Aransas Bay Birding Charters

Tour Info

There are two tours available. Our Full-day tour is 6 to 8 hours, and our Half-day tour is 3 to 4 hours. Both trips depart from the Sun Gun Marina and travel along the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge through Aransas Bay and into the Intracoastal Waterway. We will travel the length of the refuge along the Intracoastal where we will observe and photograph the Whooping Cranes and many other species. At this point, the Half-day tour turns around and we work our way back slowly along the Wildlife Refuge looking for a few more good photo opportunities. The Full-day tour will continue on through San Antonio Bay, Ayeres Bay, Mesquite Bay and into the Cedar Bayou cut, where tide permitting, you can get out to walk among the wildlife and beachcomb along a remote stretch of the gulf beach, known as Matagorda Island, that is only accessible by boat. After you enjoy the beach our tour will be determined by the location of the birds - either we will return through the Intracoastal or Carlos Bay, working our way back towards the dock looking for another "great shot".

All tours are totally flexible! You charter the boat for the day, so as far as departure times, length of tour, and time spent at each location - It is yours to decide. This is not a charter boat that drives you a specific point and turns around and comes back without stopping. We allow the customer, you!, to decide when you are ready to move on.

Occasionally, we get a request to split the tour with another party. If you are flexible with your days available for your tour and are willing to share your tour with another party, we may be able to accomplish your request. This is a great way to reduce your individual cost and meet other avid birders/photographers like yourselves.

Families Welcome

Are you on a family vacation and are wanting to take a boat tour, only to find that your children are not welcome? Well, look no further! Children are welcome aboard our vessel, and must wear a life vest at all times. (Life vests are provided) Our boat has rails and tall sides, but children must be supervised by a competent adult at all times.

Items to Bring

Sunglasses, sunblock, binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, film, extra batteries, snacks/lunch, hat, jacket or coat (if unsure, please call me). It may be warm at the dock, but it can be considerably cooler on the water or in the wind.

Pricing

There is no need for a deposit. If you must cancel, please give as much warning as you can. If we are unable to leave the dock due to weather, you will not be charged. The cost of the tour is for the boat for the day - not by person. The Full-Day tour is $400 and the Half-Day tour is $325, payable by cash or check. This includes soft-drinks and bottled water. You are welcome to bring food, snacks and beverages of your choice. Ice and ice chest is provided. A sack lunch is recommended for the Full-Day tour and tide permitting, can be enjoyed at Cedar Bayou on the gulf coast beach. If the tide is too low and we cannot reach Cedar Bayou, your lunch break will be at one of two docks in Mesquite bay, weather permitting.