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.
Réponse de l'hôte
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.