Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Welcome to Austin's #1 Booked Experience.
This 2.5 hour kayaking trip through downtown is magical. We start by paddling the length of the Austin skyline during the golden hour, then stop to watch the sunset.
We then get into position for the best bat viewing and give a speech all about the bats just before they all fly out. We can usually time the bat flight perfectly so you have more time to explore the rest of the skyline.
On the way home, we encourage you to take your time and take a few breaks to watch the cities lights come to life when the skyscrapers turn on their lights.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
The Congress Ave bridge is home to 1.5 Million Mexican Free Tailed Bats. Come watch them from the best vantage point in the city - on a kayak in the middle of the river!
Austin
The entire kayak experience is paddling along the river going through downtown Austin. You can see the rapidly changing skyline 95% of the trip. You get the whole experience watching the sunset and then checking out the skyline after dark when the city lights come on.
Options
Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats
What‘s Included
We provide the kayak, paddles, life jackets and lights. We also take high quality photos for you and send them to you at the end of the night.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
228 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun Summer Night
Monroe M,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great way to get a unique look at the Austin Skyline after dark. The guides provided very good information and direction to make it an enjoyable evening. It was truly amazing to see the bats come out from under the bridge and learn about the positive impact they make on surrounding area. Be sure to plan for a lot of rowing to and from the Congress Street bridge. It is a pretty good work out, but it was also ALOT of FUN!
We were excited to go on...
Tiffany P,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were excited to go on the kayak bat tour. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had alternate plans and we were unable to go. Due to our schedule, we were also unable to reschedule. That being said, Nathan was wonderful to work with! Even though we didn't get to go on our tour, I would highly recommend the Boats and Bats kayak tour!
No flood of bats
D4207ZUmaryb,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Kayaking was fun. Bat event was very uneventful advertising very deceiving. Guided pretty much deserted us on going back to dock at night. Luckily we were confident in Kayaking. I would not recommend specific event just go kayaking.
Wonderful evening on the...
Peggy M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful evening on the river/lake! Guys were kind and very knowledgeable about the city and especially about the bats
Boats, Bats and Babes!
Lofam19,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took our 6year old twins (our babes) on the tandem kayak tour. Prior to our adventure we reached out via text to confirm with the group about bringing the whole family. We received a very quick response that was helpful and informative! They give you plenty of information to be prepared for the experience. Upon arrival, it was easy to find, very easy to check-in and an easy but informative rundown of what to expect. Our guide was incredibly informative, answering lots of questions and providing history of Austin, information on bats and even the biology of the water. Hands down a brilliant guide and wealth of knowledge plus great jokes! The trip down and back was amazing, beautiful to kayak and pretty easy even with the children. The bats were incredible, the entire tour was absolutely worth it! We would do it again.
Kayaking isn't for the weak!
Zehra D,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This activity was something very different my son and I did (he is 10) but boy are we glad we did it! Learned so much about the bats and the kayaking experience was great! It is a physically moderate type of activity so prepare yourselves!
Fun and easy experience!
Venture734959,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend! My daughter and I tried kayaking for the first time and loved it. The helpful parking video made arrival completely stress-free. Our guide was amazing -he took great photos of us by the skyline and shared some fascinating local history. The staff was friendly, and having lockers on-site for our bags was a huge plus. A seamless, fun, and easy experience from start to finish!
Must experience!!
dennis t,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized- loads of great information about the bats of Austin (w/out getting into the weeds) - overall amazing experience!
Super Fun!
Rachel T,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience. Great staff - friendly and informative. If you are in the Austin area you should give it a try.
Would Recommend!!!
Krysta H,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a really good experience with this tour along with them partnering with Live, Love, Paddle. All of the guides were super friendly and informative and let you go at your own pace for the kayaking but made sure you were keeping up. We had a really good time and found that it was worth the money.
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