Austin , United States of America

Evening Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Active

(23 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kayaking to see the bats is a unique way to view this urban phenomenon, and seeing the Austin skyline from the water is a highlight of the trip! We are the original kayak tour operators to see the bats! We are a family-owned business that has been doing this for over 15 years. We have the most knowledgeable guides and dock staff! This is a great tour for families, date nights, tourist and locals alike!

Available options

Evening Bat Watching Kayak Tour

What's included

kayaks, paddles, life-jackets, bottle of water, use of lockers

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

On our Evening Bat-Watching Kayak tour, guest paddle from our dock to the Congress Avenue Bridge. The views of downtown Austin are amazing! Our guides will get you in the best spot to see the nightly departure of the Largest Urban Bat Colony in the world! They will give you the history to the bat colony and other local landmarks, all while enjoying the sunset. After watching the bats for awhile, we all paddle back to our dock. The trip is 2.5-3 hours depending on the bats!

One of the highlights other than the bats is seeing the downtown skyline from the water. On the paddle out, you will be enjoying the sun going down and the different hues it creates on the ever growing skyline. After the bats fly and you are paddling back to the dock, you will see the buildings lit up against the water.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 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

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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

Total tour time includes paddle instructions and gear distribution.

Meeting point

Our store is located in the AMLI South Shore Complex.

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.