Fun in the sun: A look into SPI's Spring Break 2021
Mar. 11—As communities start taking their spring vacations, many are heading to places where they can enjoy the warmer weather.
Now through March 19, is marked as the Spring Break season and so far, city officials say South Padre Island has been busy on the weekends.
According to SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Ed Caum, the department conducts weekly calls to hotels and rental properties.
As of Tuesday, he said occupancy on the Island is around 50 percent in bookings, but an increase is expected.
"People watch the weather and they come to the island when they know it's going to be nice," Caum said. "This coming weekend looks like it is going to be nice, so I believe we will be busy."
According to Caum, the Island has had more families than college students so far.
"We will know more after the K-12 school vacations kick in fully," he said.
According to Caum, it's still too early to tell if there has been any noticeable increase in sales for businesses during this year's Spring Break because numbers are collected after.
"This is a lagging indicator," he said. "We keep an eye on the crossing on the Queen Isabella to gauge how busy the island is on any given day."
Family activities
From learning about the environment to relaxing on the beach, the Island offers residents and visitors a variety of places to visit and activities to try.
"Explore and discover all of the wind and watersports that the Island has to offer," Caum said. "You don't have to go to the Caribbean to catch the wind or ride the waves."
Caum said the Island has many things to do and mentioned a few attractions and activities for families.
According to Caum, Sea Turtle, Inc. is instrumental in bringing back the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle from the brink of extinction.
"There is no better way to teach your children the importance of protecting sea life than to attend a release and watch as tiny sea turtles enter the ocean for the first time," he said. "Bring the whole family to Sea Turtle, Inc. and get a hands on experience with these fascinating creatures."
Caum describes the SPI Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary as a great place to learn about the Island's environment, experience one-of-a-kind birding opportunities and take an interpretive tour on site.
The Black Dragon Cruises sail from Port Isabel to South Padre Island.
According to Caum, The Black Dragon is a modern-day replica of a 17th-century galleon that includes pirates on board and crew interaction with the visitors.
"Below the waterline, she's a modern sea-worthy vessel with the latest marine technology," Caum said.
Caum also mentioned horseback riding at The Adventure Park, interactive boat tours, the SandCastle Trail and fishing.
"Fishing just might be the best, year-round bay (nearshore), offshore and surfcasting you'll ever find and it's all yours," he said. "Whether you've been fishing for years or never held a rod in your life, go where the big fish roam."
The SandCastle Trail is a collection of around 30 sand sculptures located throughout the Island that have been sculpted by professional local and international sand artists.
"Many of these sculptures are traditional castles, while others are themed for the businesses and organizations where they are located," Caum said.
Safe Spring Break
Caum said the city would like to remind island visitors that people are not out of the woods yet with the pandemic.
"We want to urge all visitors to continue to wear masks and observe social distancing when outside of their family unit or indoors eating and drinking," he said. "The City of South Padre Island and our island partners will work hard to keep you safe, we just request your help in accomplishing this."
For more information about attractions and activities on the Island, visit www.sopadre.com.