Downtown Sunset Tandem Kayak & 1.5M Bats in Austin, TX
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and those with basic fitness; tandem kayaking requires moderate coordination.
Overview
Paddle through Austin’s skyline at sunset and watch as 1.5 million bats take flight beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Discover this unique urban wildlife adventure on a tandem kayak!
Downtown Sunset Tandem Kayak with 1.5M Bats
Kayaking the Austin Skyline at Sunset and watching a million depart from the Congress bridge
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About This Adventure
Welcome to Austin's #1 booked tour! We can say with confidence this is the best group on the water.
Duration
2 Hours
About
Let's meet up for an epic night of kayaking. It's 4 incredible trips in one. 1st you paddle the length of downtown during the day, then we catch the sunset over the water. The bats are the main event and we end with downtown paddle at night! Add in a full moon or bright stars occasionally and this trip is one not to miss!
Book through us because: On top of bat facts, we give you more freedom to kayak, we take great photos of you on the tour, and we make sure you meet other like minded travelers in the group who can share their tips or even join you for a night out afterwards. I've got good travel stories for days and lots of local insight to help you build out the best plan for the rest of your stay. Bad weather = full refund. You won't find a guide service that tries harder to make sure you have the best night possible. You'll also be given high quality photos at the end of your trip!
Need one more reason to book? Our auto reply to your booking confirmation comes with our custom "Must do" in Austin link to help you plan the rest of your trip
What to bring
Wear shorts and sandals that can get wet. Leave a towel and change of clothes in your car. Check the weather to see if you should bring a hoodie.
Bringing a drink and snacks is a good idea. Sorry no alcohol allowed on the river.
Adventure Tips
Reserve Kayaks in Advance
Tours fill up quickly during bat season; booking ahead guarantees your spot for sunset.
Bring Water-Resistant Gear
Protect your electronics and belongings from splashes on the water.
Watch Your Balance
Tandem kayaks require teamwork; keep steady especially at dusk when visibility lowers.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain distance and avoid loud noises to ensure a safe environment for bats.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mexican free-tailed bats
- River otters
History
The Congress Avenue Bridge was transformed in the 1980s into one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America.
Conservation
Efforts focus on protecting bat habitats under the bridge and maintaining water quality in Lady Bird Lake to support local wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone for capturing photos without risk of water damage.
Layered Clothing
Stay warm as temperatures drop after sunset, especially during fall tours.
fall specific
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Shield your eyes and skin from intense summer sun during pre-sunset paddling.
summer specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your kayaking adventure.