Malaquite Beach

Malaquite Beach is situated at the northernmost tip of Padre Island National Seashore, approximately 20 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. 'Malaquite' is derived from the Spanish word 'malaquita,' which means 'malachite.' Malachite, a green mineral found in the area, was once believed to have healing properties.

Malaquite Beach is one of the few remaining natural barrier islands in the world with a unique ecosystem that the National Park Service is cautiously protecting.

One thing that makes Malaquite Beach special is that it is where the rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle nests. In fact, it is one of the most important places for this species of sea turtle to lay its eggs. This species is the smallest and most endangered in the world.

The shoreline is home to numerous species of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous shorebirds.

The beach was used for filming 'Selena,' a biopic about the late Tejano vocalist Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

Malaquite Shore is accessible to individuals with disabilities, with a number of designated parking spaces and wheelchair-accessible pathways leading to the shore.

Things to do at Malaquite Beach

Go swimming or sunbathing: Malaquite Beach has clear blue water that is great for swimming, especially in the summer. The beach has soft, white sand that is great for sunbathing. Bring your beach towels and sunscreen to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Hiking and nature walk: Take a walk along the beach and check out the sand dunes, which can get as high as 25 feet and are an important part of the beach's ecosystem. There are also a number of hiking trails in the area that lead to beautiful views of the beach and the area around it. One of these trails is the Malaquite Beach Trail, a 0.6-mile loop that goes through the dunes and gives views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Indulge in water sports: Malaquite Beach has many different things to do for people with different interests. Strong winds and waves make it a great place for surfing and sailing. The beach's long shoreline gives surfers plenty of room to ride the waves. The clear water at the beach is also a great place to swim or scuba dive and see what's under the surface.

Go fishing: Another popular activity at Malaquite Beach is fishing. Whether one prefers wading into the water or fishing from the shore, they will have ample opportunities to catch a wide range of fish species. The shore is an excellent place to catch redfish, trout, and flounder, among other species.