Watch 1.5 million bats emerge at dusk with expert guides on Lady Bird Lake.
1 hr 45 mins
Guide, Water, Equipment
Slip onto Lady Bird Lake at dusk and learn about Austin's famous Mexican free-tailed bat colony. As twilight falls, watch an estimated 1.5 million bats burst from the Congress Avenue Bridge beneath the downtown skyline.
Arrive 15 minutes before departure for fitting and safety briefing. Each watercraft requires a driver's license, military ID, or passport. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To cancel a reservation and receive a refund, send us an email notice at least 48 hours in advance of the activity start time and date. No refund will be issued if cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the booked event. Inclement weather may cause us to cancel, in which case reserved guests will receive a full refund or option to reschedule. We do our best to monitor the conditions of the lake and weather for the safety and comfort of our guests and staff.
74 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701
With an exceptional reputation built on nearly perfect ratings, this lakeside operation delivers exactly what paddlers are looking for: affordable rentals, friendly service, and a genuinely fun time on the water. Staff members like Ethan, Holden, and Ruby consistently earn praise for their welcoming personalities and knowledge, particularly on the popular sunset kayak and bat-watching tours where guides share entertaining history and fun facts while timing the experience perfectly for the evening bat show. The equipment is well-maintained and easy to use, even for complete beginners. A couple practical notes: parking can be a bit tricky, and signage from the lot could be clearer (one visitor nearly thought they'd missed their tour). Some paddlers wished for more detailed directions to spots like the cold spring, though exploring and finding it added to the adventure. The process itself is straightforward and quick, with rentals requiring return by 8:30 PM, which still leaves plenty of time for paddling and bat viewing during the cooler evening hours.
Sunset Kayak & Bat tour with Ethan tonight. Fantastic relaxing gliding in Lady Bird lake today. Amazing sunset shots to be taken and the bats came out to play tonight!!
Angus Hayes
October 7, 2025
Sunset Kayak & Bat tour with Ethan tonight. Fantastic relaxing gliding in Lady Bird lake today. Amazing sunset shots to be taken and the bats came out to play tonight!!
Angus Hayes
October 7, 2025