Austin · LADY BIRD LAKE KAYAK & PADDLEBOARDING
27 reviewed
Downtown looks best from the water, and Lady Bird Lake stays flat and glassy most mornings. Here are the top kayak and paddleboard tours: sunrise paddles under the skyline, glow tours after dark, and the bat-flight trips everyone books in summer, with prices, durations, and how much paddling each one actually asks of you.
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.”
Glow kayak on the San Marcos River at night from City Park. Small group tour, helpful guides like Ben and Matt, and included admission.
“This was a very last minute booked tour. Went seamless! Our guide Ben was fantastic! Awesome date night.”
Clear kayak glow lights on the San Marcos River. Guided sunset paddle with wildlife spotting, dry bag, and gear included for $65.
“We almost sunk the kayak….it was funny afterward! We had Trey as our guide and he was helpful and did not judge us when almost sinking the kayak!”
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”
Self-guided 2-hour kayak rental on Lady Bird Lake for single or double kayaks, with life jackets and downtown Austin views.
“Such an exciting way to explore the city!! Everyone was friendly and helpful!”
Kayak Lady Bird Lake for a smooth Austin skyline tour with a safety lesson and guide. Small groups, $50, easy downtown meeting.
“Reid was amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the city, Lady Bird Lake, the bat bridge, etc. My husband and I had a wonderful time and highly suggest doing a kayak tour with him. The lake was very smooth the day we went which was nice. We got to see a lot of ducks, birds and turtles.”
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’s waterways for downtown skyline photos, Barton Springs clarity, and wildlife spotting, with beginner paddling tips in 2 hours.
“We had a great tour with Ethan. We ended up being the only ones on the tour. Ethan shared a lot of knowledget about Austin with us. We went for a nice swim, easy kayaking and he took photos for us. Overall a great tour and unique way to see Austin!”
Glow clear-kayak night paddle on Lady Bird Lake with LED lights, skyline views, and wildlife spotting. Guided, $75, about 1 hour.
“It was a fun experience, the guides are great any questions or concerns are addressed before hitting the water. Bring a towel”
Austin’s Lady Bird Lake bike tour glides past Barton Springs and iconic bridges, with insider tips on a 90-minute ride for $44.
“Really interesting and fun. And we git to do some exercise. Thank you”
