THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with BoatsandBats
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by BoatsandBats · Austin, Texas
Experience a truly unique outdoor adventure with BoatsandBats' Giant Paddleboarding Downtown at Sunset, where you’ll paddle on oversized boards along the calm waters near downtown Austin, Texas. The key highlight of this trip is witnessing the spectacular emergence of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. The golden hour casts incredible colors on the water, making your paddleboarding experience unforgettable and visually stunning. Whether you're a beginner or experienced paddler, this private tour provides expert guidance and all the gear you need, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. Beyond the breathtaking bat emergence, you'll enjoy iconic views of the Austin skyline, live reflections off the river, and a peaceful sunset atmosphere unlike any other urban adventure. This hands-on experience connects you with nature in a vibrant city setting, perfect for adventurers who want to mix urban exploration with wildlife observation. Capture stunning photos while gliding gently on the water and get ready to share this one-of-a-kind paddleboarding and wildlife encounter with friends and family.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level suitable for standing and balancing on a paddleboard for extended periods.
No previous experience is required; guides provide all safety instructions and support to ensure a fun experience for beginners.
Bats typically emerge around sunset, so tours start well before sunset to ensure you witness the full ascent.
Participants must generally be at least 10 years old, but check with BoatsandBats for specific age policies.
Since this involves paddleboarding, participants should be able to balance on a board; however, arrangements can sometimes be made upon request.
Bring a water bottle, sun protection, and waterproof gear for valuables; life jackets and paddleboards are provided.
Yes, this experience is available year-round, with summer to fall providing the best wildlife viewing conditions.
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.
BoatsandBats works to promote responsible wildlife viewing that minimizes disturbance to the bats and supports local river ecosystem health.
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.
Book with BoatsandBats