The Bay King anchored just past the jetties, bathed in moonlight, gently rocked in tidal swells in time to “… rock me mama like a wagon wheel …” coming from the boat’s muted radio. Skipjack flickered on the surface of the Gulf’s waters. “Fish on!” was shouted time and again, bringing the captain and first mate to assist anglers hauling in whiting, sand trout and feisty gafftopsail catfish.
Tex-Mex Tours, doing business as Osprey Cruises at Pier 19 on South Padre Island and the Port Isabel pier, is in the entertainment business. Already offering bay and deep sea fishing, dolphin watch cruises, off-shore excitement on the Thriller racing boat, and a pirate ship, they are launching the ultimate sightseeing boat Jan. 1.
As fuel prices and fishing regulations make the fishing business more challenging, Osprey Cruises sent their first boat, the Osprey, back to the factory for a $400,000 refit. “It’s not a restoration, because there’s nothing wrong with the boat,” said Phil Calo, one of Tex-Mex Tours’ three partners who started the company in 1997. The refit includes the pilot house, cabin and toilets, and will allow passengers on the upper deck. A massive air conditioning unit is being installed, a sound system, a big grill on back for fajitas and steaks, and an on-board marine biologist, according to Calo.
“It will be affordable, first class cruising,” Calo said. “We’ve spared no expense on the project. There is nothing like it in the area.” Anticipating SpaceX to be a huge opportunity that increases the number of tourists to the area, Tex-Mex Tours decided their substantial investment in upgrading the Osprey would pay off. The popular tour company has long been an advocate for corporate team-building tours on their fishing boats, as well as pelagic bird watching trips 50 miles out.
“The community has been good to us. The area is very pro-business,” Calo said. “Port Isabel has gone from a corridor to South Padre Island to its own true destination. You’re going to spend a day in Port Isabel. It’s a day’s activity. We are thrilled with the area.”
With three boats docked at Pier 19 and three in Port Isabel, Osprey Cruises sees 500 customers a day. The pirate ship alone can board 270 a day. “What puts Osprey above and beyond the rest is the exceptional customer service,” Calo said.“That extra effort, kind words. We’ve maintained the certificate of excellence with Trip Advisor for years.” After Labor Day, the excitement dies down, going from 500 a day to zero overnight. They see an increase in business at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. “Then Winter Texans, Spring Break and then summer’s here,” said Calo.
To read more of this story by Anita Westervelt , read the November 2014 edition of VBR under the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this website, or pick up a copy on news stands.