If you don't mind staying across the bay from SPI a short ten minute drive across a four mile bridge will get you to a beach in no time at all. The White Sands is a very old Motel and Marina and offers very simple basic accommodations. You will pay 1/2 the price of a similar property on the Island I paid $55 a night during the week. The property is located in a very nice little city called Port Isabel and it is the home to many attractions including the only Wal-Mart close to SPI. The Hotel was probably built in the 1950's and offers two beds a bathroom and a shower. The beds were not bad although they only offer two full size beds no Kings. The area was quiet and safe and there was a very small but nice pool. We were the only ones to use the pool the three nights we stayed.
There is also an onsite marina and sea food restaurant that must have been pretty good as many of the locals seem to eat meals there including the on duty police officers. Always a good sign when the cops eat there it must be good and cheap.
Just down the road you can climb into a real lighthouse and climb to the top and view for miles and miles. more about that later.
If you are looking for a cheap place to stay with no frills including no Internet then this may be your place. If you have a boat and want a marina included then this must be the place. The beach is close and there are many boats available for dolphin tours and fishing. Take your shampoo they don't provide it!
by Bradweber on July 12, 2008