I assume you’ve found the website:
https://www.portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival/These points are important:
Winter Birding Guidelines
Applies to Trail Use October 30–April 30 (or when Whooping Cranes are present):
Nature Preserve ordinance rules always apply, including but not limited to: open sunrise to sunset; no fishing, hunting, or gathering of any natural materials; no littering; no injuring or harming wildlife; no pets.
Visitors must stay 1000 feet from Whooping Cranes. They should never be approached or disturbed. If you see Whooping Cranes within 1000 feet of the trail, please do not enter the trail.
If visitors are already on a trail and whooping cranes are within 1000 feet, they should stop, remain quiet, and observe their behavior.
If the Whooping Cranes become alert, raise their heads, and stop foraging—you are too close. Turn around if possible or wait and allow the whooping cranes to establish a safe distance before proceeding.
If the cranes do not seem bothered, you may proceed with caution. Walk slowly and remain quiet. If biking or running, walk slowly through the area.
If rules are not followed and cranes are not safe, trail closures may occur. If trail closures occur, guided walks will be available.
Amelia’s Landing is spartan but the people who run it are nice. We like Finn’s Grill and Icehouse (
https://finsgrillandicehouse.com/) and Irie’s (
https://iriesislandfood.com/) for food. The U of Texas Marine Science Institute is good.
The wait for the ferry between Port A and Aransas Pass can be up to an hour during rush times. You can access waiting times and other information:
https://www.txdot.gov/content/txdot/en/driver/travel/ferry-schedules.htmlLeonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is good — easy access — and run by the city”
https://www.portaransas.org/things-to-do/nature-and-parks/leonabelle-turnbull-birding-center/You’ll need either a car or to rent a golf cart for getting around Port A. I’d call ahead since the festival is a big deal. I found the photo seminar we attended to be good, with the expert seminar leader's photos to be astounding.
We didn’t do the boat trip and if I go again, I would.