Join a 12-hour pelagic birding tour in the Gulf of Mexico where rare seabirds and marine mammals create unforgettable wildlife moments. Perfect for birders and nature lovers looking for a deep-sea adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, but guests should be comfortable on a boat for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Gulf of Mexico has long been a migratory corridor for birds and marine mammals, with local legends dating back centuries about the abundance of sea life.
Conservation
Captain Kelly's tour supports responsible wildlife viewing and adheres to strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine species.
Captain Kelly's Deep Sea Headquarters
Join a 12-hour pelagic birding tour in the Gulf of Mexico where rare seabirds and marine mammals create unforgettable wildlife moments. Perfect for birders and nature lovers looking for a deep-sea adventure.
Captain Kelly's Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas, Texas, operates a fleet of deep-sea and bay fishing charters specializing in multi-day tuna trips, offshore tours, pelagic birding, and private group charters. The operation offers a range of scheduled departures including 36-hour and 60-hour tuna trips, 24-hour overnight and 12-hour offshore excursions, 8-hour outings, daily 3.5-hour bay fishing, and a 12-hour pelagic birding tour. Trips provide guests with experienced crew, gear, safety equipment, and clear departure information from Port Aransas. Anglers can target species such as yellowfin and blackfin tuna, vermilion snapper, kingfish, wahoo, barracuda, Atlantic sharpnose shark, gafftop, whiting, and sandtrout, with opportunities for night fishing and trolling around floater rigs. Private charters accommodate groups for corporate events, family gatherings, and special occasions with exclusive boat access. Captain Kelly's focuses on providing straightforward trip descriptions, set durations, and what to bring, including food and drinks for multi-day trips. The business operates within Gulf of Mexico waters off Port Aransas and follows local regulations and safety practices. The variety of trips suits serious anglers seeking pelagic species, families looking for short bay fishing, and birders pursuing offshore seabirds and marine mammals.
Certain trips include provided gear and on-board refreshments, while multi-day tuna trips advise guests to bring their own food and drinks. Group sizes and vessel details are communicated at booking so guests understand trip length and target species.
Location
Port Aransas, TX
Launches from Port Aransas harbor
Trip Durations
3.5–60 hr
Short bays to multi-day tuna trips
Private Charters
Available
Groups, corporate events, families
Target Species
Yellowfin, Snapper
Tuna, kingfish, sharks, bay species
Reserve a spot on a 3.5-hour bay trip, overnight fishing, or multi-day tuna charter — limited spaces on 36- and 60-hour trips.
Bring binoculars
A good pair of binoculars will help you spot distant birds and marine mammals more clearly.
Dress for the weather
Wear layers and bring sun protection, as conditions can change quickly at sea.
Book in advance
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early for this popular tour.
Stay hydrated
Bring water to stay refreshed during the full-day excursion.
Binoculars
Allows better viewing of distant seabirds and marine mammals.
Sun hat or cap
Protects against sun exposure during long hours outdoors.
Layered clothing
Adapts to changing weather conditions at sea.
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during prolonged outdoor exposure.