Kayak from downtown Austin to Barton Springs with a guide
2 hours
Water, equipment, guide
Paddle with an experienced guide under the famous bat bridge and along Lady Bird Lake toward Barton Springs. Enjoy views of the downtown Austin skyline on this 2-hour tour.
Bring a driver's license, military ID, or passport per watercraft rented. There is no public parking at the Boathouse; use nearby street meters or parking garages. Arrive 15 minutes early—late arrivals may not be able to launch.
Cancel at least 48 hours before the activity start time for a refund. No refund if you cancel less than 48 hours before. Full refund or option to reschedule if the operator cancels due to inclement weather.
Yes. Bring a driver’s license, military ID, or passport per watercraft rented (required).
No. There is no public parking at the Boathouse. Use nearby on-street parking meters or parking garages.
Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time for outfitting and safety instruction. If you arrive after launch time, you may not be able to go.
Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse, 74 Trinity St, 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.
So peaceful and beautiful! Staff was so friendly
Caroline Hinman
July 7, 2026
So peaceful and beautiful! Staff was so friendly
Caroline Hinman
July 7, 2026
Cruise into sunset as Austin's skyline lights up
Cruise Austin’s skyline in a baby-pink 1958 Glastron
Cruise Austin’s waterfront aboard a rare 1958 Glass Slipper
Paddle Lady Bird Lake at sunset and watch bats emerge from Austin’s bat bridge
Reserve a 2-hour kayak or paddleboard time slot on Lady Bird Lake
Vintage sunset cruise beneath Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
Cruise into the sunset aboard a rare 1959 Glass Slipper
Cruise Lady Bird Lake in a 1958 vintage boat with your own soundtrack