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!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and those with basic fitness; tandem kayaking requires moderate coordination.
Wildlife
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.
BoatsandBats
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!
BoatsandBats is an Austin, Texas outfitter featured on The Adventure Collective that offers river tubing and giant paddleboard experiences in downtown Austin and the city’s spring-fed waterways. The company’s curated trips include Go Tubing in Austin’s Spring Water, Giant Paddleboard the Springs!, and Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats. Each experience showcases Austin’s natural attractions, from Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake to downtown skyline views and the nightly bat flight.
Trips are designed for families, groups, and visitors seeking a memorable outdoor activity in Austin. Go Tubing in Austin’s Spring Water highlights bridge jumps, rope swings, and a lively Party Island; Giant Paddleboard the Springs! offers paddleboarding on spring-fed waters with opportunities to swim and spot turtles; Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats delivers nighttime city views, bat sightings, and customizable glow-light colors.
BoatsandBats provides clear, experience-focused options that help visitors select the right outing for their time in Austin. Listing these trips makes it easy to compare daytime adventures and illuminated evening paddles. The company’s presence in central Austin and arrangements on well-known waterways make its tours accessible for locals and travelers.
As a business featured on The Adventure Collective, BoatsandBats appears alongside curated outdoor experiences, improving visibility for people researching authentic Austin activities. This placement supports trust by connecting the business to a recognized adventure platform and by highlighting specific, accurate descriptions of each offering. Visitors can find scheduling, availability, and booking details through the Adventure Collective listing and BoatsandBats contacts directly.
Location
Austin, Texas
Central Austin river and springs access.
Tours Offered
3 Trips
Tubing and paddleboard experiences.
Best Times
Day & Night
Daytime springs and evening glow tours.
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Curated in adventure listings.
Search or book BoatsandBats trips to pick tubing, springs paddleboards, or glow-night paddles with bats.
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.
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
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Shield your eyes and skin from intense summer sun during pre-sunset paddling.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your kayaking adventure.