We had scheduled a trip for 12/29 which was predicted to be windy (and it is). We contacted Kevin and asked to be moved to another day. They were extremely flexible and moved us a day earlier to 12/28 which turned out to excellent weather wise and for viewing the Whooping Cranes. Lori did great job of finding the cranes, positioning us so that I could get good photos, then repositioning us for ever better views and photos of the cranes. In between crane photos she put us on a variety of water birds. She was excellent in identification and putting the boat in positions where I had the best light. My 11 year old grandson was with us and she found some dolphins which was the highlight of his trip. Next time I go I will definitely book with Lori and Kevin.

An outstanding morning! Kevin knew where to take us and how to keep us comfortable. He definitely knows the birds that winter here - and probably those that migrate through in fall and spring. We saw 18 to 20 whooping cranes - some no more than 100-150 feet away. Other species we photographed: great blue heron; brown pelican; white pelican; Northern harrier (aka marsh hawk); oystercatcher; whimbrel; and many more. An added bonus: at least 6 or 7 dolphins in two different places.

Kevin was great to talk with. He knows the history of whooping cranes and other birds. We compared notes about weather of my native south Louisiana and his Texas coastal bend. It was interesting learning that his dad taught him to appreciate whooping cranes decades ago when they passed the birds on their fishing trips.

We will definitely be back, and highly recommend this charter company to anyone wanting to see whooping cranes up close.

We chartered the boat Lady Lori with the objective of birdwatching and getting some close views of the Whopping Cranes. Captain Lori Sims was in touch with us by phone and email prior to the trip to provide directions to find the pier where to board the boat. We left 45 minutes before sunrise and as a result were at some great birding spots at sunrise. Captain Lori has a great knowledge of the places where to find the birds, is a skilled birdwatcher and has a real talent to ideally position the boat to optimize bird photography. The boat has exterior front and rear decks that are excellent for observation and a roof deck for observation and photography. The boat was stable enough to use a tripod with a scope. The boat has a small cabin that can harbor people in case of cool wheather.
We spent six hours in different birding spots, saw 62 species including Whooping Cranes and many shorebirds and duck species but also some passerine such as Nelson’s Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Captain Lori gave very good explanation on the natural history of the Whooping Cranes including their migration pattern. We saw 24 different individuals in excellent condition and enjoyed some very interesting behaviors.
Certainly a good investment for whoever wants to watch water birds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge under optimal conditions.