Aransas Bay Birding Charters
Aransas Bay Birding Charters
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Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingPhotography Tours
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Aransas Bay Birding Charters offers on the water photography and birding tours in Rockport Texas. Your tour will take you into the bays and waterways of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. You will see and photograph Whooping Cranes, dolphins, blue herons, roseate spoonbills and many other wading and shorebirds. We also offer sunset cruises and Port Aransas Light House tours. Our boats are custom designed for photography and nature watching. Each boat has an enclosed cabin to keep you and your gear warm and dry. Each boat has elevated platforms so that you can photograph and view from different levels. Sometimes this is necessary depending on where the wildlife is. Join us for an amazing time on the water photographing the Whooping Cranes as well as all the other wildlife the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has to offer.
Rockport, Texas
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Aransas Bay Birding Charters
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
107 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
0
Average
0
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0
Terrible
1
Olivier L
Washington DC, DC2 contributions
Nov 2020
We chartered the boat Lady Lori with the objective of birdwatching and getting some close views of the Whopping Cranes. Captain Lori Sims was in touch with us by phone and email prior to the trip to provide directions to find the pier where to board the boat. We left 45 minutes before sunrise and as a result were at some great birding spots at sunrise. Captain Lori has a great knowledge of the places where to find the birds, is a skilled birdwatcher and has a real talent to ideally position the boat to optimize bird photography. The boat has exterior front and rear decks that are excellent for observation and a roof deck for observation and photography. The boat was stable enough to use a tripod with a scope. The boat has a small cabin that can harbor people in case of cool wheather.
We spent six hours in different birding spots, saw 62 species including Whooping Cranes and many shorebirds and duck species but also some passerine such as Nelson’s Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Captain Lori gave very good explanation on the natural history of the Whooping Cranes including their migration pattern. We saw 24 different individuals in excellent condition and enjoyed some very interesting behaviors.
Certainly a good investment for whoever wants to watch water birds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge under optimal conditions.
We spent six hours in different birding spots, saw 62 species including Whooping Cranes and many shorebirds and duck species but also some passerine such as Nelson’s Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Captain Lori gave very good explanation on the natural history of the Whooping Cranes including their migration pattern. We saw 24 different individuals in excellent condition and enjoyed some very interesting behaviors.
Certainly a good investment for whoever wants to watch water birds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge under optimal conditions.
Written December 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOHNBELLJR
San Antonio, TX2 contributions
Feb 2020
Captain Kevin provided excellent directions to the dock & we met him at dawn. We were loaded and on the water in time to see and photograph a beautiful sunrise. Not more than 15 minutes later Kevin stopped to point out the first pair of Whooping Cranes of the day, and quickly pointed out a very elusive Kingfisher that did not want to be photographed. And that is pretty much how it went as the morning progressed. I think Captain Kevin knew every species of marsh and shore bird in South Texas, and took pride in pointing out the location and characteristics of each.
The Jack Flash is a great photography & viewing boat for 2 to 4 with long lenses, tripods & serious equipment, & accommodates as many as 6 if you're just out for a memorable morning on the water. Our group of 5 had a great time. Thanks!
The Jack Flash is a great photography & viewing boat for 2 to 4 with long lenses, tripods & serious equipment, & accommodates as many as 6 if you're just out for a memorable morning on the water. Our group of 5 had a great time. Thanks!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig B
Austin, TX10 contributions
Dec 2020
We had scheduled a trip for 12/29 which was predicted to be windy (and it is). We contacted Kevin and asked to be moved to another day. They were extremely flexible and moved us a day earlier to 12/28 which turned out to excellent weather wise and for viewing the Whooping Cranes. Lori did great job of finding the cranes, positioning us so that I could get good photos, then repositioning us for ever better views and photos of the cranes. In between crane photos she put us on a variety of water birds. She was excellent in identification and putting the boat in positions where I had the best light. My 11 year old grandson was with us and she found some dolphins which was the highlight of his trip. Next time I go I will definitely book with Lori and Kevin.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, your kind words are deeply appreciated and we're glad you had an amazing charter with us. We always plan for good charters but the weather likes to get the best of us sometimes so we always try to stay flexible for a safe trip. We hope you visit us soon!
