9 Austin Kayaking Tours for Every Kind of Paddler

1.Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 245 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50Our pick

Paddle Lady Bird Lake with Lone Star Kayak Tours for about two hours, ending beneath Congress Avenue Bridge as Austin’s bats emerge at sunset. A guide such as Henry, Aidan, or Nico leads the way, with basic instruction, safety gear, and city stories included. Expect some splashing, a dark-water launch, and a close view of the colony.

“Tour guides were really friendly and knowledgeable. Answered all questions with ease. Seeing the thousands of bats was an unforgettable experience.”

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2.Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 227 reviews · from $45

Meet your English-speaking guide at Austin Rowing Club for a two-hour sunset kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake. Learn basic paddling, hear Austin and bat facts from guides such as Holden, Henry, Sam, and Olivia, then watch Mexican free-tailed bats leave Congress Avenue Bridge from the water.

“Such a fun thing to do in downtown Austin! Pedro was an awesome guide—informative, helpful, funny. All the staff were great. The kayaking was fun and easy, and the bats were amazing! BRING BUG SPRAY! 😃”

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3.Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59Top rated

Paddle Lady Bird Lake for about 2.5 hours with guides such as Aaron, Chris, Channing, or Ross. You get a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and lights, then watch Mexican free-tailed bats leave Congress Avenue Bridge as the sunset fades and downtown lights come on.

“Very fun and informative, guides were full of information about Austin and the bats. The view of the skyline from the water was spectacular.”

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4.Crystal Kayak Glow Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Paddle the San Marcos River at 9:45 pm on a 75 to 90-minute Crystal Kayak Glow Tour with Paddle SMTX. Your guide, including guides such as Ben or Matt, leads a small group of up to 12. Expect an easy glide downstream and a more active paddle back, with the river’s spring-fed setting as the main attraction.

“This was a very last minute booked tour. Went seamless! Our guide Ben was fantastic! Awesome date night.”

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5.Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 79 reviews · from $32

Rent a single or double kayak from Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse and explore Lady Bird Lake on your own. You set the pace, choose a route toward Congress Avenue Bridge or Barton Springs, and enjoy downtown views, local wildlife, and calm water. Bring ID, sign a waiver, and allow time to find the dock.

“It was a self guided tour. At the suggestion/request of my teenage daughter as something to do, we rented the kayaks for two hours and had a great time! Since I knew a little of the area already, we had a pre planned route already in mind which helped. Great weather, sunshine, calm waters, an overall great experience.”

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6.Austin: Downtown Skyline Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Set out with an English-speaking guide from downtown Austin, learn basic paddling, and follow the waterway from Lady Bird Lake toward Barton Springs. You will see the skyline, Congress Avenue Bridge, and possible wildlife, including the Barton Springs salamander. Guide Ethan has also taken photos for guests and added local context along the way.

“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!”

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7.Austin: Kayak and Canoe Rental on Lady Bird Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour · from $15Best value

Pick up a single kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe from Live Love Paddle and spend an hour on Lady Bird Lake. You’ll get a personal flotation device, free parking, and views of downtown Austin. Paddle toward Barton Springs Pool for a possible swim, then pay only for the extra 15-minute blocks you use.

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8.Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · from $55

Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Austin Rowing Club and spend two hours on Lady Bird Lake and nearby waterways. You’ll receive a board, paddle, and life vest, then learn basic handling and waterway right of way before setting off. Expect skyline views, wildlife, Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and possible bat sightings near Congress Avenue Bridge.

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9.Downtown Sunset Tandem Kayak with 1.5M Bats

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $54

Paddle a tandem kayak along downtown Austin during golden hour, watch the sunset, then wait beneath the IH-35 bridge for the famous bat flight. Guides teach beginners quickly, provide all gear, and send free photos afterward. The kayak tour suits one or two people. Larger groups, families, and paddlers over 260 pounds should choose the giant paddle board option.

“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…”

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