PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

The park spans about 100 miles and is one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Its geological features are numerous. It is a recent peninsula, only about 4,500 years old. Its importance is great because it protects the Texas coastline during September and October hurricanes, which would otherwise do much more damage. There are only ten such protected stretches of coastline in the United States. This is an ideal place to be seduced by a wilderness. This high density of sea animals is due to the protection offered by the island. The lagoon therefore attracts a large number of fishermen, who are satisfied with the sites close to the administrative offices of the park. In any case, the authorities have set limits for the fishing areas, which it is better not to exceed. The fish that inhabit the lagoon and those that are accustomed to the waters of the Gulf are not the same. Padre Island is known to have no less than seven species of jellyfish, two of which can be troublesome in case of contact with humans.

As for mammals, the closest to fish are dolphins. There are also wild boars, squirrels, hares and a number of rodents. More rarely, it is possible to see nilgais, which are antelopes imported from India. As far as reptiles are concerned, the most interesting to observe will be the turtles, whose population has decreased dramatically in the last decades.

Be careful! For those who would like to cross the island on foot, they must know that there is nothing else but trees, animals, beaches and therefore salt water! It will take a minimum of 5 to 6 days for the most experienced. Shade is extremely rare and fresh water to refresh oneself is non-existent. The interest is also quite limited except the opportunity to observe a wildlife even more wild in the south.

For the others, come and spend the day on the deserted beaches, facing the ocean. Well, deserted... You will have to rely on the numerous trucks parked on the long sandy beaches. It is possible to drive on the sand with any car for the first 5 miles after the visitor center. After that, you will have to rely on a 4x4. Finally, for the trekkers, apart from the long beaches, the only trek is at the entrance of the park and it is not of great interest.