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Front entrance of SPIBNC. A short bridge is surrounded by palm trees and leads to the main entrance of a large, white building.

Welcome to the
South Padre Island Birding,
Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

Discover the pinnacle of birdwatching in the Rio Grande Valley at our distinguished sanctuary.

 

Situated on South Padre Island, our exclusive location offers an unparalleled opportunity to marvel at the diverse avian species, fluttering butterflies, and native wildlife that grace the coastal landscape of South Texas.

 

Embark on an unforgettable journey by visiting us on South Padre Island, where you can stroll along the picturesque bay-front boardwalks, partake in enlightening birding tours, and immerse yourself in the vibrant natural tapestry of the Rio Grande Valley.

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Yellow warbler perched upon small tree branches.
A blue Grosbeak perched upon a small tree branch gazes to the right.
An Osprey bird caught in mid-flight from below with it's wings spread out fully.

Birding Tours

A bright-red, Summer Tanager Migratory bird perched upon a tree branch.
Belted Kingfisher bird gazing off the the right.
A bright yellow bodied Western Tanager sports red-orange feathering around its head and dark black wings.
A Great Blue Heron caught in profile standing and gazing off to the left.
A brown pelican floats while tucking its beak to its neck

Events Hub

At SPIBNC&AS, there's always something exciting happening! We organize a wide variety of events, from celebrating seasonal animal migrations to engaging community education and fundraising activities. Each event adds a unique touch to your visit, making every trip unforgettable. Stay tuned and check back often to see what thrilling events we have lined up next!

Upcoming Events

Join us for our first annual Birds & Butterflies Garden Party fundraiser and experience the beauty of Fall migration in our picturesque gardens! Enjoy an evening of live music, food & cocktails, auction items, and much more!

When: October 12, 2024

Enter our Quilt Raffle for a chance to win a beautiful, handmade, queen-sized quilt and support our fundraising efforts!

When: October 27, 2024

Celebrate Monarch Migration season with us! Enjoy free admission for a day and gain access to a variety of fun activities including a native plant sale, live music, local vendors, face painting, sandcastle lessons, butterfly garden tours, costume contests, and more!

When: October 27, 2024

Planning a Visit?

Enhance your visit by booking a guided tour or participating in our educational talks, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all!

Guided Birding Tours

Join our Naturalist Educators for an early morning stroll along our boardwalk, where you'll be guided through the breathtaking tidal lands along Laguna Madre Bay and our local freshwater oasis.

Daily Educational Events

Join us for one of our Daily Educational Talks and delve into the captivating world of our resident gators and reptile companions, guided by our knowledgeable Naturalist Educators.

Group Trips

From private birthdays to school groups, the Center accommodates various group types, ensuring both enjoyment and education through expert-led events facilitated by our Naturalist Educators.

Main Attractions

Boardwalk leading to the center which can be seen in the background against a sunset.

Boardwalk

Indulge in over 3,300 feet of boardwalk access, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating local scenery.

In the foreground, a bird blind can be seen on a boardwalk path. Surrounding the boardwalk is the marina landscape.

Bird Blinds

Experience the convenience of accessing five strategically positioned bird blinds, meticulously crafted to offer comfortable and discreet vantage points for observing and photographing birds.

A wide photo of the Nature Center which clearly displays a five story viewing tower that guests can access.

Viewing Tower

Ideal for birdwatching and nature photography enthusiasts, our five-story viewing tower offers sweeping panoramic views of Laguna Madre Bay and the rich diversity of local wildlife.

An alligator lays in marshy wetlands and bathes in sun.

Gator Sanctuary

Visit our alligator sanctuary, where you can visit with our rescued juvenile alligators, including the captivating duo, Big Padre and Lady Laguna.

Stocky, large-headed female Belted Kingfisher perches on the boardwalk and sits in profile. She sports a chestnut belly band and flanks.

Bird Walks

Join our Naturalist Educators for a serene morning guided tour along our boardwalk, exploring tidal wetlands and a freshwater oasis, while marveling at South Padre Island's beautiful birdlife.

Our Mission

As one of nine World Birding Center sites located within the lower Rio Grande Valley, our primary goal is to provide excellent, one-of-a-kind birding opportunities coupled with interpretive tours of our site and educational opportunities to learn about birds and birding here on South Padre Island.   But we don’t just talk about the birds on the Island; we also have fabulous fish, dolphin, plants and other animals to talk about!

Commitment to Transparency

We are proud to share that our organization has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid. This top-level recognition reflects our commitment to the highest standards of openness and accountability.

 

By providing comprehensive and up-to-date information about our goals, strategies, finances, and impact, we empower our supporters to make informed decisions and trust in the effectiveness of our work. Thank you for being part of our journey towards greater transparency and positive change.

Follow Us

@spibirding

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