Advance booking recommended — South Padre Island lessons fill quickly.
Science-Based Sandcastle Building Lessons for Families on South Padre Island
Sandcastle building lessons on South Padre Island are a blast for the whole family.
Sandcastle Lessons provides professional sandcastle building instruction using a proven, science-based system developed by American sandcastle champion Andy Hancock.
Our guided lessons teach families how to build large, stable, architectural sandcastles using real engineering principles — not guesswork or internet myths. Every lesson is hands-on, instructor-led, and designed to help participants understand why sand structures stand up, not just how to shape them.
Based exclusively on South Padre Island, we use the island’s unique sand conditions to teach compaction, moisture control, load transfer, and structural form. This approach transforms a beach activity into a full STEAM learning experience suitable for families, students, and group programs.
As the premier sandcastle lesson company in the United States, we work only with trained instructors and professional tools to deliver a memorable, educational beach experience — and the biggest, best sandcastle your family has ever built.
Sandcastle building lessons are fun, educational, and hands-on.
American Champion Andy Hancock teaches families how to build bigger, stronger sandcastles using a proven, science-based system developed on South Padre Island, Texas.
Our goal is simple: help your family have a better beach vacation by learning how and why sandcastles stand up—so you can keep building long after your lesson ends.
As one of the premier sandcastle lesson companies in the USA, we provide professional instructors, tools, and step-by-step guidance in a full STEAM-based beach class.
Texas beach sand is ideal for large sandcastles—and we make sure you know how to use it correctly.
From $199
From $399
From $599
From $1999
From $ POA
Andy Hancock has been an Artist across many mediums all over the world for over 35 years. He is recognized as the leading authority on the “science” behind building successful sandcastles literally anywhere as well as developing and testing tools and equipment for beginners and Pro’s alike. Andy appreciates any feedback as his lifestyle reflects what he likes to say most :We Don’t Do Boring”
Master Sand Sculptor Andy Hancock has been teaching for over 20 years on South Padre Island Beach earning a 5 star reputation for looking after you and your family.
Andy has worked across the world on project as small as helping children learn basic 3D art skills to building, coordinating, and working on international sculpture parks using his specialty, carving standing trees. His current focus is writing a book on the "Science of Sandcastles". He is currently working on building a fleet of used death stars as the galaxy hasn't got enough.
South Padre Island called Andy's name after meeting a fellow Sand Sculptor while in Finland carving ice! - Australians don't like the cold much and after seeing the amazing beach and the weather he decided to stay and build a life for himself as an American, and the rest as they say, is history.
Up to 5 for a 1 hr lesson
Up to 6 for a 2 hour lesson
Up to 12 for a 3 hr lesson
All ages are welcome – no ability required – if you have an old adult or infant don’t worry
all welcome – if they are over the number we don’t care as service is #1 for us
Lessons are just for your family and friends – we do share lessons as only one toolkit is supplied
and we want your family to feel exclusive.
We supply everything – all the tools and equipment so nothing to worry about
You need to bring Drinking water, snacks, sunglasses and sunblock – if it is windy, a light jacket.
We can accommodate small changes but it depends on how many others are affected –
We try our best and most families understand – We have a schedule that allows flexibility.
We recommend you book online as that way your date and time are reserved just for your family
We can discuss other options with a quick call.
This is possible – but not usual, and depends on whether there is another group behind you.