Captains Kevin and Lori
Written March 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy D
4 contributions
Oct 2020
Captain Lori met me at her boat slip promptly -- just before sunrise. We set off in the morning fog and quickly spotted early morning birds fishing and preening. As the sun came up, we moved past various marshy areas which were prime real estate for the wide variety of birds we spotted. Her boat was able to get very close in very shallow water, so I had a front-row opportunity to see birds that I don’t get to see in my home state of SD. Capt. Lori knew exactly where to find birds and was also excellent at spotting them from a distance. She let me set the pace of the excursion. When we spotted a pair of song birds that neither of us was familiar with, she took the time to look at her bird identification guides. She also used an app on her phone to imitate the call of the bird and was able to coax it out of heavy brush. Yes, we did get the opportunity to see the whooping cranes! I’m far from a professional photographer, but I got many magnificent photos. If I get another opportunity to be in the Rockport area, I’ll definitely go again!
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CactusWren59
Prescott, AZ7 contributions
Dec 2021
Only slightly more costly than the "big boat" Whooping Crane tours, this small-boat tour delivered so much more! This company is run by a husband and wife team, and they run only their two small boats each day. We rode with Captain Lori, and she knew the area and the cranes well. With the small boat, you can pull close to the shoreline and stay (in the boat) as long as you wish. We stopped for shorebirds, sparrows, and caracara, as well as the cranes. Sometimes, no matter the boat, the cranes are back further in the refuge, but we were lucky and found two families interacting near the shore, for great looks. Captain Lori worked hard for us. She's not a professional bird guide; she's a professional boat captain, but she showed a great interest in knowing her birds.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking a tour with us, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our tour. We very much appreciate your kind words. We are very pleased you enjoyed your tour and the birds. We hope you join us again!
Thank you
Captains Lori and Kevin.
Written February 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pit Vins
Fredericksburg, TX50 contributions
Dec 2021
If you want to see the birds, especially, of course, the whooping cranes, in the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, Captain Lori and Captain Kevin of the Aransas Bay Birding Charters with their boats, the Lady Lori and the Jack Flash, are the people to go to. Of course, you will be able to see birds from the landside of the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, but the real experience can only be had from the water, especially because then you'll have the sun on your back. You also get closer to the birds, and from many different vantage points. Lori and Kevin, with their extensive knowledge of the area from many years of experience, really know where to take you. But even so, you're kind of "in command": let them know where you want to go and/or where you want to stay, and they'll take you. That is a distinct advantage over other tours: with Lori and Kevin you're on an absolutely individual tour, tailored to your wishes, as they are not on a schedule like other boats. Add to that the fact that they have a maximum of six people on board and you will really get a personalized experience. We, btw, chartered the Lady Lori for a private tour. We were just two people, my wife and me, and that turned out to be perfect to make the most use of the different places to take pictures from, the fore and the aft deck, and the top of the cabin. We started before sunrise, and the sunrise was glorious, and later we could see not only the whooping cranes but plenty of other birds in the morning sunlight. Sometimes, Lori "parked" her boat just at the water's edge, from where she pointed out the birds and also tried to call the smaller ones by playing their calls from her cellphone. What a neat thing to do! Lori is a great person with an extensive knowledge of "her" birds.
To conclude: we were very pleased with our tour as well as with Lori. We will certainly return, maybe more than once.
A piece of advice: make sure you have powerful binoculars [at least 10x magnification] and a long-range tele lens [more than 500mm] as the birds are not always close by. A sturdy tripod will certainly not come amiss.
To conclude: we were very pleased with our tour as well as with Lori. We will certainly return, maybe more than once.
A piece of advice: make sure you have powerful binoculars [at least 10x magnification] and a long-range tele lens [more than 500mm] as the birds are not always close by. A sturdy tripod will certainly not come amiss.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and your advice to those who want to come join us on a tour. We are glad you enjoyed the trip from the water and also from our friends at the Aransas Wildlife Refuge. We hope to see you again soon!
