The tour:

We will travel onboard either the “Jack Flash” or the“Lady Lori” piloted by Captain Kevin Sims and Captain Lori Sims respectively. Both Captain Kevin Sims and Lori Sims have over 10 years of experience leading these expeditions.

Each of the three days we will plan to depart a half-hour before daylight, depending on weather conditions. Our epic expedition begins at the Sea Gun Marina. From the marina, we depart into Aransas Bay, traveling past Goose Island State Park. The journey takes us along the scenic south shoreline of the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, leading us to the Intracoastal Waterway. Upon entering the Intracoastal, we will drift into the heart of the refuge, presenting you with amazing opportunities to capture the majestic Whooping Cranes and a variety of shorebirds in their natural environment.

We then venture north along the Intracoastal Waterway, skirting the edges of the refuge before entering the expansive San Antonio Bay, traveling to the northernmost point of the refuge.

Throughout our journey, the boat is entirely at your service. We will pause at any sight that captures your interest, allowing you to immerse yourself in each location for as long as you need. Your itinerary is our priority; unlike a larger boat, there is no set return time. We can sit and wait for the shot you are looking for, ensuring a personalized and unhurried experience. Typically we will shoot between 5 and 6 hours on the water each day.

The shallow water boat will let us get to places the large tour boats cannot. This allows us to get a close, but respectable, distance to the Whooping Cranes and other wildlife. The design of the draft of the boat allows us to wedge close to shore and sit on the bottom, providing a stable shooting platform.

Our boat features three vantage points for capturing the perfect shot. The bow and aft decks put you right at eye level with the birds, offering an intimate perspective. Meanwhile, the upper deck elevates you above the grass and brush, providing a clear view over obstacles when necessary.

After we return from our voyage, we have the option to photograph at a private photo blind. This will give us opportunities to capture unique Whooping Crane behaviors.