Downtown Austin Giant Paddleboard Sunset Tour with Bats
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The advantages of the giant paddleboard over a kayak are many.
You get to stay with your group on one board for a shared experience.
You can stay totally dry if you choose. That saves you a trip to your hotel before and after since you can come dressed as you are and go out straight after the tour. This saves alot of time and money.
You can stand up, sit down, or lay down. The combination of all the above makes a way more comfortable trip.
There is no weight limit and these boards are ultra stable. Sometimes people are afraid of the word "paddle board" but take whatever excuse you have for not going on one of these and reverse it and thats more true. "I don't want to get wet." --- Actually you get wet on a kayak but not on a giant paddle board. Thats true for almost any scenario you can think of.
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
This is the best way to experience the bats hands down. The journey on the 3-6 person giant paddle board starts with epic downtown views during the day, continues with the sunset, then observing the 1.5 million bats fly out and ends the night paddling back after dark in the city glow. March update: The sunset is directly aligned with the river at this time of the year! Book Now for July 4th Fireworks. Its the best night of the year hands down. Booking this tour for the sunset and bats puts you along side Austin's #1 experience "kayaking w/ the bats" only you're on a board! Its the same trip just a different vessel. Don't let the word "Paddleboard" fool you. This is 15 feet long and 4.5 feet wide. It is ultra stable. You will not get wet unless you choose to go for a swim. You can sit down, stand up, or even lay down. It's impossible to fall into the water on accident. The mega paddle boards make for an excellent family or group option cause you get to stay together and share the experience. As a bonus, as soon as you book, my auto-reply welcome message has my personal guidebook to Austin that can help you plan the rest of your Austin vacation!
Options
Downtown Austin Giant Paddleboard Sunset Tour with Bats
What‘s Included
We provide a giant paddleboard, life jackets for everyone, paddles, photos, and a dry empty cooler thats a good storage box and captions seat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very Educational
Companion55623351046,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun. Lots of great information and I appreciated the historical context of species conservation.
Incredible experience!!!
FellowTraveler436705,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were visiting Austin and I decided to take my boys to see the bats. They were hesitant because we see bats often where we live in East Texas, however afterwards they were blown away by the experience! They said it was incredible and I couldn’t agree more! The staff was so helpful, even when the wind was against us, they made it easy to not let that ruin any of the fun! They were very knowledgeable and friendly leaders of the group. We made great memories that I’ll cherish forever, I highly recommend Boats and Bats !!!
Unique and memorable experience in Austin, especially for my 4 year old!
C1731OXjennifers,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on this with my 4 year old and a friend and the experience was amazing! Such a fun way to see Austin, from the water and at night. Aaron was such a great guide and gave an informative talk just before the bats came out at sunset. Very magical experience for everyone! Thank you, Aaron for a wonderful evening.
Good varied experience with great views and mix of active and scenic.
Dirkthearab,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice experience paddle boarding, and seeing the bats leave their nest. The paddling out in to sunset, seeing the city change as night falls and paddling back in the dark was fun. Only wee critiques were we didn’t get any photos taken of us as was described in the tour and pre-tour brief.
Unique
rachelzhang1129,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My first time doing a giant paddle board, very unique experience! If you are going with your friends, this giant paddle board can easily host three girls on. Channing is a kind and gentle guide.
A blast with the bats.
landinkyle,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a blast getting a tour and some history while enjoying the outdoors. Great host and guide, easy to follow instructions.
10/10 i recommend to everyone
Explore14769365405,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honestly such a fun experience. Me and my friend went on a Canoe, first time on one for us both yet the guides were helpful and friendly. we felt safe and intrigued, our guide was very knowledgeable about the bats and we had a lovely time.
Such a cool and fun experience!
281meredithr,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a cool activity! We had 4 adults and 2 kids went on a large paddle board and we all had the best time. Paddling down the river was fun and relaxing at the same time. Being on the water just brings peace. The kids loved riding on the paddle board! Ross was our tour guide and was so informative about the area, the bridge, the bats, etc. He even held our kids’ attention which was impressive. We were in a great spot to see all the bats which was such a cool experience for kids and adults alike! The kids thought it was so nest and seeing their excitement just makes a parent’s heart explode. We all loved it and would definitely do it again!
Fabulous Experience
Matthew S,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience! Seeing the bats and the the city at night was truly amazing! The paddle back is tougher than when you head out — however the leader of the group can tow you if needed. 10/10
Viator didn’t tell the outfitter I had a paid reservation
Morgan N,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The outfitter had no record of my reservation so we weren’t able to participate in the event. Viator charged me for the trip and submitted me tickets but didn’t provide the information to the outfitter so they didn’t have a paddle board for my group.
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