Explore
Log in

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
Fri 18 Jul
i
You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $50.00
Fri 18 Jul
Starting at $50.00
Make a reservation
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
1
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.
2
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)
ElizP_Adventures
Apr 2023
What a great and unique night!! It was a beautiful evening on the lake. Crystal and Andrew were fantastic guides full of information and history. Then we were positioned just right to watch the millions of bats fly out of the bridge!! Such a fun and unique experience. Highly recommended!!
Response from Host
Apr 2023
Thanks so much for the awesome review we will let them know you appreciated them!
Lydia_P
Mar 2023
This experience is more than the sum of it’s parts. First , as a senior citizen who has never kayaked, this was a gentle nudge against the borders of my comfort level . The guides made sure I was safe as I grew more confident . The small group stayed loosely together, gathering close in to become informed about the lake, the city- history, people and future. Questions were handled with grace . We arrived with a reasonable margin of time for the bats to emerge in a gossamer ribbon, emerging from beneath the bridge, across a darkening sky. As we paddled back , the Austin skyline against the shimmering light of Lady Bird Lake - like the bats- the magic- as good as it is in photographs - to experience it is to float in the State of Awe. At the moment , construction requires the launch site be at a temporary location Uber had difficulty pinpointing - but thanks to the outstanding descriptive and extra time allowed to arrive - this was a very temporary issue.
Response from Host
Apr 2023
We hope you will join us for other experiences again in the future and we can help you discover something fun to do in the future!
erica_c
Mar 2023
Connor was a great guide, the tour was about 2 hour with about half actively paddling. It was mid March so not a ton of bats, but enough to make the tour worthwhile for sure!
Response from Host
Apr 2023
We'll let him know you appreciated him!

Related events

Events in the same area

Is your language English
If not, please select your preferred language from the list below.
English
English
Are you in New York City
If not, please select your city so we can show you local tours and experiences!
New York City
New York City