Paddle Lady Bird Lake — Watch 1.5 Million Bats Rise Over Austin’s Skyline

Austin Rowing Club — Kayak Tours, Sunset Bat Tour, and Lady Bird Lake Rentals

Discover Lady Bird Lake by Kayak or SUP

Austin Rowing Club offers guided kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, and special-event paddles on Lady Bird Lake — including the iconic Sunset Bat Tour where visitors witness the emergence of approximately 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed bats beneath the Downtown Austin skyline. Trips include guided Austin City Tours, Downtown to Barton Springs paddles, WaterWork Paddle experiences at the Seaholm Intake Facility, a Solar Eclipse Paddle, and seasonal 4th of July Night Paddles.

Popular Tours & Events

• Sunset Bat Tour — paddle at dusk and watch the bats from the water near the Congress Avenue Bridge.
• Austin City Tour — a 2-hour guided tour highlighting downtown architecture and Barton Springs.
• WaterWork Paddle — view immersive projections at the Seaholm Intake Facility from the water.
• 4th of July Night Paddle — fireworks viewing on the lake with glow sticks and safety gear.
• Solar Eclipse Paddle — experience a rare total eclipse from a unique downtown vantage point.
• Kayak & SUP Reservations — two-hour rentals for self-guided exploration of Lady Bird Lake.

Why Choose These Kayak Tours in Austin

• Prime location: Launches are minutes from the Congress Avenue Bridge, close to the bat bridge and downtown amenities.
• Expert guides: Guided tours include paddling instruction, natural and urban history, and bat ecology commentary.
• All-inclusive: Most guided experiences provide equipment, water, and safety briefings.
• Unique events: Special paddles like WaterWork and eclipse outings offer memorable, limited-time experiences.

What to Expect on a Guided Kayak or SUP Tour

Participants should arrive early for a safety briefing and equipment fitting. Guided tours are suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers; guides demonstrate paddling technique and local wildlife etiquette. For the Sunset Bat Tour, expect a twilight launch and a sustained bat emergence that creates an impressive natural spectacle against the skyline.

Booking & Reservations

Reservations for guided tours and kayak/SUP rentals are recommended, especially for sunset bat flights and special-event paddles. Online booking options and scheduled time slots help manage capacity and ensure a quality experience for all paddlers.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety is a priority: equipment is maintained, guides are trained, and briefings cover paddling basics and wildlife safety. Rentals and guided tours typically run in two-hour blocks, with life jackets provided. Participants of varying skill levels can join guided outings thanks to thorough instruction.

Tips for a Better Paddle

• Arrive hydrated and wear sun protection for daytime paddles.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch for photos of the skyline and wildlife.
• For bat tours, arrive early to secure spots and enjoy pre-launch views from the shoreline.

Search Keywords

Austin kayak tours, Lady Bird Lake paddling, Sunset Bat Tour Austin, guided kayak Austin, SUP rentals Austin, WaterWork Paddle Seaholm, Barton Springs kayak tour, solar eclipse paddle Austin, 4th of July paddle Austin.

Book early for sunset and special-event paddles to guarantee availability and the best possible Lady Bird Lake experience.