Experience a captivating kayaking journey in Austin as you witness over a million bats emerge from the Congress Bridge each evening. This tour blends wildlife spectacle with scenic river views—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness is sufficient; comfortable paddling and standing for short periods.
Wildlife
History
The Congress Bridge was completed in 1980 and has since become famous worldwide for its nightly bat emergence, attracting scientists and tourists alike.
Conservation
Longhorn Kayak Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the bats and river ecosystem during tours.
Longhorn Kayak Tours LLC
Experience a captivating kayaking journey in Austin as you witness over a million bats emerge from the Congress Bridge each evening. This tour blends wildlife spectacle with scenic river views—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Longhorn Kayak Tours LLC is an Austin-based outfitter specializing in guided paddling experiences and rentals on Lady Bird Lake. The company offers two-hour kayak rentals, two-hour paddle board rentals, an Austin Skyline Tour, and a Congress Bridge Bat Tour that visits the city’s famous bat colony. All trips include kayaks or paddle boards, life jackets, paddles, and instruction from trained local guides who focus on safety, wildlife awareness, and basic paddling technique.
Guests can choose self-paced rental time or a guided excursion that highlights downtown Austin sights, local history, and seasonal wildlife. The Austin Skyline Tour combines scenic paddling with historical context about the downtown waterfront, while the Congress Bridge Bat Tour centers on observing the large urban bat colony at dusk from the water. Trips operate from launch points on Lady Bird Lake with direct access to the calm reservoir and city views.
Longhorn Kayak Tours LLC is featured on The Adventure Collective and works with local authorities to follow safety guidelines and permit requirements. The operator maintains industry-standard equipment and emphasizes environmental stewardship to protect Austin’s waterways and wildlife. Reservations are recommended for popular time slots, especially bat-viewing evenings and weekend afternoons. The business serves both visitors and local paddlers seeking short, accessible outings that showcase Austin’s skyline, bridges, and riverside habitat.
Booking is available online and onsite, and staff accommodate beginners and families with clear, safety-focused instruction before launch to ensure a confident, comfortable start on the water. Reservations help secure preferred departure times and group slots.
Location
Austin, TX
Launches on Lady Bird Lake
Trip Length
2-hour
Short, accessible outings for most guests
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Curated listing for outdoor experiences
Guided Options
Local guides
Safety-focused instruction and local insights
Reserve a two-hour rental or guided tour to experience Austin’s skyline and the Congress Bridge bats.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Opt for lightweight, quick-drying clothes to stay comfortable on the water and handle splashes.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing with binoculars—especially useful for spotting distant bats and birds.
Arrive early to settle in
Getting to the launch point ahead of time ensures a relaxed start and the best paddling experience.
Check weather conditions
Be aware of weather updates as rain or wind can affect the bat emergence and paddling conditions.
Waterproof sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare and splashes while paddling and watching the bats.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Shield yourself from sun exposure during the outdoor kayak adventure.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Light layers
Maintain comfort with layered clothing that can be adjusted for changing temperatures.
spring;fall
Dry bag for personal items
Keep your phone, keys, and other essentials dry during the water activity.