Thank you
Captains Lori and Kevin
Written February 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John S
San Antonio, TX202 contributions
Dec 2021
Chartered the boat for New Years Eve day Dec 2021 and brought a group of 5 with 3 cameras. Went out before sunrise with Kevin. Saw nearly 15 cranes with some flying from island to island, and four groups with some having young (colts). Kevin very good at finding birds and bringing the boat to shore and stabilizing the boat for photography and watching the birds. Boat has access to viewing at water level on the bow and also roof top viewing with room for several at a time with tripod or hand held. Had used the same service in Jan 2021 for 2 of us and Capt Lori drove us that time. Both were wonderful, knowledgeable and found us viewing for whooping cranes, oyster catcher, cormorants, terns, kingfishers, and a vast array of others. We were given the option of going places we selected or best option for the day and we let Kevin try to find what he knew was available. We saw the charter go by us during the tour. We were very happy with our choice based on flexibility and room to pick our views and angles for pictures as well as personal attention and results.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review. We are glad you enjoyed your trip with us, we strive to make the charter about you and your experience. We hope you come to visit us again!
Captain Kevin and Lori
Written February 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hiker-7
Sacramento CA154 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a great family owned and operated birding and fishing charter business that takes great pride in exceeding their client's expectations! Lori and Kevin are the boat captains and run an excellent business. They cater to photographers and nature watchers with small flat-bottomed boats with upper deck viewing/photography platforms. They are very responsive to phone and email inquiries handling the reservation details. They are both extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, especially birds (including Whooping Cranes) in the area. They get you close to the wildlife while respecting the animals and not making them nervous or disrupting their behavior. All trips are weather and booking dependent. Payment was handled professionally. I very strongly recommend this business for responsible small group wildlife viewing!!
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your kind words and great review. We strive to teach all of our guests about all the wildlife in our area as we can. Although the Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes leave in the spring, there are many other birds and animals that still live in the area to see. We try to answer all questions about the wildlife and our business to the best of our abilities. We hope to see you again someday!
Thank you so much!
Captains Lori and Kevin
Written March 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John D
Flower Mound, TX9 contributions
Dec 2020
An outstanding morning! Kevin knew where to take us and how to keep us comfortable. He definitely knows the birds that winter here - and probably those that migrate through in fall and spring. We saw 18 to 20 whooping cranes - some no more than 100-150 feet away. Other species we photographed: great blue heron; brown pelican; white pelican; Northern harrier (aka marsh hawk); oystercatcher; whimbrel; and many more. An added bonus: at least 6 or 7 dolphins in two different places.
Kevin was great to talk with. He knows the history of whooping cranes and other birds. We compared notes about weather of my native south Louisiana and his Texas coastal bend. It was interesting learning that his dad taught him to appreciate whooping cranes decades ago when they passed the birds on their fishing trips.
We will definitely be back, and highly recommend this charter company to anyone wanting to see whooping cranes up close.
Kevin was great to talk with. He knows the history of whooping cranes and other birds. We compared notes about weather of my native south Louisiana and his Texas coastal bend. It was interesting learning that his dad taught him to appreciate whooping cranes decades ago when they passed the birds on their fishing trips.
We will definitely be back, and highly recommend this charter company to anyone wanting to see whooping cranes up close.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pgpg5860
Alberta165 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
My wife and I spent an amazing day out on the water watching and photographing multiple bird species. There wasn’t a bird he didn’t recognize and was able to explain easy ways for us to learn the small things between herons, etc. He managed to manoeuvre the boat close to the birds but did so in a way that didn’t spook them, he also ensured we understood what causes the birds to become uneasy and what things we should do to help ensure we had a successful trip.
Looking to book another trip before we leave the area.
Looking to book another trip before we leave the area.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend and I will be around Nov 17 and would like private tour can you give me prices ?
Written October 23, 2019
Hello
The Cranes are here October until the first week of April. January, February and March are the best times for seeing the most Cranes.
Thank you
Kevin and Lori
Written January 29, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.