Austin · CONGRESS BRIDGE BAT TOURS
13 reviewed
From late spring to fall, a million and a half bats stream out from under the Congress Avenue bridge at dusk, and how you watch it changes the whole evening. These are the best bat tours in Austin: kayak trips that float right under the span, sunset cruises with a cooler on board, and guided walks up top, with prices, timing, and which one suits your group.
Kayak Austin at night to watch the Congress Avenue bats fly, with an included beginner lesson and skyline views from the water.
“Bats were amazing. Tour seemed a little unorganized. I also didn't realize parking was free under bridge, so I ended up paying 15 dollars for parking 5 min away. That's more on me. But could have been more clear. They also only had dry bags for purchase. None to borrow”
Paddle Austin’s skyline at dusk from a kayak, then watch Mexican free-tailed bats pour out from Congress Avenue Bridge.
“The whole experience was unreal, amazing, it was way more than expected, Sam was an excellent guide, entertaining us with plenty of interesting info, about austin and the bats, highly recommended!!”
Kayak Austin’s Congress Avenue at sunset and at night to see 1.5 million bats and the downtown skyline. $59, about 2.5 hours.
“It was a beautiful evening, educational, and a fun family experience. The guides were friendly and made you feel comfortable.”
Nighttime Austin Segway tour with ghost stories and a chance to spot bats at Congress Avenue Bridge, plus big downtown landmarks.
“Alice gave us a personal and up close tour of downtown Austin. She was informative and funny. It was interesting to hear the different ghost stories of the mini hauntings that seem to have happened around Austin, Texas. It was alRead more”
Austin sunset bat kayak on Lady Bird Lake with a small group of 12, kayak and paddle included, watching Mexican free-tailed bats.
“Guide was great very informative about surroundings and the bats. The bats were just amazing kayaks were safe paddling not difficult stayed dry”
Downtown Austin giant paddleboard sunset tour to watch 1.5 million bats fly from Congress Avenue Bridge, then paddle back by night.
“We did not know what to expect but knew we wanted an outdoor family activity. We had to work together to move our boat down the river and felt so accomplished when we really got it moving. The communication it required from my three teenagers filled my heart! The guides were really knowledgeable about the bats and made the experience so worth it. My son is yapping about taking a date next time! Thank you boats and bats for a great new memory!”
Kayak Lady Bird at dusk to see Congress Ave Bridge bats and Austin skyline glow. Gear and water included on a 3-hour trip.
“Beautiful evening on Lady Bird. It was our first time kayaking but John was a great guide. John knew so much about Austin and especially the bats. Seeing millions of bats fly out from the bridge from under them was amazing. This is a must do.”
Paddle a kayak or SUP on Lady Bird Lake to watch Austin bats fly near the South Congress Bridge at dusk.
“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.”
Paddle Austin’s Lady Bird Lake to see 1–1.5 million bats on Congress Avenue Bridge. Small group, 2 hours, safety gear included.
“Such a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The bats were neat to see and our guide was very knowledgeable.”
Kayak Austin at sunset on a clear-bottom boat, spot bats near Congress Bridge, and glide Lady Bird Lake with a small-group guide.
“I had SO much fun on the sunset bat tour with Nora as the guide. She made the experience so smooth and easy, and was so informative on everything Austin. It was such a great time, and I’m so happy I went!!! I will definitely be back. Thank you Nora you’re the best.”
Tandem kayak in downtown Austin: golden hour paddle, sunset, 1.5 million bats overhead, then a night return. 2 hours.
“My wife, our 13-year-old, and I signed up. We were worried about having three people and how we would split up. But the group was kind enough to give our 13 year-old her own kayak and we could tether it whenever she got tired. It was quite the experience to watch the bats from the water like that. I didn’t give five stars because, even though they took our photo, it wasn’t on the website later for us to use. Also, when we finally oared up to the tour guide giving the lesson on bats, he told us to move over to another group (maybe because he didn’t think we…”
A 3-hour guided Austin nightlife tour with a sunset rooftop cocktail, Congress Avenue bats, Driskill stops, and bar-hopping on 6th.
“Astrid was a wonderful hostess! She had lots of great insight into the city and was wonderful company the entire evening. I really appreciated her getting to know me throughout the evening and tailoring her recommendations of other things to do based off my interests”
2-hour giant paddleboarding tour in downtown Austin at sunset, ending with bats under the IH 35 bridge. Equipment and photos included.
“10/10 ⭐️ Das war fantastisch! Must-do in Austin 🥰 Großartiges Team. Super Equipment. Wunderschöne Paddeltour zur Fledermausbrücke ❤️ Wir würden jederzeit wieder mit Boats and Bats buchen!”
