Trip Planner: USA / Texas / Texas Gulf Coast / South Padre Island / Wildlife Areas / Sea Turtle, Inc.

Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island

4.7

#1 of 40 in Wildlife Areas in Texas Gulf Coast

Wildlife Area Nature / Park

Since 1977, Sea Turtle, Inc. has grown from a concerned conservation group to include a hospital and rehabilitation center. Numerous sea turtles get hurt by predators or fishermen, and their eggs get lost due to urbanization. That threatens the balance of the ecosystem and leads to large reductions of sea life. At the center, you can hear about sea turtles and about the organization's efforts to protect all marine turtle species. You'll see tanks with different kinds of turtles--some injured and some nearly cured--and learn about the ways they are rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. Donations are welcome. For travelers who use our custom trip planner, South Padre Island holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Sea Turtle, Inc. and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.

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Where to stay in South Padre Island

As with most tropical destinations, room rates in South Padre Island increase the closer you get to the beachfront, especially if you arrive at the height of tourist season. If you’ve built in a big budget for accommodations, stay at one of the town's high-rise luxury hotels or private seaside cottages. To stay near the water without spending too much, avoid the expensive spring break season. Consider one of the island's inns or developed campgrounds with easy beach access.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,051 reviews

Google

4.7

jojojan1

My husband and I visited on a Tuesday and didn't have any trouble parking or getting in. The work that is being done at this location is phenomenal. It is well worth the stop and they have a great gif... more »
rneely2015

OMGoodness! So, I'm a fan of stingrays, ducks and turtles and the extent to which this organization will go to in effort to save turtles who have been caught in the fishing lines (Thank you fishermen ... more »
TripGal63

This is a must see - they rehab turtles and put them back in the ocean. While we were on the island they released baby turtles into the ocean but we missed it. Will plan better next time. The informat... more »

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Google

Emma Peters-Tune

Oh my. We had such an amazing time here, while vacationing in South Padre Island. We visited twice and would have returned a third time if they had not been closed on Mondays. My kids had such a great time meeting Merry Christmas and Alison. The gift shop had some amazing items too. My kids definitely loved picking out a toy turtle to take home, that they each named Merry Christmas. Lol. And I'm loving their turmeric beach soap. My husband was just so happy to be around turtles and for all of us to learn how important they are to all living things.

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Kalin Sosa

This place is beyond amazing! Great for the family or a little date. Lots to see and learn about the sea turtles they've rescued here. Totally worth it to wait around at "Gerry's" tank to get a glance of him when he swims by, hes HUGE! Gift shop is full of fun little trinkets and fun shirts. Very friendly staff. Everyone should visit this awesome gem at least once! Its free admission but they accept donations. GREAT PLACE!

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Emma Ruehl

Awesome place to spend part of the afternoon! Admission is free with a suggested donation to the organization who runs the place. Lots of mini pools with sea turtles to walk around and look at. Had no trouble seeing, so great place for kids too. Don't miss the most special turtle there, Gerry! He is "famous" and has a fun story to read about!

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Gabrielle Fowler

I love the sea turtle rescue! I come to South Padre often and grew up here and this is always one of my families stops. Definitely recommend coming here and staff is so nice! Gary and Allison are worth seeing along with the others. Teaches everyone about animals rights which I absolutely love! After coming here a lot of times I have learned all of the sea turtles names and hope you will too. Please, please, PLEASE donate and support the sea turtles! 😄😁😄😁

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Christopher Nelson

This is a great place to visit. They do great work here and it's extremely accessible. Just walk in and visit the turtles. Pro tip: They have a website that allows your friends or family to see the turtles while you look. Wave at the cameras!

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