Sunset Bat Bridge Kayak 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.

Prefer to explore on your own time? Grab one of our kayak and paddle board rentals, or take in the city on our Austin Skyline Kayak Tour.

Important information

• Combined weight limit of 450 lbs. per kayak. If you are over that, we can separate you into 2 kayaks.
• If a child is old enough (6+) to sit in the kayak 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

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 sunset bat kayak tour launches ahead of the emergence, so you are already out on Lady Bird Lake, paddle down, when up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.

What months can you see the Austin bats?

The Congress Avenue Bridge colony is in Austin from roughly March through early November. Peak viewing runs June through August, when the pups have joined the nightly flight and close to 1.5 million bats emerge at dusk. The colony migrates to Mexico for winter, so bat tours are seasonal.

How long is the sunset bat kayak tour?

The tour is about 2 hours on the water. Plan to arrive ahead of your start time for check-in and a short paddling briefing. You will be back at the dock not long after the bats finish their emergence.

Do I need a reservation for the bat kayak tour?

Yes. Bat season books up fast, especially summer weekends, so reserve in advance rather than walking up. The tour is $50 per person, includes your kayak and gear, and is open to ages 5 and up.

Is a kayak a good way to see the Congress Bridge bats?

A kayak gives you a front-row seat on the water, away from the crowded bridge and riverbank. You float directly below the flight path as the bats pour out, which is the closest and quietest view you can get of the world’s largest urban bat colony.

Do I need kayaking experience for the bat tour?

No experience needed. Lady Bird Lake is calm and flat, the route is short, and your guide covers the basics before you launch. First-time paddlers and families do this tour all the time. Kayaks hold up to 450 lbs combined.

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, so a light layer helps. Phones and cameras are welcome in a dry bag.

Last updated: June 2026