Question 1

What's your admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Adults - $12
Senior/Military - $10
Students (13-18) - $10
Children (4-12) - $5
Children under 4 - Free

Upgrade your admission! For $10 more, you can upgrade your admission to our Adventure Package and take a picture holding a baby alligator and non-venomous snake.

Question 2

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We are open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Adventure Packages end 30 minutes before closing time.

Question 3

Does the purchase of a daily admission ticket grant access for the entire day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, re-entry is allowed and you can come and go as you please until closing time (5PM).

Question 4

Is your center wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with designated accessible parking, an elevator, and a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk. We also have a wheelchair available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Question 5

When can we watch Big Padre be fed?

Accepted Answer

Feeding shows are from mid-March to late October, after our 11am and 1:30pm Gator Talks. In the colder months, alligators go through a period of minimal activity called brumation. Alligators slow down their metabolism significantly during this time, so between late October and early March, there are no feeding shows.

Question 6

Do you only accept cards for payment?

Accepted Answer

No, we accept cash and/or cards.

Please note, a 3.5% fee is processed on all card transactions.

Question 7

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

We welcome service animals throughout our facility.

All other pets must be leashed and are permitted only in the front gardens and indoor areas. Pets on the back patio or boardwalk must be contained in a closed carrier. If your pet becomes disruptive to wildlife and/or our resident animals, you may be requested to relocate indoors or to the front grounds of our Center.

Question 8

When can I expect to see the most bird activity?

Accepted Answer

For optimal birdwatching on South Padre Island, the Fall through Spring seasons offer prime opportunities. Witness spectacular migrations during Fall and Spring, with peaks typically occurring in mid-September and mid-April. Winter months are also notable, as diversity increases with northern wintering birds such as waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and certain songbirds joining the resident species.

The best birding activity is early morning when avian activity is at its peak. At our Center, morning visits are particularly rewarding as the sun illuminates the birds and habitat perfectly, enhancing the viewing experience.

Question 9

Are you affiliated with National or State Parks/Do you honor national or state park passes?

Accepted Answer

No, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and have no affiliation to national or state parks and their respective membership passes. We do have annual passes that you can purchase right here on our website or in-person at our gift shop.

Check out our Annual Pass page for more information!

Question 10

I've found an injured bird, can I bring it in?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate injured animals as we are not equipped to provide rehabilitation services. If you encounter an injured bird or animal, please reach out to SPI Code Enforcement at (956) 761-8123 for assistance.

Question 11

I've encountered an alligator, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

For alligator rescues, please contact Texas Parks & Wildlife at (512) 389-4848. They will provide you with a case/control number. After obtaining a case number, please reach out to our Gator Rescue Team at (956) 761-6801 to initiate the rescue process.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove an alligator yourself.

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@spibirding