Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin

Overview

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.

City: Austin

Wed 16 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $50.00

Make a reservation

Wed 16 Jul

Starting at $50.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Paddle lesson and safety instructions

Professional guide

Life jacket

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

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (199)

armadillocreative

Jun 2023

Lovely kayak on the river, great view of the city, our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The bats mostly swarmed under the bridge and it was almost dark (9pm) when they finally appeared, so it was difficult to see them. Our guides had red lights to make it easier. They did not take off in a stream away from the bridge as we have seen in photos. So I give the bats 3 stars. Can’t control that though. Bring a towel for padding-my butt was pretty sore after 2 hours. My one concern was the lack of lightning on the way back-it’s very dark and there are other motorized tour boats on the water. No way they can see you.

Response from Host

Jul 2023

We've tried a few different solutions to increase our visibility at night over the last year and we're adding some safety lights to the sides of the kayaks as soon as the order comes in. We appreciate your understanding with the bats and hope you'll visit us again in the future when they are more consistent.

Daryl_C

Jun 2023

Fantastic experience, JT is a native to the area and extremely knowledgeable and shared lots of one-of-a-kind information. A truly unique experience.

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Thanks so much for the awesome review! We hope you'll come join us out on the water again sometime in the future!

Daniel_B

Jun 2023

We kayaked quite a ways out to see "2 million" bats and only saw about 12. Tour guide took us back feeling disappointed. Wasn't planning on spending the money for just kayaking.

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Well we do also talk about the city history, skyline, and give out recommendations on what to do, see, and eat, but the bats were slow throughout mid June. They are wild animals who are on there on schedule and with the rainfall in early June it pushed them to take off after dark. If you're ever unsatisfied with your experience we're always willing to get you into a different opportunity or take you out for a second try.