Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats

Austin , United States of America

Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats

Active

(185 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats

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.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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!

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.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

100 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

85 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Meeting point

This link has the info you need including a google maps link, a video tour of where to park and meet me UNDER THE BRIDGE and more. The exact start time changes with the sunset so contact us if you need further assistance.

Important notes

Watch this video on this page which shows you where to park and where to find me. The video is VERY HELPFUL.

www.boatsandbats.com/tonight

(Copy & Paste!)

We will be under the highway bridge at the water's edge. I have a white truck and white trailer and a lot of boats already in the water. Reminder to watch the meet up video!

Because this is a sunset based tour and because the bats' habits adapt to the current weather, the actual start time of your tour should be considered approximate. You need to be flexible by + or - 30 minutes and the actual start time will be updated daily in the website link above.

This link tells you everything you need to know about tonight's tour and will be updated daily to reflect the start time and photo link for the night.

You can read it now to get an understanding of how it works and then read it again the day of your trip to get the up to date info:

www.boatsandbats.com/tonight

(Copy & Paste!)

The link includes tonight's start time, a google maps link of where to park, the video tour of where to meet, FAQ, my favorite things to do in Austin and much more. Just open it already!

You need to be about 15 minutes early. If you are not there 10 minutes after the scheduled departure, you will be left without a refund. Think of this as a cruise ship leaving the harbor!

If you booked this tour within 3 hours of the start time, please text us at (512) 800 - 0145 so we don’t miss your reservation while we are preparing the gear.
ATTENTION BIG GROUPS: if you booked this kayaking tour for a group of 3+ you should consider switching to the the giant paddleboard version of the same trip.

Here’s why: https://tinyurl.com/SwitchtoPB

(Copy & Paste!)

If you want to switch, just email us your name and what date you booked and we can take care of it. Boatsandbats@gmail.com

Don’t forget to check the same link the morning of your tour for up to date start times and photo links! See you soon.

See you soon,
Boats and Bats
(512) 800 - 0145

About Austin

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, vibrant arts community, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a unique blend of Southern charm and progressive culture, Austin offers a dynamic urban experience with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is a historic building and the seat of the Texas government. It features beautiful architecture, a museum, and guided tours.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a large urban park offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and picnicking. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Nature Half-day to full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

South by Southwest (SXSW)

SXSW is an annual festival and conference that celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. It features live music, film screenings, and industry panels.

Entertainment 10 days (typically in March) Varies by event and pass type

Must-Try Local Dishes

Brisket

Slow-smoked, tender beef brisket, a staple of Texas BBQ, often served with sides like coleslaw, beans, and pickles.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without bun

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without tortilla

Pecan Pie

A sweet pie made with pecans, corn syrup, and spices, often served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten, nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Water sports Spa treatments Picnicking Strolling Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

The best times to visit Austin are during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. These periods offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and festivals.

18-32°C 64-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Austin is generally a safe city, but like any major urban area, it has its share of crime. Visitors should take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use reputable transportation services

Getting there

By air

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Austin Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

Capital Metro operates an extensive bus network that serves most of Austin. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but schedules can be limited in some areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown South Congress (SoCo) The Domain

Day trips

San Antonio

130 km (80 miles) • Full day

San Antonio is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, the Alamo, and the River Walk. It offers a mix of history, shopping, and dining.

Fredericksburg

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

Fredericksburg is a charming small town with a rich German heritage, known for its wineries, historic sites, and shopping.

Lake Travis

30 km (20 miles) • Half day to full day

Lake Travis is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking. It offers beautiful scenery and a variety of water-based recreation.

Festivals

South by Southwest (SXSW) • March (dates vary) Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival • October (two weekends) Formula 1 United States Grand Prix • October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Texas State Capitol and other historic sites for a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous live music venues, art galleries, and cultural events.
Take advantage of the city's outdoor recreational opportunities, with numerous parks, trails, and water-based activities.
Try local cuisine, including Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food, as well as a diverse range of international options.
Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be limited in popular areas.