Welcome to the sunny, beautiful Gulf Coast! You might wonder, “What fun can I get into while I’m here?” Well, there are numerous exciting outdoor activities in Port Aransas, Texas, to partake in. If you are interested in enjoying some downtime on the beach, trying your hand at parasailing, going fishing, or riding the waves while you surf, there’s something for everyone in Port A.
The best part is that when you choose a Coral Cay Beachfront Condominium, you have a beachside home base for all your outdoor activities. Our condos are located right on the shore, making it easy to kick back and relax after a big day outdoors.
So if you’re interested in what types of adventures are in store, read on!
Port Aransas, TX Beaches
Once you arrive in Port Aransas, you’ll have access to over 18 miles of beaches. Yes, you read that correctly: 18 miles! In fact, we even wrote an exclusive piece on them so you can get the scoop before you visit!
Read More: A Guide to the Best Beaches in Port Aransas
Want the short version? Begin at beautiful Port Aransas beach, steps away from our condos. From there, you can journey south along Mustang Island State Park Beach and eventually reach the Padre Island National Seashore. Whether you want to walk, body surf, swim, observe nature, or lie back and relax, there is ample space to do everything.
Port Aransas Beach Fee: While entering Port Aransas beach on foot is free, you need a $12 parking pass if you want to park your car along the beach.
Mustang Island State Park Beach Fee: $7 entrance fee for those 13 and older.
Padre Island National Seashore Fee: $15-$25 for a standard pass.
Surfing on the Gulf Coast
Is there another water sport as iconic as surfing? It’s definitely at the top in our books. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced at riding the waves, Port A offers fantastic surfing opportunities, along with plenty of surf rental shops and lessons for those just starting out.
BoardHouse
BoardHouse is a rad, family-operated surf and skate shop that has been in business for over 19 years and proudly offers surfboard rentals and lessons! Plus, they provide delivery options starting at $8, so they can deliver a surfboard right to your condo.
- Location: BoardHouse Surf & Skate, 505 N Alister, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
- Phone: (361) 749-3100
Island Surf Rentals
Since 2009, Island Surf Rentals has served the Port Aransas community with various types of outdoor equipment. Whether you’re looking for surfboards or golf carts, you’ll find everything you need here.
- Location: 130 E. Ave G, Port Aransas, TX. 78373
- Phone: (361) 749-0822
Texas Surf Camps
Looking to ride some waves? Texas Surf Camps is here to help. Their friendly instructors are ready to guide you, regardless of age or skill level. Plus, they offer surfboard rentals and advanced training for those looking to take their skills to the next level.
- Phone: 361-749-6956
Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Port Aransas
Kayaking and paddleboarding are wonderful outdoor activities. Kayaking allows you to explore water at your own pace, while paddleboarding (SUP, stand-up paddleboarding) lets you stand or kneel on a board and navigate with a single paddle. Both are excellent workouts that allow you to soak up the scenery.
Island Surf Rentals
Once again, Island Surf Rentals provides everything you need to hit the water, including kayaks and paddleboards.
Coastal Bend Kayaking
Coastal Bend Kayaking is a family-owned business that has been providing professional guided tours in the Port Aransas area since 2002. Experience an unforgettable journey with their guide, Hector Rios, who knows the area like the back of his hand.
- Location: 1038 South Commercial St., Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
- Phone: 361-557-7003
Jet Skiing in Port Aransas
Get ready for thrills (and hopefully no spills) with Port Aransas jet ski rentals. Feel the coastal breeze and waves of excitement as you cruise along the water. These rentals provide a fun way to explore the area.
Gettin’ Salty Watersports
Hop on board a jet ski from Gettin’ Salty Watersports. This Port A institution offers rentals and guided tours, sightseeing, and dolphin watches from the back of a jet ski. Anyone can ride at any age, but drivers must be at least 13 and must have passed a boater education course. So, bring the whole family!
