By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
For more than three decades, South Padre Island Adventure Park has offered unforgettable experiences to generations of beachgoers — from horseback rides along the surf to ziplining thrills and a hands-on petting barn. Now, for the first time since opening its gates in 1989, the 39-acre family-owned park is officially for sale, with founder Doyle Wells seeking the right buyer to carry on its legacy.
“We’re not going anywhere,” said Wells, who, along with his wife, Dolores, has operated the park with passion and dedication. “But I’ll be 80 soon, and it feels like the right time to start looking for someone who believes in this place like we do.”
Wells’ vision for the park began in 1986 when he purchased the land with an eye toward creating a more compassionate and community-focused alternative to the horseback riding businesses already on the island.
“There were three other operations at the time,” he recalled. “But in my opinion, they weren’t putting the horses or the customers first. I saw an opportunity to do things better…with care, with integrity.”
From its modest beginnings at Andy Bowie Park, the operation grew and relocated over the years, finally settling in its current beachfront location in 2012. Today, the park spans a wide range of attractions, including horseback riding, ziplining, and a petting barn that delights children and adults alike.
But the heart of the operation, Wells says, has always been family — not just his own, but the families who return year after year.
“One of the greatest joys has been seeing visitors who came as kids now bringing their grandkids,” he said. “That’s when you know you’ve made an impact.”
A longtime resident of Port Isabel and graduate of Port Isabel High School, Wells is deeply rooted in the Rio Grande Valley community. He emphasized that any transition will be thoughtful and respectful, both to the legacy of the park and its loyal staff.
“There’s no major change happening overnight. We’ll continue to operate as we always have, and if we find the right buyer, the transition will be smooth. Our team stays. Our services stay. The goal is continuity, and hopefully, growth.”
That growth could mean transforming the park into even more of a full-day retreat. Wells said the property is primed for expansion and that they’re open to working with buyers who have a vision for developing new attractions.
“We’ve offered fair terms and have appraisals and financials ready for qualified buyers,” he added. “It’s important to us that the next chapter builds on what we’ve started.”
Wells also reflected on the broader importance of the park in the island’s tourism economy, especially in providing diverse recreational opportunities.
“I used to be skeptical of things like movie theaters coming to the island, but now I miss them,” he said. “It takes all of us — from jet ski rentals to bars to family attractions — to create a destination that brings people back.”
Through years of changing tourism trends and seasonal challenges, the park has remained open year-round — something Wells takes pride in. “Whether it’s the dead of winter or the height of summer, we’ve been here, feeding animals, keeping people employed, and offering something memorable to families.”
He also spoke of the park’s involvement in equine therapy and accessibility, sharing that the adventure park has long welcomed visitors with physical or mental challenges.
“We worked for years with the hippotherapy community,” Wells said. “It’s always meant a lot to provide an experience the whole family can enjoy together — no matter their ability.”
As word spreads that the beloved South Padre Island Adventure Park is for sale, Wells wants the community to know this is not a goodbye — it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter.
“This place is special,” he said. “And it deserves someone with the energy and vision to make it even better. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re excited for what’s next — both for us and for the park.”
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