austin riverboat bat tour

Internationally Famous Bat Watching Tour

Largest urban bat colony in the world

Watch the bats emerge nightly on our Public Bat-Watching Tour, running from March through mid-November. Or customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. See dinner cruise and party boat pricing for rates.

Guided Kayak Tours

Sightseeing tours, private events, capital cruises fleet.

An experience like no other

Welcome to Capital Cruises

Deep in the heart of Austin, TX, we are proud to offer lunch and dinner cruises, wedding events, internationally famous bat-watching excursions, party boat services, and the ultimate alternative for group and corporate outings.

Where are you located?

We are on the boat dock at the lakeside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hyatt is located at 208 Barton Springs Road near the intersection of Congress and Barton Springs on the south side of Town Lake. Click here for Map and Directions .

Where can we park?

Unfortunately, there is very little free parking in the area. The Hyatt Regency does have a multi-level parking garage. Parking there should be $25.00 per vehicle for up to 3 hours, after which you may be subject to additional charges. Alternatively, you can typically pay to park at the surface lot adjacent to the hotel, though prices for this and other pay lots in the area may vary depending activities in the surrounding area. Both the Long Center for Performing Arts and Austin City Hall have large pay-parking structures and are a short walk from the dock. Also, One Texas Center off of Riverside Drive typically has available parking. Guests may drop off passengers at the front door of the hotel, but parking there is limited to 5 minutes. Please see map for directions .

When should we arrive?

For PRIVATE CRUISES, boarding time is usually 15 minutes in advance of departure (check with dock personnel for your specific cruise). For larger groups (~20 or more), we suggest telling your group to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for traffic or other possible delays. If our schedule permits, arrangements can be made for some members of your party to arrive earlier for set-up, decoration, etc. For PUBLIC CRUISES, check-in starts 30 minutes prior to departure. Reservations must be claimed no less than 15 minutes prior to departure, or they are no longer guaranteed, even if they are prepaid. Prepaid reservations are non-refundable unless the reservation was canceled at least 72 hours in advance.

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Donut Boats and Duffy Boats

Show your friends and family the best time on one of our motorized vessels that you can rent and operate yourselves!  First Donut Boats in Texas! The Donut Boat’s unique design seats up to 10 people around a center table, outfitted with a center-post umbrella to shade you while cruising Lady Bird Lake. The quiet […]

Our Brand New Website is Ready to Launch!

We’ve been working behind the scenes for the past few months, poring over every last detail, overhauling our website to best serve you, the customer. Just like the next cruise you book or boat you want to rent, we’re ecstatic to be launching this incarnation of CapitalCruises.com. Throughout the brand new site, you’ll find a […]

Now offering Guided Sunset Tours

Looking to kayak at sunset on the lake? Capital Cruises now offers a Guided Sunset Kayak Tour Thursdays through Saturday evenings. Cost is $40 per person and includes a ~1.5 hour tour. See the striking downtown skyline as well as a great view of the sunset cast against the lake. Thursday – Saturday evenings departing […]

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Lone Star Riverboat Sightseeing Tours

4.7 1138 votes

208 Barton Springs Road

(512) 327-1388

About Lone Star Riverboat

• 1 hour tour
• Reservations recommended
• Departure time is approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset.
• Departure times may vary, please call for the departure schedule.
• 32' and 35' Electric cruisers
• ADA compliant
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $13, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Saturday and Sunday - 12:30PM & 3:00PM
• 1 hour narrated tour
• ADA compliant 
• Boarding begins 45 minutes before tour time. 
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $11, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Friday - 10:30PM
• 1 hour scenic tour
• Boarding begins at 9:45PM
• All Tickets: $13 per ticket
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 5:30PM
• Non-alcoholic CASH only beverage service (on the Lone Star) or bring your own beverage of choices
• Boarding begins at 4:45PM until 5:15PM
• Minimum number of people: 30
• Maximum number of people: 130
• $18.00 per person (30 - 80 people)
• $16.00 per person (81 - 130 people)
• Children 2 and under are no charge
• Two hour charter time (plus 30 minutes prior to departure for boarding)
• $200 for each additional hour (may be broken into 1/2 hour increments)
• Catering and beverage service may be arranged at an additional cost (see below)
• Charges are for the number of people guaranteed or on a per person basis, whichever is greater