- Phone: (361) 748-7258
- Location: 301 JC Barr Blvd. Port Aransas, TX 78373
Fishing in Port Aransas
Get ready to bring home some dinner! Port Aransas was recently dubbed the “Fishing Capital of Texas” and rightly so. It has been a favorite spot for anglers for many years because you can find all sorts of fish in Port A.
Inshore, you can expect to find incredibly fertile fishing waters filled with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Offshore, you can discover delicious red snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, and more. Doesn’t that sound better than takeout?
Surf and Pier Fishing in Port Aransas
Surf and Pier Fishing are fun and easy ways to catch fish! Surf fishing is free, and you can do it from the beach. To fish from the Horace Caldwell Pier, you must pay an entrance fee of $3 and a pole fee of $4. Don’t have your own pole? No problem! You can rent one for $25.
The great thing about surf and pier fishing is that all you need to start is a Texas fishing license, which you can buy online or in certain stores, and some gear. What gear, you might ask? Here’s a handy list:
- Rod
- Reel
- Tackle
- Bait
- Line
- Sand spike (for surf fishing)
- A cooler
- Pliers
Fishing Charters in Port Aransas
If you want to hit the Gulf, the bay, or nearby channels, boat captains and fishing guides will charter their boats and take you to all the best spots! Being on a chartered boat while you fish is a spectacular way to spend a day, and will leave you with wonderful memories, and hopefully dinner.
Deep Sea Headquarters
This private group charter provides an exciting adventure in the Gulf for catching red snapper, tuna, and more. Deep Sea Headquarters offers fresh bait, to-go drinks, fish cleaning, and will cook your catch when you’re done!
- Location: 440 W. Cotter Rd. Port Aransas, Texas 78373
- Phone: 361-749-5597
Woody’s Fishing Adventures
Join Woody’s Fishing Adventures for a fishing trip in Port Aransas! Their experienced South Texas Captains cater to all skill levels, guiding you to the best spots. Just bring snacks, a cooler, and your Texas fishing license for a memorable day on the water.
- Phone: (361) 749-5252
Parasailing in Port Aransas
Want to see Port Aransas from above? Try Parasailing! This high-flying sport lets you get a birds-eye view of the Gulf and Port Aransas as a boat pulls you along attached to a parachute. It’s loads of fun for anyone who isn’t afraid of heights.
Chute ‘Em Up Parasail
Experience an unforgettable adventure with Chute ‘Em Up Parasail! They like to say, “If you can sit, you can fly!” For over twenty years, this Coast Guard-certified company has safely taken families parasailing. They welcome everyone ages 7 and up to enjoy this exciting experience.
- Phone: 361-774-5792
- Address: 154 W Cotter Avenue, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Book Your Port Aransas Beach Vacation Today!
Featured Vacation Rental: Coral Cay #224
Does the sound of all these outdoor activities in Port Aransas make you crave a beach vacation? Coral Cay Beachfront Condominiums are steps away from Port Aransas beach and all that it offers! Imagine waking up in the morning and hearing the ocean when you go outside or open your patio door.
When you book directly with Coral Cay, you are a short walk from the beach, and can even choose an ocean view if you’d like. Every rental is fully furnished and has an electric kitchen, microwave, and in-room coffee service. Our grounds also offer tennis courts, shuffleboard, and covered BBQ areas!
Another perk of booking directly with us is that you won’t get stuck paying third-party fees like you would with Airbnb or VRBO. Trust us, those add up fast and can often raise your total by hundreds of dollars or more! Wouldn’t you rather put that money toward fun outdoor adventures during your vacation?
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Activities in Port Aransas
To operate a jet ski in Texas, you must be at least 13 years of age and must pass a boater’s education course if you were born on or after September 1, 1993.
You don’t need a pass to enter Port Aransas beach on foot, but if you want to bring a car, you need a $12 parking pass.
A one-day, all-water fishing license for a non-resident is $16, and $11 for a resident. Packages are available if you wish to fish for more than one day. You can purchase a Texas Fishing License online or at select retail locations.