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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really enjoyed a...
Maria C,
Oct 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Really enjoyed a wonderful evening! Loved the bats and the row back to the starting point is magical in the dark! Appreciated the recommendation to use a big paddle board with our party of three.
So much fun! Not a great...
Anna T,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00So much fun! Not a great turn out if the bats, but still worth it. The city looked gorgeous at night
Don't miss a unique Austin experience!
V W,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00What a fun experience in Austin! This is a great way to see the city skyline and experience the unique sight of bats flying at dusk. The paddling was easy, even after dark as we paddled back to the starting point. Highly Recommended!
Bucket List Item
Melissa R,
Oct 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guides were really helpful. We needed a bigger vessel for our group and they delivered with an extra large paddle board. The scenery was gorgeous, especially at night with the city lights. The BATS! Wow! We honestly could not have had a better view from the base of the bridge, and there were SO MANY! It took at least 25 minutes for them all to fly off. Only bad part about the experience was the vegetation and trash in the lake itself. There was A LOT and it made paddling a little difficult. You also couldn’t avoid it at night on the return trip because it was dark and we didn’t have lights on our vessel.
Good tour, kayaking fun, bats are interesting
Grant M,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
4.00A pleasant trip. Simple, easy, casual - I’m not sure they ever checked us in to verify we actually paid for the trip. Come to think of it, there was no waiver requirement either - is that a Texas thing? Regardless, it was well organized, friendly staff, they took photos of us and made them available for free. Bats themselves were underwhelming. It was cool to experience the phenomenon, but they don’t leave in a big flock and cover the sky, they kind of gradually sneak out the end of the bridge. Still cool to see, but just moderate your expectations. Definitely a cool experience!
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