Paddle Board Bat Tour

Rated 4.7 stars across 200+ Tripadvisor reviews and ranked #12 of 148 Austin water-sports tours. Over 15,000 tours guided and 50,000+ guests on the water since 2015.

Watch the World’s Largest Bat Colony Come Alive!

Come check out the World’s Largest Urban Bat Colony emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge!

This colony made up of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats is an amazing sight to see and hear.

Join us as we paddle and observe one of nature’s wonders and learn about how these nocturnal creatures help create a better ecosystem for all of us.

Important information

Combined weight limit of 450 lbs. per paddle board. If you are over that, we can separate you onto 2 paddle boards.

If a child is old enough (6+) to sit on the paddle board safely on their own, regardless of paddling, then they must pay for their own seat. An adult must go with a child.

What to wear

Please wear comfortable clothing, yoga pants, swimsuit, light layered clothing and flip flops, water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are a great for sun protection.

What to bring

Bring a small towel to throw over your lap or dry off with if you want to go for a swim (sometimes you get wet from paddling). Bring plenty of water!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see the bats by paddleboard or kayak?

Both put you right under the flight path. A paddleboard gives you a higher, more open vantage and an easygoing workout, while a kayak sits you lower and drier. Our giant paddleboards are stable enough for first-timers and can be shared, so families and groups often pick them.

What time do the bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge?

The bats fly out around sunset, so the exact time shifts through the season. Our paddleboard bat tour launches ahead of the emergence, so you are already on Lady Bird Lake when up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, the largest urban bat colony in the world.

What months can you see the Austin bats?

The Congress Avenue Bridge colony is in Austin from roughly March through early November, peaking June through August when close to 1.5 million bats emerge nightly at dusk. The colony migrates to Mexico for winter, so paddleboard bat tours are seasonal.

How long is the paddleboard bat tour?

The tour is about 2 hours on the water. Arrive ahead of your start time for check-in and a quick balance-and-paddle briefing, then you are out on the lake in position before the bats fly.

Do I need a reservation for the bat tour?

Yes. Summer weekends sell out, so reserve in advance instead of walking up. The tour is $59 per person, includes your paddleboard and gear, and is open to ages 6 and up.

Do I need paddleboarding experience?

No experience needed. Our giant boards are wide and stable, Lady Bird Lake is flat and calm, and your guide covers the basics before launch. Each board holds up to 450 lbs combined and can carry more than one paddler if needed.

What should I bring and wear for the bat tour?

Wear light layers and water shoes or flip flops, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the paddle before sunset. It cools down on the water after dark. Phones and cameras are fine in a dry bag.

Last updated: June 2026