AUSTIN
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular bat watching tours in Austin. Here's what they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
Kayak under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge to watch bats exit at sunset and enjoy downtown skyline lights with a beginner-friendly guide.
“We had a hard time hearing the guide. We thought we were going to get an inflatable kayak, but didn’t. We had never kayaked before & got no advice for beginners. We did get up close to the bridge and got a great view of bats exiting the bridge for the night.”
Sunset kayak on Lady Bird Lake to watch millions of Mexican free-tailed bats exit Congress Ave Bridge from below, with skyline views.
Paddle through downtown Austin at dusk to watch Mexican free-tailed bats launch from Congress Avenue Bridge. Gear and lights included.
“This was such a wonderful way to kick off our quick stop in Austin before our morning flight! The bats were absolutely incredible to see. The tour felt relaxed and intimate—there weren’t too many people on the water, so it almost felt like a private experience. Highly recommend!”
Glide through downtown Austin after dark on a bat-and-ghost Segway tour, spotting major landmarks and Congress Avenue bats in 2.5 hours.
“Great way to tour the city. Tour guide was very energetic and knowledgeable of city land marks and haunted spots. Great experience all around.”
Enjoy a small-group sunset cruise on Lady Bird Lake, then watch Austin’s Congress Avenue bats before a narrated van tour of downtown landmarks.
“the overall experience was pretty great but Lynx made it that much better! He knew so much about Austin and showed us all the cool spots! plus he has tacos waiting for us after the boat tour! something he didn't have to do but went above and beyond!”
Kayak Lady Bird Lake at Austin sunset for a small-group bat watch over Congress Ave Bridge, plus city skyline views.
“The bat kayak tour was very unique and informative. Ethan our guide was 10 out of 10. Check it out. The water was calm and easy to navigate.”
Paddle a 15-foot giant board at Austin’s sunset, watch bats burst from Congress Ave Bridge, then glide back through downtown lights.
“It was a great experience! Seeing the bats and the the city at night was truly amazing! The paddle back is tougher than when you head out — however the leader of the group can tow you if needed. 10/10”
Kayak Lady Bird Lake at dusk to watch Congress Avenue Bridge bats and Austin’s skyline. Guided tour with gear and $49 pricing.
“We took a Scout Troop (7 teenage girls and 3 leaders) on this adventure and we all had a great time. The guides (John and Dave) are fantastic and we loved that our kayaking group got to paddle the farthest--I believe it was 3 miles round trip. The only issue we had was what happened…”
Paddle a kayak or SUP on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake at dusk to watch the South Congress bats fly overhead with friendly guides.
“Our guides were awesome and helped us navigate the river the entire time. They told us facts about Austin and Lady Bird river. They led us to a great spot to view the bats. It was an overall great experience.”
Kayak Lady Bird Lake at dusk to see Austin’s Congress Avenue bats. Small group, gear and guide included on a 2-hour tour.
“Such a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The bats were neat to see and our guide was very knowledgeable.”