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Bat Watching Boat Tours in Austin

On my recent trip to Texas, I learned a lot about the bat watching boat tours offered in Austin that take visitors to see the infamous city bats. I had heard the stories of the massive bat colony residing in Austin, and wanted to find a unique way to see them instead of lining up on the bridge with hundreds of others. Taking to the water was the best idea because it gives a unique perspective from below as the bats emerge from their slumber and take off into the night sky. Below are some tips and recommendations for booking your own bat watching boat tour.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. For more info, please see my  affiliate disclaimer .

When to take a bat watching boat tour in Austin

Best time of year.

The best time to see the infamous Austin bats fly over Lady Bird Lake is between March and November. If you’re looking to see the bats in full force, however, I recommend aiming for the warm summer months of July and August, with August being peak bat watching season. I still saw some of the bats in Austin in very early March, but there weren’t as many as you can expect later in the year.

Best Time of Day

The bats come out just after sunset. If you walk or boat under Congress Avenue Bridge before the sun goes down, the bats can be heard squeaking in the dark bridge crevices above you, getting ready to leave as soon as it’s dark enough. Be sure to get yourself a good viewing spot before the event begins, or book yourself the ultimate viewing opportunity on one of the bat watching boat tours in Austin.

What kinds of bats live in Austin, Texas?

The type of bats that live in Austin, Texas are Mexican free-tailed bats. They migrate from Mexico in the spring, and return in the fall. Of all the bridges along the Colorado River running through Austin, the entire colony of Mexican free-tailed bats choose to live under Congress Avenue Bridge. Their birthing season is in June, and the peak time for bat watching is in August. In August, the number of bats under the bridge reaches about 1.5 million, according to Visit Texas .

Which companies to use for bat watching boat tours in Austin

Capital cruises.

I used Capital Cruises to book my bat watching boat tour when I was in Austin. The entire experience was very smooth, and I would highly recommend them. The bat watching boats from Capital Cruises can be easily spotted by the iconic giant bat placed at the stern. Their check-in spot and dock is located right along Lady Bird Lake, and we showed up 30 minutes prior to departure and got a good seat on the boats. The tour, which lasted about an hour, took us cruising down the Colorado River for a sunset view of the Austin skyline. I enjoyed the bat facts and history from our tour guide about the building and sights around us.

After the sun went down, we made our way to Congress Avenue Bridge. I could see tons of people lined up on the bride, their dark silhouettes outlined against the night sky. People in kayaks were scattered around in the water as well, parked and waiting with a front row view for the bats to emerge. Our tour guide was prepared with a high powered red light, which had no effect on the bats, and allowed us to catch a good glimpse of them under the bridge and other darker areas. They are small bats and we had overcast skies, so they didn’t show up well in my photos, but I was happy I got to see them in person.

Lone Star Riverboat

The other boat company in Austin that operates bat watching boat tours is Lone Star Riverboat. I didn’t use this company, but I saw their check-in location at Lady Bird Lake and it looked very organized. Their red and blue boats stood out on the lake while we were out bat watching. Their tour seems to last about an hour as well, and they also were staffed with tour guides sharing the history of the bats and downtown Austin.

Tips for bat watching boat tours in Austin

• Show up early to get a good spot on the boat
• Bring a jacket as that breeze shows up on the water at sunset
• Bring a good camera. I prefer the Sony A6000 Mirrorless camera .
• Bring your own beverages and snacks, as there were none sold on the boat or dock
• Consider packing some binoculars if you’d like a closer view of the bats

Pin for Later: Bat Watching Boat Tours in Ausin

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Lone star riverboat cruise: best way to see the bats in austin.

Please note that this article was written before the pandemic. For full details about limited capacity boat tours and safety precautions due to COVID-19, please visit lonestarriverboat.com .

We all know that Austin is batty for bats. Austin is home to the largest Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and we love to celebrate these winged creatures that dwell underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Seeing the bats swoop out from under the bridge is quite an amazing site!

But what’s the best way to see the bats? And when?

