Private Whooping Crane Tour

The Texas gulf coast is home to one of the rarest birds in North America, the Whooping Crane. These 5ft tall bright white birds, that winter along the coastline, have come back from the brink of extinction. In the 1940’s there were believed to be about 20 birds left and with the work of captive breeding programs, there are now about 800 worldwide.

Join wildlife photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner as we photograph whooping cranes in the Aransas Wildlife Refuge. We will charter a private boat which will take us closer to these rare birds as they hunt for blue crabs in the shallow waters.

We will also spend time in a private photo blind in order to get up-close portraits of the whooping cranes. Additionally we will travel to some other birding hotspots to look for other wildlife that winters along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Wildlife often seen includes.

Sandhill Cranes, White-tailed Deer, Brown Pelicans, White Pelicans, Kestrels, Loggerhead Shrike, Crested CaraCara, Mockingbirds, Vultures, Nine-banded Armadillo, Javelina, Sanderlings, Black Necked Stilts, Dolphins, Roseate Spoonbill and Osprey.

Private tour dates can be booked between nov 1 - march 31st

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Date: Book between Dec 1st - March 31st

Length of Time: 3 Days

Price: $1,500 pp

Max Participants: 3

Description: We will spend time out on a small chartered boat to photograph the Whooping Cranes. We will also spend time photographing the whooping cranes and other Texas wintering birds throughout the day. Jennifer has spent lots of time scouting optimal locations to provide excellent photo opportunities.

Included: Photo Instruction, Boat Charter

Not Included: Travel to Rockport, TX, Lodging, Food, Insurance, Photo Equipment. Accommodations and Ground Transportation are not included in the tour fee but can be added onto the tour. Price will depend on market value.

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Your journey begins as you arrive in Rockport, TX. After settling in, we’ll gather for a relaxed introductory briefing to review the days ahead, followed by a welcome dinner—your first opportunity to connect with your guide and set the tone for an inspiring few days on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Day 2 – Whooping Cranes by Boat & Blind
We start the day with a highlight of the tour—a private boat charter into the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, where we’ll photograph endangered whooping cranes in their natural habitat. Watch for them as they forage in the shallow estuaries, often feeding on blue crabs in beautiful morning light. After a midday break to rest and recharge, we’ll head to a private photography blind, offering intimate, eye-level encounters. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture detailed portraits and natural behavior of whooping cranes, along with sandhill cranes and white-tailed deer.
Day 3 – Coastal Birding & Port Aransas
Today we explore some of the region’s best birding hotspots around Rockport, searching for a variety of coastal species in ever-changing light and habitats. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short ferry ride to Port Aransas, where new photographic opportunities await. Expect to photograph species such as black-necked stilts, osprey, pelicans, and the striking roseate spoonbill. And for those lucky enough, there’s even a chance of spotting the rare and unexpected—an American flamingo.
Day 4 – Final Light & Departure
On our final morning, we return to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for one last opportunity to photograph whooping cranes in the soft coastal light. Keep your eyes open for additional wildlife, including crested caracaras, kestrels, armadillos, javelina, spoonbills, and even American alligators. After a farewell lunch, we will conclude the tour for your afternoon departures—leaving with not only beautiful images, but a deeper connection to one of North America’s most remarkable wildlife success stories.
Photography guidance
Entrance fees
Boat Charter
Private Photo Blind
Meals are not included
Trip insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Air travel
Luggage fees
Gratuities
Laundry
Accommodations
Can be added on
Ground Transportation
Can be added on