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Welcome to the SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

We are the Rio Grande Valley's premier destination for birdwatching. Our unique location on South Padre Island is the perfect place to observe the birds, butterflies and natural wildlife in coastal South Texas.  Visit us on South Padre Island, walk the bayfront boardwalks, take a birding tour and explore the natural life of the Rio Grande Valley.

Our Mission

The mission of the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center is to educate the public about birds of South Padre Island and its environs: the flora, fauna and the natural environment of South Padre Island, the Laguna Madre Coastal area, with an emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness.

We are a non-profit organization created by the Town of South Padre Island’s Economic Development Corporation in response to the researched desires of our residents and visitors.

Attractions

3300+ Feet of Boardwalk

5 Bird Blinds

Five-Story Viewing Tower

Alligator Sanctuary

Guided Bird Walks

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Birds & Nature Sighted at the Center

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ADMISSION FEES:
ADULTS $10,
SENIORS (65+) AND STUDENTS $8
CHILDREN (4-12) $5
NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE BOARDWALKS.

Daily "Gator Talks"

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Learn all about the incredible American Alligator

through our daily "Gator Talks" and experience the SPI Alligator Sanctuary!  

Meet "Big Padre" a rescued 12' 6" male American Alligator and other juvenile rescued alligators! After each "Gator Talk" you can have a chance to hold and take a photo with a baby gator and a snake with the purchase of the "Adventure Package". A fun and educational experience for the family!

Daily "Snake Talks"

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Learn about one of earth's most misunderstood creatures! Debunk and unravel the mystery of our legless neighbors.

Join our weekly programs

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Thank you
to our partners

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 Thank you, HEB, for your generous $10,000 donation towards our education efforts.

With this contribution, we will elevate and expand our educational opportunities through our interactive Touch Tank, allowing people to enrich their experiences.

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A heartwarming thank you to the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation! This grant is instrumental in advancing our mission to protect, preserve, and educate. Together, we will continue to create a sanctuary where nature thrives, and the community is inspired.

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Thank you to The Trull Foundation for awarding the South Padre Island Birding Nature & Alligator Sanctuary with a $5,000 grant for habitat maintenance! ​Maintaining our 43 acres is a constant task, and we are so grateful for this grant, especially during this unprecedented year. 

This grant will help us with mangrove forest maintenance and cattail trimming, among other habitat development.

We are extending a huge thank you and show of appreciation to The Trull Foundation! 

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Another exciting announcement!

Thank you to HEB Helping Here for awarding us with a $7,500 grant to go towards Environmental Education programs. We are so grateful for these generous grants, especially during these challenging times. We have many new ideas for programming, and cannot wait to get them implemented. Thank you, HEB, for this funding and for all HEB does for their communities!

Click button below to read full press release regarding our HEB Helping Here grant.
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We are excited to announce that we have received a grant from Walmart Giving! Grant funds provided by our local Port Isabel and Los Fresnos stores will help us purchase educational materials that will further our mission to educate our community and visitors about our special coastal habitats and wildlife!

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