One of the most popular trips include the Whooping Crane tours in the winter months at the southern end of their migration routes. Jump at your opportunity to see the very rare and highly endangered Cranes as they mate, nest and raise their young near the coastal waters of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

There were over 150 found in the winter of 2002/2003, up from the 14 found just a few decades before. Witness the results of the hard work of the International Crane Foundation and countless others that have labored year 'round to bring back the population of this nearly extinct bird.

Whooping Crane

Dolphin Watch Nature Tours considers school groups to be our specialty. Bringing many students closer than they will ever be to the creatures and other living things found in the coastal waters. The students have exciting education as the get to touch fish like pin fish, ribbon fish, puffer fish and toungue fish.

Ribbon Fish Caught on the Mustang Trawl Net

They may even get to hold a pipe fish or even a live squid. Students can watch movies at school and educational television programs, but it can not measure to the experience of partaking in a real shrimp trawl and seeing live blue crabs and sting rays up close and personal.

Blue Crabs in Trawl Net

Bring your class to have a one on one with a live hermit crab, all from the wilds. The guests and students can watch the behaviors of these and other creatures in a shallow touch tank, designed especially for the inquisitive young mind.

Jason, Biologist, Teaches students about
what they catch in the trawl nets

Be sure to use the Educational Resources here to prepare yourself and young guests for the unique experience and education you will receive aboard the Dolphin Watch Nature Tours boats. Learn about the things you will see and have a better understanding of what you find.

Flying Pelicans

Dolphin Watch Nature Tours also operates boats designed for fishing along the jetties and sea walls. The Island Queen offers large decks with plenty of space for your to spread out your fishing tackle or your picnic cooler. Fishing with plenty of elbow room.

Photo of Wishful Fishermen from the
end of the South Jetty, Port Aransas, Texas