Aransas NWR was originally established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 as a “refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife…”, “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds…” and to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened species…or (B) plants”.

The Refuge Complex is comprised of over 115,000 acres including the Blackjack Peninsula (Aransas proper), Matagorda Island, Myrtle Foester Whitmire, Tatton, and Lamar units. These areas provide vital resting, feeding, wintering, and nesting grounds for migratory birds and native Texas wildlife.

The Refuge is world renowned for hosting the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species you can see on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo, and spectacular wildflowers.

Activities

Interpretive Van Tours are offered from January through April. Tours are conducted every Saturday & Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Each tour runs about 2 hrs. Refuge tours are presented by trained Refuge Volunteers. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the natural history of the Refuge and possibly see alligator, javelina, whooping crane, and a variety of other wildlife species while on the tour. Reservations are required due to limited seating.

Year-round pier and wade fishing access to San Antonio Bay are now permitted at the Fishing Pier adjacent to the Picnic Area. The warm shallow waters of San Antonio Bay provide excellent fishing for redfish, speckled trout, black drum and flounder. All state regulations apply. Other access points: Bay Overlook, Dagger Point, Birding Trail #2, and the boardwalk are open only from April 15-October15.