Paddle to watch the world’s largest urban bat colony emerge at dusk
2 hours
Paddle to the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight. Learn how these nocturnal bats support a healthier ecosystem as you observe their incredible emergence.
Combined weight limit is 450 lbs per kayak; guests over this may be separated into two kayaks. Children 6+ must have their own seat, and an adult must accompany a child.
Full refund or reschedule with 24 hours' notice. If rebooked within 24 hours of trip time, cancellations are no longer eligible for a refund. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged in full.
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
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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.
I booked the New Year’s Eve kayaking tour to see the fireworks and drone show. Connor was our guide and did a nice job getting us in the right spot to enjoy the show. It was refreshing to do something active and unique on New Year’s Eve instead of the normal party scene. I would recommend this tour!
joel francis
January 3, 2026
I booked the New Year’s Eve kayaking tour to see the fireworks and drone show. Connor was our guide and did a nice job getting us in the right spot to enjoy the show. It was refreshing to do something active and unique on New Year’s Eve instead of the normal party scene. I would recommend this tour!
joel francis
January 3, 2026