? And we got to get up close and have it explained to us!
Crowded
teresa d,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was wonderful. My only complaint is it was so crowded. It was hard to sit in one spot but no room to walk
From US$43.30
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Operated by Isla Tours