Paddleboard downtown Austin at sunset and witness 1.5 million bats take flight! This unique adventure blends urban views with remarkable wildlife sightings, all on a giant board.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level suitable for standing and balancing on a paddleboard for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Congress Avenue Bridge has been home to the largest urban bat colony in North America since the 1980s, drawing nature lovers from around the world.
Conservation
BoatsandBats works to promote responsible wildlife viewing that minimizes disturbance to the bats and supports local river ecosystem health.
BoatsandBats
Paddleboard downtown Austin at sunset and witness 1.5 million bats take flight! This unique adventure blends urban views with remarkable wildlife sightings, all on a giant board.
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.
Arrive Early for Sunset Views
Get to the launch spot at least 30 minutes before sunset to catch the full golden hour and to ensure a calm water start.
Wear Water-Resistant Clothing
Dress in quick-dry or waterproof gear to stay comfortable during your paddleboarding session on the river.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture extraordinary shots of the bats and skyline safely with waterproof gear or protective casing.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Keep a safe distance from the bats’ emergence path to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Life Jacket
Required for safety on the water during the paddleboarding experience.
Waterproof Phone Case
Protects your phone so you can capture photos without water damage.
Sun Hat
Keeps you shaded and cool during pre-sunset hours.
summer
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Helps you stay warm and comfortable after the sun goes down when temperatures cool quickly.
fall