Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The rangers advise campers and hikers to apply common sense in trekking south on the is-
land. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, along with sunscreen, insect re-
pellent, good shady hats and other sensible attire. Shore fishing is permitted with a Texas
state fishing license.
Windsurfing
Bird Island Basin faces the Laguna Madre and has been voted as one of the best windsurf-
base here, offering equipment and gear rental ($50 to $65 per day) and lessons.
Tours
Padre Island Safaris
( 361-937-8446;
www.billysandifer.com
)
goes to remote parts of the park for
nature-watching and fishing. Respected fisherman and unofficial local historian Captain
Billy Sandifer will take you the length of the park; a four- to six-hour birding trip costs
$400 for two. You can also view turtles and hunt for shells.
Sleeping
Reservations are not accepted for any of the facilities. Primitive camping on the beaches is
free but requires a permit (available from the visitor center).
The
Malaquite Campground
is a developed camping area close to the beach and about half a
mile from the visitor center. It's suitable for tents and RVs, but it doesn't have any hook-
ups. It does have rest rooms and showers, and camping here costs $8 a night. Many people
park their RVs and trailers along the first 5 miles of beach, where driving is fairly easy.
There is primitive camping (pit toilets only) at Bird Island Basin, on the Laguna Madre
about 4 miles from the visitor center. It's suitable for RVs and tents and costs $5 a night.
Information
Entrance to the park costs $10 per vehicle, which is good for seven days.
The
Malaquite Beach Visitor Center
( 361-949-8068;
www.nps.gov/pais
; visitor center 9am-5pm, park
24hr)
is on the beach just before the end of the paved road. It has showers, rest rooms and
picnic facilities and offers excellent information. Check the schedule for interpretive
walks (there's usually one at 11am along the beach).
