Congress Avenue Bat Bridge: Kayak Tour Experience
4.5
163 Ratings
Austin
Witness the incredible sight of 1.5 million bats emerging from the Congress Avenue Bridge on a thrilling kayak tour. Learn about their role in the ecosystem and enjoy a 2-hour adventure.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching - You will see the world’s largest urban bat colony that peaks at around 2 million bats during the peak of the season. The bats take off around sunset and always head towards the eastern part of downtown.
- Austin - You will see a number of buildings on the Austin Skyline including the Hotel Van Zandt, The Austonian Tower, and a multitude of residential and commercial buildings.
What's Included
- Paddle lesson and safety instructions
- Professional guide
- Life jacket
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Witness the remarkable spectacle of the world’s biggest urban bat colony as it emerges from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge! This awe-inspiring spectacle consists of a 1.5 million-strong colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Join our professional guide at the rendezvous point at 6 pm and then paddle out to observe this phenomenal natural phenomenon. Learn how these creatures of the night contribute to a healthier ecosystem for us all. Please note that the tour spans 2 hours, and meals and beverages are not provided.
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Recommend you wear swimsuit, windbreaker jacket, or lightly layered synthetic clothing
- Bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, waterproof camera, bottle water, bug repellent, towel, and extra change of clothes
Location
East Avenue
We will meet under an overpass/I-35 and launch from there. There is plenty of parking in the area! If you have any trouble with the location please put Chicano Park in to get as close as possible. When you come to the water we'll be on the left hand side of the shoreline.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(163 Ratings)
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Aymeethurston
Mar 25, 2024
Kayak tour to see Austin bats - Guides were great! Easy to get ahold of, helpful, and knowledgeable. Even in March, the bats were there after such a mild winter. What a lovely way to experience them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_c
Oct 17, 2023
Kayak evening tour viewing the bats - This tour was so educational and fun! Being out on the water as the sun going down and then the magical flight of the thousands of bats was a very unique and an amazing adventure!
Review provided by Viator
Jorge_h
Oct 8, 2023
Great kayak-bat experience - JC was an excellent host! Great attitude, friendly and make the real difference for this experience
Beautiful place
Review provided by Viator
Shana
Oct 2, 2023
Our favorite experience in Austin! - Appreciated the communication from our guide TJ a few hours before the trip. We weren’t sure what to expect but loved our time on the water and that we could somewhat set our own pace and then meet the group at certain intervals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
746tabathak
Sep 24, 2023
Going batty in Austin - What a unique experience! Friendly tour guides. Very organized even with a large group. Everything was on time and easy to navigate. A must do in Austin!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dana_d
Sep 12, 2023
Fun night - JT and Jessie were great guides and very knowledgeable. We had a small group so it made easier to follow and listen. Definitely worth the money. Thank you
Review provided by Viator
615stacih
Sep 10, 2023
Fun to see the bats at sunset from the water...would recommend - Easy to find tour. About 1.25miles total on the kayak...down to the Congress bridge, see the bats, and back to where you start. Tour guides were easygoing and knowledgeable about the bats and Ladybird Lake/Little Colorado River. Glad I took this tour to watch the bats from the water instead of from the bridge, and I'd recommend it if you're visiting Austin while the bats are still in Austin before they migrate to Mexico for the winter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer305620
Mar 1, 2024
Batarang - The experience of paddling up river to watch the bats as they leave their under bridge housing for the night was amazing. We went out on the first Bat tour of the year and we were not disappointed. Worth the experience of watching 1.5-2 million bats heading east for their nightly feast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Serenag222
Oct 24, 2023
Austin kayak tour - bats galore - Great tour of the city and the river by kayak! Bring a waterproof bag for your items you don’t want to get wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreas_l
Oct 25, 2023
Started half an hour early, did not give intro and safety instructions - They called me that they decided to go half an hour early. When I arrived the group was already gone. One instructor waited for me, but did not give me any instructions and information about the tour.
When I caught up to the main guide he was very reluctant to provide me information about the tour.
Review provided by Viator
