Located in the Gulf of Mexico off the East Coast of Texas, South Padre Island offers visitors a number of beaches, fishing, boating and other water-based activities. The proximity of the ocean allows for such attractions as the Dolphin and Nature Research Center, an observatory that allows visitors hands-on experience with bottle-nosed dolphins and other sea creatures. For a different thrill, Gravity Park is an amusement facility that boasts the world's tallest reverse bungee, a trampoline, go-carts and more. In the spring and fall, wildlife enthusiasts flock to South Padre Island in search of rare migratory birds and the other fauna native to the area. Tours can be arranged through companies such as Nature Adventure Tours, who offer workshops on the local environment. These attractions are bolstered by various accommodations, shops and services that cater to guests on the island. One unique way to experience the Gulf Coast is by horseback, something that the Island Equestrian Center specializes in.