Bat Watching Tours in Austin

Showing off Texas' underrated artistic side, Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, delicious food (read: BBQ), and its proximity to breathtaking nature. But beyond the concerts, food and stereotypical tourist attractions, there's one particular phenomena that is truly unique to this southern city: the Mexican free-tail bats.

With close to 1.5 million bats living under the Congress Avenue Bridge, bat-watching tours in Austin welcome you to witness a fascinating feat of mother nature — every evening, around dusk, the nocturnal creatures emerge from the bridge to blanket the sky. While certainly unusual, it's considered a top Austin attraction.

Here's all you need to know about bat watching tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Austin.

What are the best bat watching tours in Austin?

There are several different bat-watching tours, each one offering a unique experience; some standalone, others paired with additional bucket list-worthy Austin activities.

Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

This kayaking tour of Austin encourages you to take in views of the gorgeous Downtown skyline while paddling down the waterways of Lady Bird Lake towards the Congress Avenue Bridge. From the water, you'll have unobstructed vies of the millions of bats emerging and ascending into the night sky.

With a friendly, local guide leading the way, you'll hear plenty of stories about Austin's unique bat population during the tour.

Austin Ghost Tour and Bat-Watching Segway Tour

For those looking for something more spooky, this atmospheric Segway tour in Austin is all about spooky, eerie, paranormal sites.

Beginning with a Segway lesson to get comfortable navigating the streets of downtown, you'll then be taken to some haunted spots in the city and learn about their spine-tingeling past, including the Texas State Capitol Building and the most haunted street in Austin.

The tour ends at the Congress Avenue Bridge (the bat bridge) for an astonishing view of the million-plus bats flying out from underneath it.

Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

This popular tour centers around floating down Lady Bird Lake at sunset, where magnificent skyline views await.

Starting with convenient pickup from any downtown Austin hotel, you'll be transported through the Downtown streets, checking off sites such as the Willie Nelson statue, the Paramount Theatre and the Texas State Capitol Building before continuing with an Austin boat cruise at dusk.

Once on board, the crew will share all kinds of stories of the history of the city, the lake, and the bat-watching phenomenon. Then, of course, it's time for the main event: watching as hundreds of thousands of bats emerge from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge for their nighttime feeding ritual.

Bat-Watching and Downtown Segway Tour

This popular tour combines the culture and natural highlights of Austin. With an expert guide leading the way, you'll glide through the historic Sixth Street district, with extra stops at well-known landmarks like the Moonlight Towers, the State Capitol Building, the Paramount Theatre and the Angelina Eberley statue.

Depending on the Segway tour you choose, you might also visit the Pfluger Pedestrian bridge — where you will get a beautiful view of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline — the Austin Rocks, the famous Moody Theatre and the Willie Nelson statue (an Austin hometown hero).

Similar to other Austin bat-watching tours, at dusk, you'll make your way to Congress Avenue Bridge to see the legendary bat colony take flight.

Which places are visited?

The main landmark on bat watching tours is the Congress Avenue Bridge, where the 1.5 million bats take flight searching for food every night. Regardless of your vantage point, you'll get a fantastic view of Lady Bird Lake and Austin's skyline at sunset.

Bat watching tours that include Segways usually also visit historic local landmarks around Austin, such as the Paramount Theatre, the Moonlight Towers, the Sixth Street district and the Angelina Eberly Statue.

Other excursions, such as boat cruise tours and kayak tours, offer a different perspective of the city — you'll get to travel down Lady Bird Lake where you can spot some local wildlife (mainly, of course, the bats) and soak up unmatched views of the city.

How much do bat watching tours in Austin cost?

The cost of bat watching tours in Austin starts at around US$40, but can vary depending on the length and what is included.

Kayaking tours start from around US$40 per person for 2 hours, including all necessary equipment and a guide.

Segway tours cost between US$70 and US$100 each, and usually include the Segway rental and the services of a local guide.

Boat cruise bat watching tours cost around US$95 per person and typically include roundtrip transportation from your hotel.

What is included?

Every bat-watching tour in Austin has different inclusions, however, they'll also include a local guide, who can give you interesting facts and stories about the bats. Tours that involve equipment, such as kayak or Segway tours, generally include the vehicles in the price.

Some tours may include pickup and drop-off to and from your hotel, although this service is usually only available for downtown Austin hotels. Since each tour is unique, double-check when booking to confirm what's included.

Where does it start?

Generally, bat watching tours will start at a central location or landmark, such as the Austin Rowing Club, Congress Avenue Bridge, or a local café or restaurant (such as the Micheladas Cafe y Cantina on Trinity St). Some bat-watching tours with additional activities, such as a sunset boat cruise, usually include a hotel pickup.

How long does it last?

Bat watching tours in Austin generally last between 2 and 3 hours. This allows for plenty of time to witness the bat colony take flight, as well as see a handful of landmarks around town. Most tours start between 5 PM and 7 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most bat-watching tours in Austin are wheelchair-friendly and offer accommodations for anyone with extra needs. However, some others, such as Segway tours, that don't offer this option. Be sure to contact the tour company beforehand if you require special assistance.

When is the best time for a bat watching tour in Austin?

The best time for a bat watching tour in Austin is from late March to early October, when the largest urban bat colony in North America emerges from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. Peak viewing is in late July and August when the young bats join the flight.

Arrive an hour before sunset, and as dusk settles, witness the spectacular sight of over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight, creating an unforgettable natural display.

Is it safe?

Yes, bat watching tours in Austin are generally safe and operated by experienced guides. While most can participate, tours with additional outdoor activities may not be suitable for everyone, such as pregnant travelers and people with heart or back problems and other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are generally allowed to join bat watching tours in Austin, provided they are accompanied by an adult. The minimum age requirement may vary for tours that include additional activities, so confirm the details with the tour operator before booking.

Travel tips

• Dress in layers. It can get cooler after sunset, and Austin's weather can be unpredictable.
• If you are watching for bats by the water, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Carry some eco-friendly bug repellent.
• Bats are sensitive to the weather. If it's too cold or rainy, they might not emerge. Check the forecast ahead of time.
• Bring a lightweight blanket or lawn chair for comfortable seating. Consider binoculars for a closer look and a camera for capturing the moment.
• Avoid making loud noises, and refrain from using flash photography. This can disturb the bats.