Pelagic Birding Tours
Offshore Birding Adventure: Rare Gulf Species & Marine Mammals Await!
Pelagic Birding Tours — Deep Sea Headquarters
Experience the thrill of offshore birding on the Gulf Eagle
Meet your Captain
Captain Jon McIntyre has over 25 years of experience offshore and more than two decades of dedicated birding under his belt. Based in Corpus Christi, Jon combines his deep knowledge of Gulf waters with a serious passion for seabirds. He’s led countless pelagic trips aboard the Gulf Eagle and is well-known in the Texas birding community for his sharp eyes and calm presence at sea.
From helping guests spot lifers to chasing rarities 100+ miles offshore, Jon brings both experience and enthusiasm to every trip. When he’s not offshore, he’s likely birding around Nueces County—or planning the next adventure into deep Gulf waters.
About the Vessel
Your pelagic adventures take place aboard the Gulf Eagle, a 72‑foot offshore vessel based in Port Aransas. Designed for long-range trips, the Gulf Eagle ventures up to 200 miles offshore to find pelagic species rarely seen from shore.
Target & Possible Species
Expect to see:
-
Regular Pelagics: Cory’s Shearwater, Scopoli’s Shearwater, Sargasso (Audubon’s) Shearwater, Band‑Rumped Storm‑Petrel, Masked/Brown Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pomarine Jaeger, Bridled Tern
-
Rare Encounters: Yellow‑Nosed Albatross, Black‑Capped Petrel, Manx Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Wedge‑Tailed Shearwater, Red‑Billed Tropicbird, Red‑Footed Booby, Sabine’s Gull, Arctic Tern, Brown Noddy, South Polar Skua, and more
12 Hour Pelagic Birding Tour
Set sail for an unforgettable birding experience as you journey beyond the continental shelf into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These Pelagic Birding Tours offer a unique opportunity to spot seabirds rarely seen from shore, as well as the chance to encounter elusive marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out, this trip is an incredible way to add new species to your life list.
This full-day offshore adventure offers an exciting chance to witness some of the most elusive seabirds and marine life the Gulf has to offer!
- Departure/Return: 6AM – 6 PM
- Dates (2025): August 8, August 29, September 12,
October 3 - Price: $173 per person
- Min/Max passengers: 12 to 40
- About: Spend 5-6 hours beyond the continental shelf in deep pelagic waters-perfect for sightings of Cory’s and Scopoli’s Shearwaters, Band-Rumped Storm-Petrel, Masked/Brown Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pomarine Jaeger, Bridled Tern, and more.
48 Hour Pelagic Birding Trip
Ready to go farther and deeper than ever before? Our 48-hour pelagic birding trip is the ultimate offshore adventure—two full days exploring deep Gulf waters up to 200 miles offshore, where some of the rarest seabirds and marine life are found.
This overnight expedition is designed for serious birders and wildlife lovers looking to maximize time on the water. With nearly 36 hours spent in prime pelagic zones, you’ll have unmatched chances to see species rarely (or never) spotted from shore.
Expect regular encounters with Cory’s and Audubon’s Shearwaters, Band-Rumped Storm-Petrels, Masked and Brown Boobies, Jaegers, Frigatebirds, and Bridled Terns. Rarities like Black-Capped Petrel, Red-Billed Tropicbird, Sabine’s Gull, or even a Yellow-Nosed Albatross are always possible.
You’ll also have opportunities to spot deep-water marine mammals—think pilot whales, false killer whales, and other species rarely encountered on shorter trips.
-
Schedule: Departs 6 AM Friday, returns 6 AM Sunday
-
Dates (2025): May 16–18, November 7–9
-
Price: $840 per person
-
Min/Max passengers: 10 to 18
-
Onboard: Shared bunks (bring your own bedding), ice chests allowed (no galley on board), bring your own food and drinks
-
About: Nearly two full days in prime offshore habitat—typically 75% of the trip is deep pelagic birding time. Great for experienced birders seeking uncommon Gulf seabirds.
What to Bring
-
Personal food and drinks for 2 days (cash only if buying snacks onboard)
-
Sleeping bag or bedding
-
Binoculars, camera, and checklist
-
Seasickness medication (just in case)
-
Warm layers for night cruising
Services & Amenities
Ethanol-Free Fuel
FULL-SERVICE FUELING STATION BEHIND DEEP SEA HEADQUARTERS
Deep Sea Headquarters is happy to provide ethanol-free gasoline! Pull up your boat behind Deep Sea at the full-service fueling station and fill up your tank!
Live Bait
MACDADDY BAITS
Need bait? We've got you covered. Purchase your live, fresh dead, and frozen bait available either from the boat dock or inside the Deep Sea Headquarters retail shop!
You Hook 'em, We Cook 'em
FINS GRILL & ICE HOUSE WITH TO-GO BEVERAGES NOW ALSO AVAILABLE!
Let us take your day's catch and cook it up for you while you sit and sip a cold beverage. Or grab a cold beverage to-go at our boat-up tiki bar!
Fish Cleaning
Fish cleaning is available upon return at the fish house conveniently located at Deep Sea Headquarters.
CASH ONLY.
Mounting Services & More...
We offer superior mounting services for your biggest catches. Inquire in the business office. Also check out our expanded souvenir shop!
Private Charters
Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced angler, we have a boat that will meet your needs. Rod, reel, bait, and tackle are included! Please call the business office for rates at 361-749-5597.
Gift Certificates
Give a unique gift. Gift certificates are available for fishing trips and cruises.