Port Aransas South Jetty — Attraction in Port Aransas

During our recent visit to Port Aransas on February 12, 2025, we spent an afternoon at the South Jetty, and it was an experience to remember. The jetty extends impressively along the main channel, constructed from reddish granite stones that provide a flat walking surface, making it accessible for both sightseers and fishermen.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the sight of booming waves, a result of the intensified winds that day. The usual crowd of anglers had diminished, likely due to the challenging conditions, leaving the area predominantly to the local wildlife.

The avian activity was a highlight of our visit. We observed Brown Pelicans executing precise dives into the formidable waves, emerging with fish secured in their expansive bills. One particular Pelican caught our attention as it ascended against the backdrop of a towering wave, only to dive again moments later, its bill ballooning with seawater and its catch. This process of expelling water before swallowing is a vulnerable time for the Pelican, and opportunistic gulls were quick to take advantage. One gull audaciously landed on the Pelican's back, seemingly demanding a share of the meal. We managed to capture a photograph of the Pelican casting a sidelong glance at the gull, as if to say, "What do you think you're doing?" The interaction was both comical and captivating.

Nearby, a Tricolored Heron stood resilient against the gusts. Typically a reticent bird, this individual appeared so fatigued from battling the wind that it allowed a group of women to approach closely for photographs—an unusual behavior for such a normally shy species.

As the hour passed, the wind's ferocity escalated, and waves began to breach the jetty's surface. Recognizing the increasing danger, we decided it was prudent to retreat. Despite the challenging conditions, the experience was exhilarating, offering a profound connection to the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the coastal environment.

In summary, the Port Aransas South Jetty provided us with a unique and memorable experience. Its accessible design and the opportunity to observe local wildlife up close make it a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts. However, it's essential to be mindful of weather conditions, as the area can become hazardous during periods of high winds and waves.

Thomas Corrao Stray Compass Life

#PortAransas #SouthJetty #BirdWatching #NaturePhotography #GulfCoast #TexasBeaches...

I walked the entire length of the jetty and quickly realized, you should prepare ahead of time for some rock hopping to get all the way down to the end. The newly poured concrete walkways are nice but only partially completed. The majority of this walk required navigating large blocks of granite and an old concrete/boulder path that is very slick when wet. The tide was going out pretty fast as massive waves were coming in. With all the waves crashing & spraying, all the angled, crumbled, and algae covered surfaces were tougher to get across. As an evening bonus, I stopped for a while to watch sea turtles bobbing up and down in the churn. I took several minutes of video and lost count of the turtles (15). Google cut video to only 30 sec, but there are several turtles popping up for air.

The amount of debris from people was striking. Lots of it just gets trapped there I suppose... But if you do go, be a decent human being and don't leave any...

The Port Aransas Jetties are a must-visit spot for anyone in the area. It’s a great place to go fishing, take some amazing photos, or simply enjoy a walk along the water. The jetties provide stunning views, and you might even be lucky enough to spot some dolphins playing in the waves.

If you’re into photography, this spot offers endless opportunities for great shots, whether it’s capturing the serene water or the beautiful sunsets that light up the sky at the end of the day. It’s one of those places that makes you appreciate nature and the peaceful vibe of Port Aransas.

Whether you’re there with friends or on your own, it’s a fun and relaxing place to unwind. Definitely one of Port Aransas’ top...