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
155 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience, Highly Recommend!
Anna T,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Aaron is a great host! Him and his crew got us safely to Congress Bridge and told us so many bat facts! They accommodated us when we needed a paddle board instead of a kayak, which was much appreciated. If you’re considering this tour, just book it! It will be worth it!
Fantastic experience!
Amber W,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing experience! Our boys (ages 8 and 10) loved it. It took us a minute to figure out our kayak, but that was due to lack of experience on our part. The guides (Chris and Channing) were so friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to see our pictures!
Sunset in Austin,...
Stacey T,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Sunset in Austin, paddling Lady Bird Lake, and waiting for millions of bats to take flight under the Congress Avenue Bridge was the best possible way to spend our evening! The Bats And Boats kayak tour was so fun, our guides were great, and we loved every minute of it! 🛶🦇
Great tour, fun kayaking...
Lesley W,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour, fun kayaking before sunset and learning all about the bats and why there here. Highly recommend this tour.
Great experience!
Robert L,
Jul 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00The operators sent a link to a page that is updated daily with specific instructions- it was very helpful in finding the meet up point. Definitely watch the instruction video because it’s not like there is an address for “under the bridge.” I was nervous before beginning because I had never Kayaked before. They gave basic instructions but in reality it’s quite easy. The lake is quite still so you aren’t really fighting a current. A quick 20 minute paddle and you are at the bridge. You will have time to explore the area in your kayak if you want. Ross (our guide) gave a bit of history related to the bats which was very informative. The 🦇 did their show which is incredible. Apparently it takes up to 90 minutes for all the bats to depart but we didn’t stay the entire time. Ross told us when it was time to head back and it was another easy 20 minute paddle. We had a great time - would definitely recommend. One suggestion- perhaps have some water or Gatorade with you. You are absolutely parched when your done.
Related Experiences
Operated by Boats and Bats