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 at 6pm where afterward, 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

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $69.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $69.00

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 (98)

Andrea_L

Sep 2022

The bats themselves and the way the city looks from the water is amazing! The tour guide was informative not only about bats but also recommendations on things to do. There were a few things I think are issues, we were originally told a location to meet at that I arrived to early only to then be told the location changed. I had already paid to get into the first location to hang out and wait. When I asked to please confirm the location as we were only told to meet under an overpass in a park, I had already arrived and paid for the first location. I was told it was only a 15 min walk from where I currently was and I had over an hour to get there so I had plenty of time. It was a really odd response like they didn't care at all. Now when I did find them and take the tour the trip there was great, informative and beautiful, there were a few breaks were the guides gave information and made sure everyone was accounted for. The way back is when it became concerning. We were simply told to turn around and kayak back. The guide in the front took off so fast I couldn't keep up even as a strong kayaker. Everyone at that point was on their own in the dark to get back. There was another guide in the very back but you couldn't find them. For a while I was alone and finally found a few people from our group who tried to stay together, there was a father who was concerned he wasnt sure exactly where his two teens were. Then I was left under a pitch black overpass to find my Uber ride back, the end of the trip was very disorganized and didn't come across very safe at the end. Another tour group had glow necklaces on at least that would have helped a little to keep people accounted for. All in all seeing the bats was fantastic but I would recommend doing it from a boat unless other measures are put in for the trip back.

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Hi there we only have 2 bridges on our trip. It's actually almost impossible to get lost since it's point A to B and we aim you in the right direction. Many of our kayaks have blue lights on the side handles, but it is dark when we return so they are difficult to see at a distance. We put a guide in the very back in case you want to be next to someone and a guide in front to stay with the stronger paddlers or those who need to get back quickly. We will also always walk with you to get an uber if asked once everyone is on shore. We'll also typically offer once everyone is back on shore. Lastly, we've never had anyone get lost coming back in the 7 years we've been doing this. As for the wrong location we just changed spots and the guides are supposed to reach out 3 hours prior to launch to confirm. I believe Christel only reached out an hour and a half prior so for that I'm truly sorry.

Barbara A

Sep 2022

Really fun! Great for any age! Conner was funny knowledgeable the crew were kind and helpful would highly recommend

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Thanks so much for joining us out on the water!

Jessica_M

Sep 2022

Carlo(with no s) was an awesome tour guide and took great care of us. There were just 3 in our group so felt very personalized. We had a great night seeing the bats and learning about downtown Austin. The water did have quite a bit of runoff and was sometimes difficult to maneuver.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

We'd love to tidy up the lake, but there is a lot of natural growth that definitely makes it harder to paddle! Thanks for coming out with us!