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
The bat tour along Congress Avenue Bridge is a genuine crowd-pleaser, with guides like Tristan, Celeste, Marcos, and Connor consistently earning praise for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make first-time kayakers feel comfortable on the water. Guests frequently highlight the combination of Austin history, wildlife insight, and stunning skyline views as what makes the experience stand out. The bat emergence itself is the main event, and being on the water for it rather than crammed on the bridge above is a perspective most visitors say they'll never forget. A handful of reviewers have noted inconsistencies with equipment quality and launch site conditions, which is worth keeping in mind. These concerns appear occasionally rather than across the board, and the majority of guests leave genuinely impressed. The team has also shown a thoughtful approach to accessibility, going out of their way to accommodate a wheelchair-using guest, which speaks well to their overall character. If you're visiting Austin and looking for something more memorable than the usual tourist experience, this bat colony kayak tour tends to deliver. The guides are clearly the heart of it, and names like Tristan and Marcos come up repeatedly for good reason.
Our group had a great time out on Lady Bird Lake! Guides Tristen and Celeste were awesome, super friendly and welcoming, and had all the facts about the famous Austin Bats!!
Ryan Fenton
May 21, 2026
Our group had a great time out on Lady Bird Lake! Guides Tristen and Celeste were awesome, super friendly and welcoming, and had all the facts about the famous Austin Bats!!
Ryan Fenton
May 21, 2026