“Bat Season” takes place every year from March to November, and bats emerge around sunset to feed on a variety of flying insects such as mosquitoes and moths. Typically, late July and early August is considered “peak season” to see a spectacular show.

You can certainly join the crowds and stand along the sidewalk of the bridge to wait for them to take flight, we we think the BEST way to see them is from the water. So we decided to hop aboard the Lone Star Riverboat Sunset Bat Watching Cruise for a special “true Austin” experience.

The boats available for this Bat Watching Cruise include a large pontoon boat, the Southern Star, that seats up to 60 people and the smaller boat, Little Star, which carries 30. Both are open-air, so you’re sure to get a great view no matter where you’re seated.

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Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family.

Family Guide to seeing Austin bats on a Lone star riverboat Austin bat cruise

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Honestly, I had never heard of the Austin bats before visiting Austin, Texas on our  cross-country road trip . Since we were only in town for the day, we wanted to do something truly unique to the city. So while enjoying our complimentary breakfast at The Best Western Plus Austin City Hotel , I started doing some research on how best to spend our one day in Austin. The thing that kept coming up was the Austin bats bridge and how it was a must-see when visiting the city of Austin. I always associated Austin with live music, but apparently the Austin bat is a pretty big deal. In fact, there is even an annual Austin bat fest. It became quickly apparent that we needed to see these bats and the best way to do that with our multi-generational group was with an Austin bat cruise. Specifically, a Lone Star Riverboat bat cruise.

See what it is like on a moonlight cruise on lady bird lake on a Lone Star bat cruise:

About the Congress Bridge Austin Bats:

Starting in the spring about 750,000 pregnant Mexican Free-Tailed bats migrate from the Yucatan to the Austin bat bridge, where South Congress bridge crosses the Colorado River, to give birth. Each mama bat births one tiny pup, doubling the Austin bat population to around 1.5 million!

That’s a lot of bats and it is no wonder that locals were apprehensive about the Austin bats at first. They worried that there would be a rabies outbreak in the city. However before the bat colony was destroyed, there was research showing how contraction of rabies from the bats was highly unlikely as they become paralyzed and then die within a couple days, making human contact very improbable.

Since then there has been a strong movement for Austin bat conservation as the bats actually control the overwhelming insect population in the city. I was told during our Austin bat tour that without the bats that people would be eaten alive by bugs. So thanks to a little research, not only are the bats no longer feared, but they are celebrated and revered. And thankfully, Austin bat watching has become a major attraction.

Austin Bat Festival:

Speaking of celebration, every August Roadway Productions puts on the annual Austin bat fest. It is an all night party starting at 4:00pm to midnight featuring bats, live music, food and activities. The great thing is that Bat Fest Austin, TX is completely family-friendly with numerous arts and crafts, activities and even a bat costume contest! It sounds like a really great event, but unfortunately we were in town about a week too early to catch all the fun.

Austin Bat Season:

If you want to see this amazing display of swarming bats, you will want to make sure you visit during the right time of year. Austin bats season starts around March and lasts until about mid-November. They like to migrate as the weather gets warm and peace out at first sign of cold.

April through May the mama bats are pregnant and hungry. Although the population is half the size, there are a lot of great nights to catch these hungry mama bats flying out for dinner.

June is when all the mamas give birth. The babies aren’t ready to fly until about mid-August, making this peak Austin bat season. So if you want to see all 1.5 million of these bats soaring over head, visit in August. That’s when we visited and it was a truly amazing sight!!

Austin Bats Time:

So what time do the Austin bats come out? Well, there are no specific Austin bat flight times as they are wild animals. They will come out when they want to. However, there is a general time of day that is best for Austin bat watching. Generally, the bats leave South Congress Bridge around sunset. Sunset during the summer in Austin, Texas is later in the evening than one might expect. Bats can take flight anytime between 7:00pm and 8:45 and many Austin cruise tours don’t start until 7:00pm and hangout in the water into the night to ensure that the guests see the bats take flight. It can be a waiting game, but the views on the river are so lovely at sunset you won’t be in a rush to leave.

