Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the world’s largest urban bat colony emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge! This colony made up of 1.5 million Mexican free tailed bats is an amazing sight to see and hear. From the meeting point, join your professional guide where you will paddle and observe one of nature’s wonders and learn about how these nocturnal creatures help create a better ecosystem for everyone. The tour lasts 2 hours and food and drinks are not included.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Recommend you wear swimsuit, windbreaker jacket, or lightly layered synthetic clothing
Bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, waterproof camera, bottle water, bug repellent, towel, and extra change of clothes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Paddle lesson and safety instructions
Professional guide
Life jacket
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
You will see the world's largest urban bat colony that peaks at around 2 million bats during the peak of the season. The bats take off around sunset and always head towards the eastern part of downtown.
Austin
You will see a number of buildings on the Austin Skyline including the Hotel Van Zandt, The Austonian Tower, and a multitude of residential and commercial buildings.
Options
Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin
Reviews
228 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We did this last year and...
Trinity L,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00We did this last year and one of the best experiences. I will forever remember this. I would highly recommend this tour!
Bat education and beauty
Diane H,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Knowledgeable guides paddle with you to the Congress St., Bridge to see the bats take flight. You have to get past the launch point which on the lake has a lot of muck. Once you were past the muck, the lake is amazing with few currents to interfere with paddling. I learned it so much about the bats, why they come, where they go when they leave, and what their routine is from the scouts who make sure everything is safe to the stragglers who stay behind all year. I also learned about the benefits that bats provide us by eating bugs and producing guano that preserves crops. I had no idea they were so beneficial. I also learned about the discrimination bats have endured over the years and why they are protected species. There’s a healthy heap of Austin history in the tour too. If I were to improve the tour at all, I would give headsets to everyone, so the guides could be heard without paddling alongside them. But this way also gives the option of paddling up close or going behind or a little ahead for a quieter experience. Guides had a great personality and I would absolutely do this again.
Fun for the family in Downtown Austin!
Sally J,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Eli was our tour guide, and he was very nice to wait on us as we got stuck in traffic on I-35 on the way. The experience was fun and informative as they shared great facts about the area and the bats we got to see. The teenager even had a great time!
The experience was great....
Antonio P,
Jul 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00The experience was great. It is easy to paddle the kayak. The bats are smaler than I expected but it was pretty nice. Austin and Will were amazing, a lot of information about the city and the bats
Loved it!!
Yvette L,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour guide was very knowledgeable. The scenery is incredible and watching the bats under the bridge is quite an experience!
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Operated by Lone Star Kayak Tours