Nickajack Bat Cave: Kayak Wildlife Tour Chattanooga
4.9
141 Ratings
Marion County
Join our Kayak Wildlife Tour in Chattanooga and explore the Nickajack Bat Cave. Learn about gray bats, osprey, and more while enjoying the scenic beauty of Nickajack Lake. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of gray bats leaving the cave at sunset.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Mapleview Road - Join Chattanooga Guided Adventures to see endangered grey bats begin their nightly hunt for insects! The Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River is the summer roost for up to 100,000 of these animals. These tours run from late April to early October. Enjoy a 3-mile paddle around Nickajack Lake to the cave entrance during which you may be lucky enough to observe such local treats as osprey and bald eagles. Take in the thrill as thousands of bats leave the cave at dusk. Reflect with your new friends about the dangers white-nose syndrome poses to the bat population and its impact on the ecology of other species in the area. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sights on this bat cave kayak tour. This trip is a fun way to meet new friends or get your old friends off of the couch to try something new. This trip runs on Eastern Time.
What's Included
- Kayak
- Lifejacket
- Paddle
- Experienced guide
- Group safety gear including Throwbag, Towline, and First Aid Kit
- Kayak light for visibility
Additional Information
Embark on a fantastic three-mile journey just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee at Nickajack Lake where you’ll become acquainted with various wildlife such as gray bats, osprey, cliff swallows, and blue heron. Your guide will explore their interconnections, the efforts in place to conserve these species, and how you can contribute to the survival of the fascinating endangered gray bat. Get a taste of the history of the Tennessee River and its transformation. The spectacular highlight of the expedition is witnessing 100,000 gray bats exiting the cave at dusk.
Please note, this excursion operates on Eastern Time.
Location
Mapleview Road
Please Note THIS TRIP RUNS ON EASTERN TIME.
Meet us at the Mapleview Recreation Area in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Our guides will have kayaks laid out in the grassy area next to the boat ramp and swimming beach. Please arrive 10 min before trip departure time to get checked in and sign waivers.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(141 Ratings)
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Margaret_b
Apr 16, 2024
A fun way to spend the evening - A group of friends and I (mostly mid-20s - mid 30s) went on this tour. Zach and Luke did a great job. It was interesting to hear the historical and bird/bat facts! The kayaking was a lot of fun and pretty chill. I’d highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Cathavenhere
Apr 15, 2024
Phenomenal trip with Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak Adventure - Definitely recommend Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak Tour. The guides were exceedingly knowledgeable and professional. I felt our safety and learning experience were paramount. The bat experience was just wild. It was a beautiful evening to watch the thousands of bat pour out of Nickajack Cave. The equipment was in great shape. The guides never appeared hurried. I will take other family members very soon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_v
Apr 14, 2024
The leaders made sure... - The leaders made sure everyone was comfortable and safe throughout the tour. I learned so much about bats, birds and their lifestyle.
Thank You!
Review provided by Viator
Cherryo2013
Apr 9, 2024
A must do experience! - Our guide Luke was amazing! We had an amazing experience. It is definitely a must do when visiting Chattanooga. Kids said it was the coolest thing we had done there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jim_k
Apr 7, 2024
Incredible Experience - This was an excellent trip. Our guide Brandon was very knowledgeable and did everything. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who enjoys nature and the water.
Review provided by Viator
Leahpw8
Apr 6, 2024
Memorable - Zack and Luke were great. They put safety first and made sure all our life jackets fit well and we were comfortable with the kayaks and gave us an inservice before launching us into the water. We saw lots of bats and enjoyed every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrick_a
Apr 1, 2024
Great experience being... - Great experience being out on the water and learning local history and seeing the bats as dusk fell. Luke was very knowledgeable and helpful with assisting the existing and entering the kayaks
Review provided by Viator
Alan_n
Mar 31, 2024
Great tour! - Great trip, kids had a blast! Guide was super helpful and tons of info on the area and the cave. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Anne_r
Mar 24, 2024
Beautiful, educational.... - Beautiful, educational. We went as a couple, but we’d like to come back with the whole family. Great time!
Review provided by Viator
Kassi_b
Mar 19, 2024
Great kayaking experience - Professional and personable tour guide Luke with great knowledge of the Chattanooga Nickajack lake area. High quality kayaking equipment. Beautiful scenery, cool bat cave with view of the nightly train and Tennessee mountains. Great choice for beginner kayakers.
Review provided by Viator
