THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle through downtown Austin as the skyline softens, then position beneath Congress Avenue Bridge to watch roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats rise at dusk. This 2.5-hour sunset kayak tour mixes urban views with close-up wildlife spectacle.
Paddle through downtown Austin as the skyline softens, then position beneath Congress Avenue Bridge to watch roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats rise at dusk. This 2.5-hour sunset kayak tour mixes urban views with close-up wildlife spectacle.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Boats and Bats · Austin, Texas
You push off into the warm smear of golden hour, skyline glass reflecting like lenses trained on the river. The current of Lady Bird Lake guides you east under low bridges, the city’s hum shrinking to a distant rhythm as the sun slides behind the high-rises. Paddles whisper; the river seems to hold its breath.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; able to sit and paddle for 2–3 hours and handle short bursts of current.
Bats usually emerge around dusk; timing varies by season and weather—March through November is typical, with peak emergence in late summer.
Yes—guides provide PFDs for all participants and require them to be worn while on the water.
Yes—the tour is suitable for beginners; guides give a safety briefing and basic paddling instruction before launch.
Tours can be canceled for lightning, high winds or unsafe river conditions; check the operator’s daily update link for start-time changes and cancellations.
The Congress Avenue Bridge developed into a major bat roost in the late 20th century and is now a signature urban wildlife spectacle for Austin.
Respect the colony by minimizing bright lights and noise during emergence, pack out all trash, and follow guides’ instructions to avoid stressing wildlife.
Boats and Bats operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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