Our Tours
Civil War History Tours
Are you a history nerd like me and want to marry kayaking adventure and history all into one?
Do you want to find, document, and get credit for finding a piece of submerged American history?
If you answered “yes” to either of the above questions then this trip might be the one for you! Who knew the Texas gulf coast played a large role in a defining moment of American history? In this trip you will learn all about the town of Lamar, the battles that occurred there, as well as why this place was so important to both Confederate and Union delegations. You will be taken back to a darker time in our past as we kayak places along the Southern tip of the Lamar peninsula, discovering an area that was wrecked by the travesties of war. You will learn about salt works, Union blockades, the railroad, cattle, cotton, deer, turkey, and even Samuel Colt’s involvement in the area. There are several launch sites for this excursion and yours will be determined mostly by the prevailing winds and adventurous spirit of your group. This trip can include a kayak into marshlands that are known to be inhabited by local alligators and the like. Or, for a less adventurous but still as much history oriented-a trip along the shores of Aransas/Copano/St Charles Bay systems. Now a very cool part! Before heading home we will ourselves be searching for pieces of Civil War history. We have teamed up with archeologists with the Texas Maritime Museum and are excited to bring this to you. We will be using high quality magnets to “fish” for artifacts underwater. Yes we still find stuff even today! Although Texas Maritime Law does not allow for you to keep the artifacts, anything you find will be logged by GPS, date, time, weather conditions etc. and will be fully documented. Artifacts made of iron and other minerals oxidize differently so full extraction will be done by the professionals. We will take a quality photo of you and the artifact then secure the find to be kept underwater until the pros can take it from there to properly care for it. All artifacts become the property of the State of Texas, however we will also provide a framed picture of you and the find and we also provide a discount for each family unit on this trip to tour the museum!
Probably our favorite trips of all are our ECO TOURS. There are several locations we do these trips from. (Aransas Aquatic Center, Wilson Cut, St. Charles Bay, Goose Island, LHL, Redfish Bay) Locations are typically decided by weather and the group’s desires. As a Texas Master Naturalist, Rhett enjoys educating people about our bay system. Keeping wild places wild can best be done by education and immersion and these trips provide both. You will learn about the importance of oysters, sea grasses, mangroves, crabs, pelicans, dolphins and anything else we might encounter. We may not know every answer but have multiple resources to find it for you.
Also, birding is a popular activity in Rockport. Goose Island regularly wins the TPWD birding competition due to the large number of migratory birds finding rest on our coast. Although, I am a master naturalist I am still learning about birding. If that is your thing let’s see what we can find and learn together. The Eco tours last from 2-4 hours (3 average) and costs $125 for the first person and $115 for each additional person in your group. Skill level of 3.
Lighthouse Lakes Eco Tours
If you are Texan and a kayaker this is a Bucket list trip! LHL is Texas’ first paddling trail and rightfully so. Surrounded by Mangroves, you immerse yourself in true Coastal nature at its finest. A true nature lover’s dream. The diving of the pelican, laugh of the gull, the breath of the dolphin, scattering of rays all await on this location. The trip begins at a designated site on Harbor Island Drive. Crossing the Aransas shipping channel, you enter the mangroves and the hidden gem. Back here- be on the lookout for tailing redfish and a vast array of shore and water birds. After crossing the channel it's time to close your eyes, relax, and use your senses unabridged. As we calmly paddle through the mangroves and the “lakes” of the Lighthouse Lakes Trail we come to the lighthouse. Completed in 1857, the Lydia Ann Lighthouse served as a marker for sailors looking for the passage or “pass” between St. Joseph Island and Mustang Island. This gap is commonly known as the “Aransas Pass” as it is the town's namesake. Although the lighthouse is currently privately owned and does not allow visitors, we will paddle right up to it and learn about the history it served during the Civil War and what happened on Christmas Day 1862. After the lighthouse we exit the protected mangroves and enter the Lydia Ann Channel. We will take a short break on shore and a perfect time to find a shell to remember your trip. Be on the lookout for the Lightning Whelk which is the state shell of Texas. On this return part of the trip be also be looking for the many shorebirds that inhabit the area. Enjoy the sandpipers scampering around and don’t forget the sea life. It is very common on this part to see dolphins frolicking in the channel. They are curious animals and sometimes will come and “snort” behind you when not expecting it. To watch and “play” with these amazing creatures is something you won't soon forget. Obviously we can’t insure you will encounter a dolphin, however I have never kayaked LHL without seeing at least one. We will continue down the Lydia Ann Channel to return to the Shrimp Channel back to our cars and see many different boats and coastal life. It's very common to see fishermen heading out for the day's catch, along with Shrimping boats looking to fill their nets for your dining experience, as well as barges hauling rock and other items. These are all part of the coastal scene. This trip usually runs around 3 hours give or take depending on the ability of all involved. On our scale of difficulty I rank this one right in the middle at a “3”. Not recommended for children or someone who has never been in a kayak due to duration, small eddies entering the mangroves, conditions in the channel and tidal currents. We can also accommodate a trip totally protected in the mangroves only having to cross the shrimping channel if you want a taste of this. Call for more info!
