Congress Avenue Bat Bridge: Kayak Tour Experience
4.5
170 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
(170 Ratings)
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325athenak
May 30, 2024
Great Sunset Kayak Tour Around Austin and So Many Bats! - The tour guide gave lots of history about the city and also made sure everyone stayed together, even those that had not kayaked before. The bats were amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_g
May 26, 2024
Great fun - Great guides! So much fun. Not a lot of bats but plenty of laughs. Great evening on the water with sights of downtown Austin
Review provided by Viator
Ethan_r
May 24, 2024
Great tour!!! - Sean was fantastic- he was very accommodating to new kayakers. Sean very knowledgeable and friendly!
Review provided by Viator
Adriana_v
May 15, 2024
Batfan! - Sean was a great guide! He was professional, fun, and knowledgeable. He pointed out buildings, told us stories and provided information about the bats.
Review provided by Viator
Scott_s
May 2, 2024
Kayak Bat tour - Good tour, enjoyed being out on the water! Guide was knowledgeable and gave a good history on Austin
Review provided by Viator
Ronens267
Apr 15, 2024
Fun Kiak ride in Austin - The kiak ride was great, the view of the city was beautiful, the guide was very friendly, delivered interesting stories and facts about the city of Austin and made sure everyone are safe at all times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rochelle_r
Apr 14, 2024
Awesome - Mike was so engaging and knowledgeable about the history of Austin skyline. Had an amazing time waiting and watching the bats emerge from the bridge. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Corbin_s
Apr 14, 2024
Bats - The bats were not the most exciting part but the experience was wonderful. The tour guide gave a great history lesson about the bats and of the city.
Review provided by Viator
Jaime_m
May 26, 2024
Don’t go alone - Being on the water was great and being under the bridge while we saw some bats. However the end of the tour was not enjoyable. We kayaked back in darkness with no lights. It ended up where we started under bridge with no lights. There was no communication while finishing up tour. I got out of kayak and had to walk alone in darkness under a bridge to thankfully find a scooter and get out of there. I’m not one to get scared easily and that was the worst experience of my life in how uncomfortable I was after the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_c
May 29, 2024
Did not see bats. - Not seeing the bats. Had to leave before the bats came out which was very disappointing.
Tour should begin later to ensure that tourists can see bats.
Review provided by Viator
