Elderhostel/Exploritas Program
Elderhostel/Exploritas is an educational/travel adventure for adults over 55 (or accompanied by an adult over 55) who are looking for something different. These short term academic programs are typically 6 days and 5 nights, although some may be shorter or longer. As a large Elderhostel program provider, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas has sites in Port Aransas (on Mustang Island), Rockport, Kingsville, Brownsville and McAllen, Texas. Our sites in the coastal bend have varied subject matter which includes coastal ecology, birding and coastal and south Texas history. All of our Port Aransas / Rockport programs from November through mid-May include a field trip to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to observe and study the endangered whooping cranes. The programs held in Brownsville and McAllen, in the beautiful Rio Grande Valley, specialize in birding. All programs are field based and designed for active Elderhostelers. (Current Program Schedule)
Elderhostel/Exploritas programs are all inclusive. We provide all housing, meals, transportation, field trips and lectures. Tipping is expressly prohibited. You are required to provide your own transportation to and from the Elderhostel/Exploritas Program.
This year we are offering four exciting new programs. Our first program in September will be the Rockport Hummingbird Festival. This program is a feast for the eyes. The homes in Rockport abound with beautiful flowers and flying jewels - the thousands of hummingbirds that stop off in Rockport to fuel up before their migration across the Gulf of Mexico!
We are offering an ecology program in October that features the barrier islands and offers folks a chance to snorkel in the sea grass. In February join us in Port Aransas for the Whooping Crane Festival. This is an excellent opportunity not only to see the Whooping Cranes up close but to attend lectures by internationally renowned naturalists. In April learn to get the most from your digital camera. Our instructors will walk you through the basics and help you shoot and edit superb photos.
Each year, usually in late March, we end ou
r academic year with a special Elderhostel/Exploritas program "The Big Enchilada of Birding". The Enchilada is a fantastic opportunity for the serious birder and a great adventure for a novice. We travel from the sandy beaches of Port Aransas to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for a close encounter with whooping cranes and end with two amazing days birding the King Ranch. Mustang Island and the King Ranch sustain an incredible variety of wildlife and more than 450 species of birds.
For complete program description, visit the Elderhostel/Exploritas web site at http://www.elderhostel.org
For registration information for ALL programs, please call 361-749-6718.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Elderhostel/Exploritas Program Coordinator
Mailing Address:
The University of Texas at Austin
Marine Science Institute
Elderhostel/Exploritas Program Coordinator
750 Channel View Dr.
Port Aransas, Texas 78373-5015