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Shadows by the Shore: South Padre Island Ghost Tour

Join South Padre Phantoms to drench yourself in the sinister tales of this strange barrier island and its haunting specters, leaving your bones chilled despite the temperate climate.

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South Padre Island Phantoms, Purgatory, & Penance Ghost Tour

Location
All tours meet at the Jesus Christ of the Fisherman Statue, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Duration
Tours last 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance. Ask about the bonus extended tour to additional haunted locations!
When
Tours are held nightly
Admission
Simply bring your ID. You do not need a printed ticket or passes.
Parking
Visit parkopedia.com for the most up-to-date parking info.

Meet Us Here

A statue under a dark sky
Collage of images of tour guests enjoying their tours

The Experiences You've Heard About

Kelly Cortz

Five Stars

Alex did a great job on this tour. Very informative and a great sense of humor. I would highly recommend.

06.30.25

Kasey Murphy

Five Stars

Alex was so good! Really enjoyed our evening!!

06.30.25

Samantha Jones

Five Stars

Our guide Kierian was wonderful and knew so much about the area. We learned a lot and really enjoyed it!! Thank you!!

06.29.25

Read All Reviews

Preview The Most Haunted Locations In South Padre Island

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Although forgotten for most of the 20th century, the Port Isabel Lighthouse holds many memories of a bygone era. Echoes of a dying man choke this coastal watchtower, casting shadows despite the bright beacon above.

US Coast Guard Station

Without the assistance of the Coast Guard, it is likely many more souls would haunt South Padre Island. However, these brave individuals cannot save all — some who perished at sea linger here still, their distant voices humming with static.

Welcome To South Padre Island Phantoms, Purgatory, & Penance Ghost Tour

Treacherous waters, devastating storms, and deadly shipwrecks have left many restless beings adrift on South Padre Island, enveloping this thin strip of land in a wicked undercurrent. 

Frightening Folklore

Throughout history, death has been a familiar subject to many a lady on the Island of South Padre — but to one woe-stricken woman, death is particularly close. Journey with South Padre Phantoms to uncover one of this pristine island’s most chilling figures of folklore.

Feel a tremor as South Padre Phantoms unveils the story of this weeping woman in white and learn the details surrounding this unsettling figure. Listen to the lore surrounding La Llorona, and learn about those who’ve encountered her bewildering presence and heard unearthly cries from beyond the grave. 

How long has this troubling entity walked the sand dunes, and why do her wails permeate the night? Given the tragedy of this region, there might be many reasons for a woman to be found weeping on the beach. Uncover the murky story behind this dreadful being on a phenomenal ghost tour with South Padre Phantoms.

What Will I See?

Visit South Padre’s Most Haunted Locations, Including:

  • Port Isabel Lighthouse – Although forgotten for most of the 20th century, the Port Isabel Lighthouse holds many memories of a bygone era. Echoes of a dying man choke this coastal watchtower, casting shadows despite the bright beacon above. 
  • US Coast Guard Station – Without the assistance of the Coast Guard, it is likely many more souls would haunt South Padre Island. However, these brave individuals cannot save all — some who perished at sea linger here still, their distant voices humming with static. 

A Ghostly Beacon

In a lighthouse left abandoned for more than a century, countless things might creep in the shadows. Walk with South Padre Phantoms to shed some light on this seaside landmark’s lengthy past and ghostly tales, revealing its peculiar history. 

Wielded as a pawn in the Civil War, this eerie lighthouse contains a dark past beneath its brilliant beam. An odd atmosphere surrounds the Port Isabel Lighthouse, veiling it in mystery with its hazy glow. 

Discover the sickly spirit that lives inside, whose horrifying visage remains flailing and thrashing even in death. Who might he be, and what could have happened to this wretched soul to render him so ghastly? Examine these questions and find their answers along a chilling ghost tour of South Padre Island. 

Why is South Padre Island so Haunted?

A Haunted Cache of Gold Remains Hidden

Follow South Padre Phantoms to unearth the story of a legendary treasure and the menacing spirit who mercilessly guards it among the sand dunes. The tale is one rippling with sunken Spanish ships, vicious weather, and nearly 300 dead conquistadors.

Those who intend to go looking for buried riches on this ghost-littered island, beware. You may too become a part of the legend of Money Hill — and unlike South Padre Phantoms, dead men tell no tales. Keep your distance if you see a scowling man amongst the dunes. John Singer’s treasure may be near, and this blisteringly angry spirit will not surrender it lightly. 

Hear about this black-eyed spirit that protects this clutch of gold and uncover the efforts he will go to to keep trespassers away from this loot. This enthralling tale and many more await on a thrilling South Padre ghost tour.

South Padre Island’s Most Haunted

Given its unique geography, it’s no wonder that so many strange creatures and specters shelter themselves away within the remote resort town of South Padre Island. There’s an aura of reverence found within the Port Isabel Cemetery, where headstones date back to the 1800s. Within, the apparition of a little boy is said to wander among the graves, sometimes being captured in photographs. Yet this is not all the mainland offers. About half a mile away from these funeral grounds, another sort of resting place lies.

Known as Port Isabel’s longest-standing hotel, the Queen Isabel Inn seems to possess its own unsettling energy. Late at night, when all the living are asleep, phantom footsteps are heard within this historic hotel, pacing the lobby although it remains empty. Might this entity be related to one of the violent hurricanes this building survived? A closer inspection on your part might reveal more.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

5 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR SOUTH PADRE PHANTOMS TOUR RIGHT NOW!

1) You’re A History Buff with a Dark Side

Although you might think a resort town would hold little historical significance, this intriguing region harbors a compelling past. From its early period, rich with Spanish Conquistadors and indigenous people, to its later era amongst bloody wars, many shadowy stories along this tour are awash with history — one only needs to know who to ask. 

2) You’re Mesmerized by Maritime Lore

Be you a landlubber with a fondness for the sea or a sailor at heart, the land of this island is soaked in nautical legends. Embark on a spine-tingling tour and breathe in the salty air as we indulge you with stories of its ghostly lighthouse and the strange artifacts that wash ashore on these surreal sands. 

3) You’re Obsessed With Cryptids, Folklore, and Legends

Cameron County is a treasure trove for those intrigued by bizarre creatures and curious legends. Along this 113-mile stretch of land, many odd creatures prowl the night, from figures who weep to those that fly. Among its many other legendary beings, you’ll be entertained by tales of South Padre Island’s very own cryptid, a bat-like entity that stalks the night sky. 

4) You’re Looking For South Padre Island’s Buried Treasure

Tales of buried treasure have lured many a man to his death. Take the safer route and voyage along South Padre Island’s streets, hearing legendary stories of this region’s sunken ships and lost treasure. Rumored to be guarded by a hot-tempered ghost, this bounty is best left hidden lest you provoke the wrath of the ghoulish entity who protects it.  

5) You’re Still Finding Your Sea Legs

If the mere thought of traveling by boat tinges your skin a sickly shade of green, you’ll be safe along a walking tour with South Padre Phantoms. Those that dread these briny waters, fear not. We will regale you with this island’s spectral seaside stories from the safety of land, sending a shiver down your spine with ghostly tales trawled from their watery grave.

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