Kayak & canoe · AUSTIN KAYAK TOURS
Every trip has one free morning too few. These 15 austin kayak tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Paddle Lady Bird Lake with Lone Star Kayak Tours for about two hours, heading to Congress Avenue Bridge as Austin’s bats emerge at sunset. You’ll get a safety lesson, life jacket, and a guide such as Nico, Henry, Eli, or Aidan, with skyline views and a calm evening on the water.
“It’s a very informative and beautiful experience. The guide was very knowledgeable, helpful and funny”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Austin Rowing Club for a short paddling lesson, then kayak across Lady Bird Lake toward Congress Avenue Bridge. Guides such as Holden, Dalton, Sam, and Quinn add local history and bat facts before you watch the evening flight from the water.
“Such a great time! Loved here over 20+ years and never have done the bats! So happy I did it this way for the first time! Ethan was our guide and he was amazing! Thanks for a cool experience!”
Paddle from 5 East Avenue through downtown Austin with guides such as Aaron, Chris, Ross, and Channing. You’ll watch Mexican free-tailed bats leave Congress Avenue Bridge, then return beneath the city lights. Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, and lights are supplied.
“Extremely organized and accurate with excellent communication. We saw all of the bats on time as promised.”
Meet Paddle SMTX at City Park in San Marcos at 9:45 pm for a guided crystal kayak outing on the spring-fed San Marcos River. Guides such as Ben and Matt bring patience and humor to the 12-person tour, which returns to the starting point.
“We enjoyed the whole tour, from beginning to end. Our tour instructor was great! He was very patient with a few that were not able to keep up and went back to help them out.”
Meet your guide at City Park in San Marcos for a 75-minute sunset paddle in a clear tandem kayak. Glow lights reveal fish and river life below, while guides such as Journey, Trey, Kaya, Max, and Jake point out wildlife, share local facts, and take photos.
“I had a great time, but it is a test for relationships to see if you can work together. Enjoy it very much so.”
You’ll paddle Lady Bird Lake at sunset with an Austin Rowing Club guide, following the Hike and Bike Trail to Congress Avenue Bridge as Mexican free-tailed bats take flight. Guides such as Quinn, Scott, Harry, and Olivia have led informative outings, with kayaks and paddles provided.
“Enjoyed our tour with Olivia. The views were great, the stories/fun facts, and the bats are cool too.”
Rent a single or double kayak for two hours at Waller Creek Boathouse and explore Lady Bird Lake without a guide. You set the pace, choose your route, and take in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue Bridge, Barton Springs, and local wildlife from the water.
“The staff was friendly and helpful. The equipment was clean and in good condition. I’d definitely go back.”
Kayak Lady Bird Lake from the Holiday Inn Boat Launch and view Austin City Hall, the public library, Google buildings, hotels, bat bridge, artwork, birds, ducks, and turtles. Guides such as Austin, Niko, JT, Reid, and Marshall add local facts, safety help, and restaurant tips.
“No story just a family experience. Guide was great and it was lots of fun. I’d definitely recommend it.”
Join Boats and Bats for a private 2.5-hour outing on a huge, stable paddleboard. You will watch sunset, see the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, and paddle back through Austin’s nighttime glow. Ross is one guide praised for sharing useful bat facts and keeping the group engaged.
“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”
Paddle from Live Love Paddle to Congress Avenue Bridge with guides such as John and Dave, timing your return around the bats’ nightly flight. Expect sunset skyline views, basic instruction, kayaks, life-jackets, water, lockers, and a 2.5 to 3-hour outing.
“We visited Austin to drop-off our son at UT. Whilst there we booked the Bat Kayak tour based on the trip Advisor reviews - it did not disappoint. Parking & check-in was easy, and our guide John was great filling to tour with fun facts. Paddling on the lake was easy & relaxing. All in all, it was a great experience”
Paddle from Lady Bird Lake Rentals & Tours to the South Congress Bridge in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. A guide leads the way, shares Austin and bat facts, and helps you find a good viewing spot before you return to the starting point.
“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 down Lady Bird Lake with an English-speaking guide, using provided kayaks, paddles, and safety gear. The 7:30 pm tour visits Congress Avenue Bridge, where up to 1.5 million bats may emerge. Groups are limited to 10 people and return to the starting point.
“Such a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The bats were neat to see and our guide was very knowledgeable.”
Spend two hours kayaking from downtown Austin toward Barton Springs with a guide such as Ethan, using supplied equipment and beginner-friendly instruction. You will photograph the skyline, pass Congress Avenue Bridge, explore Lady Bird Lake, and look for Barton Springs salamanders. Parking is not included.
“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!”
Launch from 30 East Ave for an evening paddle in a clear, LED-lit tandem kayak. Guides such as Patrick, Nelly, and Suvana help beginners get comfortable before leading you toward the Sandbar, with skyline views, bats, fish, and a little splash along the way.
“The address led us under a dark bridge, no lighting, no one to direct you and as two single women did not feel safe exiting the vehicle and our Uber driver agreed. I did see a black enclosed trailer but that was it Nothing letting us know this was the spot. A waste of money and Very disappointed!!”
Launch from 7 East Ave for a two-hour kayak outing on Lady Bird Lake. You’ll receive basic paddle instruction, route advice, a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then set your own pace toward the Austin skyline and Congress Avenue Bridge.
“It was amazing. The other people in the 2:00 group we went out with all had fun. Going down to the bridge was so much fun. The Austin skyline is beautiful!”
Pick the water, the hull or the hour.
