b'Port AransasBIG FUN ON THE WATER IN PORT ARANSASNo vacation to the Coastal Bend is complete without getting your time on the water, and unique adventures are abound include pirates, dolphins, jet skis and even sailing yachts.Woodys Sports Center, located on the Port Aransas Marina, is home to a variety of waterborne adventures in addition to fishing, the most popular of which are its Dolphin Watch Nature Tours. The waters of the Coastal Bend are home to thousands of bottlenose dolphins that seem to find great fun traveling in the wakes of boats and ships. Dolphin Watch takes you up close to these magnificent animals in their natural environment.136 W. Cotter Ave.(361) 749-5252 WoodysOnline.comEspecially during the springGrab your goggles!and summer months, dol- Port Aransas is home to superior, phin excursions have been known to come under (mock) attackby watergun-wieldingpublic bird watching facilitiespirates aboard a secondboat. Luckily, these are traditional, theatrical pirates, andnot those that haveWhile every category of visitor to Portnative dune environment has been made so much news in recent years.This super-funAransas continues grow, eco-tourists,landscaped into the park, and attracts adventure is ideal for groups of all ages!Chute Em Up Parasailingand specifically birders, are among themany species of migrating birds during One of the most popular saltwater adventure sports is available all spring and sum- fastest-growing. The towns place onthe winter and spring seasons.mer, offering an all-ages adventure and breathtaking views of the islands, channelsthe northern edge of Mustang Island isPort Aransas is famously known for its and inland bays. (361) 749-4600ChuteEmUpParasail.com a crossroads (and crosswinds) loca- many natural birding sites, including tion for hundreds of species of birds,the Port Aransas South Jetty, which fish and mammals. Birders from acrossextends more than a mile into the Gulf the United States, and in fact aroundof Mexico, creating the southern bank the world, descend upon this seasideof the ship channel. Across the channel village each winter to make use of itsis the uninhabited St. Josephs Island modern, well-maintained birding facili- that is accessible by taking the Jetty ties, as well as the islands many naturalBoat from Fishermans Wharf.birding vantage points. Across the ferry you will find the very The Leonabelle Turnbull Birdingactive flats zone of Redfish Bay known Red Dragon Pirate Cruises offers an interactive, floating theater, pirate themedCenter at the Port Aransas Communityas the Aransas Pass Wetlands, which experience that is fun for the whole family. The newly constructed ship features aPark provides a boardwalk that extendsis home to a vast array of water birds. crew ofpirates who lead eager guests on cruises in the channels and nearby bays.into a freshwater marsh that is fre- South of Port A is Mustang Island Snacks and full bar. (361) 749-2469RedDragonPirateCruises.com quented by a wide variety of wetlandState Park, which stretches the width Fishermans Wharfspecies. Mustang Island offers fewof the island, including both gulf and Home to popular fishingstanding freshwater reserves, makingbay front zones. Within the park Corpus party boats the Wharfthis spot of particular importance. TheChristi Pass extends into bayside flats, Cat and the Scat Cat, asCommunity Park is located off Cut Offwinter home to such species as the Pip-well as private offshoreRoad; the entrance is at the bend in theing Plover and Long-billed Curlew.and bay fishing chartersroad. Many winter visitors are discovering and the Jetty Boat to St.You will find an observation platformthe entire Coastal Bend while on their Josephs Island, locatedoverlooking a second freshwater basinbirding trek to the region, and Port across the Port Aransasat the Port Aransas Wetland Park,Aransas offers so many reasons to Shop Channel. located off the main highway, TX-361,return throughout the year. Some have (361) 749-5448 across from the U.S. Post Office. Aeven decided to stay!96 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINEQ2.2020 TheCoastalBend.com'