If you have ever underestimated the costs attached to a vacation, being forced to sacrifice some of the items on your must see list simply due to lack of funds, you will understand the importance of budgeting correctly for travel journeys. Budgeting can be difficult, however, especially if you have never visited before, unaware of fees, admittance costs, and even some of the costs associated with top attractions. Fortunately, you have found your way to our Franke Rentals page and this guide to enjoying a South Padre vacation on a budget, helping prepare you for the expenses and the wonders that your Texas journey will bring you.
Naturally Beautiful
The beauty of South Padre Island’s natural side deserves to be celebrated and there are quite a few places that not just celebrate the wildlife and nature, but conserve and protect, charging minimal fees and utilizing the money they take in to help protect even better.
Sea Turtle, Inc, 6617 Padre Boulevard
Founded by a contemporary of Amelia Earhart, pilot Ila Fox Loetscher fell in love with sea turtles during a Mexican visit and dedicated her life to saving as many as she could, with Sea Turtle, Inc. being the end result. Costing $10 per person for adults 18+, $6 for Seniors and Military, $4 for children 5-17, and free for the tiniest travelers who are 4 and under, this worthy establishment will bring some of your most treasured memories.
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Boulevard
Built to protect the flora, fauna, and natural landscape of South Padre Island, this fantastic center educates the public as it protects nature’s most vulnerable creatures, and yes, that includes alligators. Open daily from 8 AM until 5 PM, ticket prices are similar to Sea Turtle, Inc, with adults paying $10 per person, students/military/seniors paying $8, and Children 4-12 paying $5. Also offering an adventure package that allows purchasers to take a photo with a baby gator and snake and binoculars can be rented for an additional $3 per set.
Water Adventures
The waters that surround our island home are maybe our biggest attraction and visitors often are reluctant to stray far from the sandy beaches, making these water adventures popular ones.
SPI Sessions, (956) 455-5238
When you dream about hanging ten on your South Padre Island vacation, SPI Sessions is the first place we recommend offering private lessons for $60 per person. If you already know how to surf, but didn’t bring your board, they also rent surfboards for $35.
The Original Dolphin Watch, (956) 761-4243
Dolphins are the friendliest creatures of the sea and watching them frolic is a year round activity that ranges in cost from $16.63 to $18.48 per person.
American Diving, 33256 State Park Road 100 #104
Ariel fans understand that life under the sea is a fascinating one, and when you want a closer peek, diving is the best way to do so. American Diving is a full-service dive center, offering training, certifications, and dive trips that will take enthusiasts to sunken ships and other artificial reefs. Costs for training start at $900.
Time to Dine
Now that you have explored a bit of what to expect during your stay on SPI, it is time to enjoy a taste of what we offer in our restaurants. The fully equipped kitchens in our Franke Rentals retreats will help you cut back on meal costs, but we encourage you to explore the epicurean landscape as well.
Cheap eats can be delicious with a visit to Coconut Jack’s, located at 2301 Laguna Boulevard and offering an extensive menu of seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and more, all falling into the $10 to $20 price range. Have a special occasion to celebrate? This is one time you don’t want skimp on good taste and Liam’s Steak House & Oyster Bar, located at 202 W Tarpon Street offers the perfect way to celebrate, just not an inexpensive way. Steaks, oysters, and a variety of other delicious dishes come with a price tag that ranges between $50 and $100 but trust us; you won’t regret the extra cost.
On Average
What we have shown you here is just a sample of the adventures you can enjoy during your South Padre Island journey, but the best is yet to come. We are, of course, talking about the comfortable adventures you will enjoy when you come home to Franke Rentals every night, perhaps even saving more money there as well. We’ve already discussed saving money by eating in a few times during your stay, especially as dining out can be the most expensive part of any vacation.
But did you know it is entirely possible that you can spend less on one of our SPI sanctuaries than you might on a hotel room? Offering comfort, luxury, style, and surprisingly reasonable rates, our properties will be the best part of your South Padre Island journey. Reserve your favorite today!