Paddle under the Congress Avenue Bridge and watch the bat colony emerge
2 hours
Paddle near the Congress Avenue Bridge and watch Mexican free-tailed bats emerge as you learn about their role in the ecosystem. This tour lasts 2 hours and meets under the I35 overpass off East Ave.
Combined weight limit is 450 lbs per paddle board; if you are over, you can be separated onto two boards. Children age 6+ who can sit safely on their own need their own paid seat, and an adult must go with a child.
Full refund or reschedule with 24 hours notice. If the company allows rebooking within 24 hours of trip time, a refund is no longer available. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Wear comfortable clothing like yoga pants or a swimsuit with light layers. Choose flip flops, water shoes, or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Bring a small towel (for drying off or if you want to swim) and water. You can also buy bottled water on site.
Yes. The combined weight limit is 450 lbs per paddle board. If you’re over that limit, you can be separated onto two paddle boards.
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
Lone Star Kayak Tours delivers memorable Austin adventures with consistently outstanding guides who make the experience. Tristan, Henry, Aiden, and the rest of the crew earn repeated praise for being knowledgeable, patient with beginners, and genuinely fun to paddle with. The bat tours under Congress Avenue Bridge are the standout attraction, offering that magical moment when over a million bats emerge at sunset. Guides don't just point things out—they share fascinating details about Austin's ecosystem and history that turn a simple kayak trip into something educational and engaging. The tours work well for novices since guides provide helpful instruction and keep an eye on everyone throughout. Unique options like the New Year's Eve fireworks paddle show they're creative about maximizing Austin's waterfront potential. A couple practical notes: bring mosquito spray for sunset tours, and arrive early to snag parking since multiple kayak companies launch from the same spot. One reviewer mentioned waiting 40 minutes for late participants, though the company extended their tour to compensate. Overall, these tours consistently deliver exactly what you'd hope for—an active, entertaining way to experience Austin from the water with guides who clearly love what they do.
We had a great time viewing the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Connor and his entire team did an incredible job adapting to my unique needs as a wheelchair user. They were patient and went above and beyond to make it possible for me to participate. Thank You!!
John Moore
March 26, 2026
We had a great time viewing the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Connor and his entire team did an incredible job adapting to my unique needs as a wheelchair user. They were patient and went above and beyond to make it possible for me to participate. Thank You!!
John Moore
March 26, 2026