Sunrise/Sunset Tours
This is the perfect way to start or end the day. These are very relaxed settings intended to start a day off right or end it on a relaxing note.
The sunrise begins at the historical Big Tree about 30 minutes before sunrise. Camp chairs will be set up by the big tree and our premium blend Kraken Tribe coffee will be served. Time to feel the morning chill and begin to wake up your day. It’s a time to get to know each other and opportunity to ask the guide any questions. After that we walk a bit to the launch site where we will enter the bay and watch the sunrise come over blackjack peninsula. We enter the bay and just enjoy being a part of nature using all our senses to hear, smell, and see life on the bay waking to a new day. Also, it’s a great time for photos.
The Sunset tour is very much the same. We start at the Aransas Pathways launch site behind the airport where the kayaks and camp chairs will be waiting along with our blended coffee. After a quick meet and greet, we answer any questions and then it’s time to hit the water. The coast here has the best sunsets anywhere! It is not unusual for people to pull over on the Copano Causeway just to stop to get a quick photo. To be out on the water swaying with the waves and watch the sun slowly sink away and the nightlife come to life is magical on the coast.
The cost for either of these tours is $100 per person and last up to 2 hours of on water time. We rank this a level 3.5 due to the challenge of kayaking during dark times.
Full Moon/New Moon Tours
Experience the bays in ways most don’t venture into. Full moon and new moon paddles are available and opens your senses more than normal. What a cool nocturnal experience! A light jacket is recommended as the bay can be breezy. Headlamps will be provided by the trip leader. These tours last about 3 hours and skill level is around 3-4 due to the nature of night paddling. Cost is $150 per person. Night trips are limited to 5 participants.
The Lexington
How cool to be up close and personal with “The Blue Ghost”? How often can you kayak
right up to and take photos of a World War 2 aircraft carrier? We will be on the water for one.
hour but count traveling time to Corpus Christi in making your plans. Price is $100 per person
and $85 for each additional person in your party. Photos will be taken and
uploaded. We rank the skill level as a 2 but the coolness
factor is off the charts!
Island Expedition
This trip is also currently in the works and will only be allowed for skilled kayakers with open water experience who know how to self rescue. We are going to rate this trip a 6+. Plan on two large water crossings. One will be the inter coastal waterway.
VHF radios and flares are a must. There is potential for a helicopter flight to our destination and kayaking back or kayaking to and from. The trip will last 2-3 days.
Base price will start at $500 More details to come. Stay tuned!
Kayak Fishing
We have several good honey holes in and around Rockport. Schedule your fishing trip today!
You must have a valid Texas Saltwater fishing license and can be purchased at stores in Rockport. We strictly follow all laws and regulations. No exceptions.
You will be provided with two rods and all tackle needed. One set up for artificial and one for live bait. (Mostly dead shrimp and occasional crab). You are welcome to use your set up and receive a 10% discount if you do.
We have a 2, 4, and 6 hour fishing trips. Locations will vary depending on weather and where the fish have been biting. Of course we cannot guarantee any catch but will do our best to get you on the fish. With kayaking we don’t have the luxury of pulling up the anchor and heading somewhere else so we work with other guides and friends who have fished areas recently and had success. If you succeed, we succeed so we do our best to get you some fish and a trip to remember. At this time we do not offer a cleaning service. Also, we do not allow stringers on our trips. Too many other critters such as sharks, dolphins, gators, etc. want your catch after you’ve done the work. Instead we will use catch coolers, if you bring your own equipment but don’t have one, we will provide one. Cost is $85 per person for 2 hours, $125 for 4 hours and $180 for 6 hours. $50 for each additional guest regardless of the time.