Sunset Giant Paddleboarding & 1.5 Million Bats in Austin, TX
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.
Overview
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.
Giant Paddleboarding Downtown at Sunset w/ 1.5 Million. Bats!
A magical group paddleboard experience in Downtown Austin
Select participants and date
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 on the water.
*May 2024 update - The sunsets are amazing right now since they line up with the river this time of year
Note: if you are booking the giant paddleboards, we suggest a minimum booking size of 3+, they can be hard to paddle with less folks than that.
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
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mexican free-tailed bats
- Great Blue Herons
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.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
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 specific
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Helps you stay warm and comfortable after the sun goes down when temperatures cool quickly.
fall specific