South Bay Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Follow this tips and guidelines, and be sure to view our safety information.

Trail Description

Due to its unique ecological features, South Bay was designated a Coastal Preserve in 1984. In addition to its extensive seagrass beds and stands of black mangroves, it also supports the only significant population of Easter Oysters south of Corpus Christi Bay. Because this is an extremely shallow bay, there is very little large boat traffic. Two interesting physical characteristics of South Bay are the “Table Top,” a very shallow flat covered by seagrass in the North West quarter of the bay, and the old Boca Chica channel that was the outlet for the Lower Laguna Madre to the Gulf before the ship channel was cut.

Safety

Because of the many oysters in South Bay, it is particularly important for paddlers to wear adequate footgear while using the area. While shallow, the presence of large numbers of shellfish alternating with sometimes silty, mucky bottoms make this bay unsuitable for wadefishing.

This is a remote paddling trail with no easy vehicle access. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. While launching on the north side of the Brownsville Ship Channel, be aware that large vessels often are moving much faster than they appear to be and have right-of-way in the channel.

Trail Maps

Global Positioning System (GPS) points for South Bay

Things to Do and See

Enjoy fishing, wildlife-watching and natural scenery on this paddling trail. Be sure to check the TPWD Paddling Events Calendar for regularly updated activities.

Fishing

Fishing in South Bay is outstanding, with spring, summer and fall providing the greatest diversity and abundance of fish. Anglers can expect to encounter red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder here. Common snook and fat snook are routinely caught in South Bay’s shallow waters, as are jack crevalle, gray snapper and ladyfish.

Wildlife and Ecology

Due to its unique ecological features, South Bay was designated a Coastal Preserve in 1984. In addition to its extensive seagrass beds and stands of black mangroves, it also supports the only significant population of Easter Oysters south of Corpus Christi Bay. Because this is an extremely shallow bay, there is very little large boat traffic. Two interesting physical characteristics of South Bay are the “Table Top,” a very shallow flat covered by seagrass in the North West quarter of the bay, and the old Boca Chica channel that was the outlet for the Lower Laguna Madre to the Gulf before the ship channel was cut.

South Bay and its wind-tidal flats, shallow depths, associated vegetation and unique location provides excellent feeding, resting and wintering habitat for numerous types of migratory bird species, such as White Pelicans, Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Gadwalls, Green-winged Teals and Redheads. A variety of shorebirds and wading birds may be seen year-round, and the extensive black mangrove stands are an important nesting area for roseate spoonbills.

South Bay is encircled by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge, which is known to support a population of rare Texas ocelots. Coyotes, bobcats, armadillos, raccoons and other small mammals are common on the shores of the bay.

Rentals and Shuttles

South Padre Island Kayak Enterprises

P.O. Box 3861
South Padre Island TX 78597
956-525-0010
Services offered: Half or Full day kayak rentals with free delivery and pick-up. Single or tandem boats available with various models to choose from – seat, paddle, PFD, and safety whistle provided with rental.

South Padre Island Water Sports, LLC

5709 A Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island TX 78597
956-299-9463
southpadreislandwatersports.com

Partnership

TPWD is currently seeking partners to help maintain the South Bay Paddling Trail. If you are interested, please contact the Nature Tourism Manager.