Austin Bat Boat Tour:

There are many ways one can choose to view the Austin bats. You can stand along South Congress Bridge, hangout on the lawn at the park, rent a canoe or kayak, or dine at one of the restaurants along the north side of Lady Bird Lake.

We booked an Austin sunset cruise with Lone Star Cruise Austin. An hour tour was less than $10 a person, making it a great value. We were actually on the boat longer, because Lone Star Riverboat Cruises will wait until the bats emerge before returning. Not only are you guaranteed to see some bats, you will also be given a ton of interesting information about the bats themselves on the guided river tour. You are also welcome to bring your own beverages, including adult beverages too, making it even easier to relax and enjoy the view. However, there is only a toilet on the bigger boat. If you board the smaller one, beware and potty before departure.

Another Austin bat cruise experience is through Capital Cruises . What is cool about this company is that they offer different packages. You can take the standard Austin bat watching cruise or you can upgrade to a private Austin dinner cruise.

That’s a Wrap!

Sitting under a bridge as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats swarm overhead, is not something we thought we’d be doing during our time in Austin, Texas, but we are sure glad we did! What an amazing experience it was to float on the beautiful Lady Bird Lake at sunset, taking in gorgeous views of the cityscape just before the cloud of bats filled the colored sky.

All of us enjoyed watching the bats, but the kids really got a kick out of the Austin bat cruise. I know it sounds gross, but they were particularly thrilled whenever a bat would sprinkle them with bat pee. It just feels like little drops of rain, but the kids found it thrilling. I have to say the whole experience was fascinating. I would definitely recommend seeing the bats to any family visiting Austin during the spring or summer.

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I am a busy mama with 3 delicious babies and a serious itch for travel and writing (when I am not bartending, that is)! After graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications, I decided to start a family and pursue a career in freelance writing. I created HotMamaTravel as an outlet to do what I love while sharing useful travel tips and inspiration with others. Our mission is to show parents how to master travel with kids, while keeping your Saturday-night selves. We call it "Family travel...with a twist".

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Things like this definitely keep Austin weird, in a good way!

Agreed! Austin is kinda funky, isn’t it!? So fun though 🙂

That’s so weird….and cool! Lol I don’t remember the last time I saw bats. It must have been the time we went to these caves, so the locale was the right place for them. In a cruise, though…:)

Yeah it was really cool to see them fly into the night by the millions.

So many things I never knew including there are bat tours and there is a bat season! Fun article and when I make it to Austin, I’d have to do the tour!

So cool, bats are awesome. Didn’t know about the bat pee though, too funny!

Exceptional cruise which I would love to experience when in Austin, Amanda. Thanks for the detailed guide which inspired me to add this cruise to my bucket list!

Great! Love sharing new things for other to add to their never ending travel list. Ha. It was really though and I recommend it.

This looks so cool! My wife was in Austin not long ago and tried to see the bats but she was a few minutes too late

We were lucky to learn about in time, because it was a very unique experience. The kids loved it.

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Kayak and Paddleboard Tours on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, TX

Book a tour with one of austin's top-rated tour guides..

downtown sunset kayak with 1.5 million bats

Experience one of the most spectacular and unique sights in all of Texas, 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge from under the Congress Bridge and fly into the night sky each night.

#1 BOOKED TOUR

Giant paddle with 1.5 million bats.

Join us as we see 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats take off from under the Congress Ave Bridge at sunset. Giant paddleboards are just right for viewing the bats in their full glory.

Paddleboard Glow Tour

Popular tour, giant glow paddle board the downtown skyline with bats.

Embark on a mesmerizing adventure as you paddle board along the downtown skyline, surrounded by a radiant glow and the enchanting presence of bats.

City skyline

Go tubing in austin's spring water.

Tubing in Austin's spring water is a great way to spend your day. The water is refreshing, the scenery is beautiful, and the company is always good. Get ready for an awesome time with friends!

Giant Paddle Board The Springs

Explore Austin's beautiful Ladybird Lake with one of our daytime paddle board tours. Enjoy downtown views, historical landmarks, and all the nature Austin has to offer.

Swing at the secret island

Birthday Sparks

Kayaking to the secret island

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Island style bocce ball

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Rope swing at the secret island

Headed to the secret island

Jumping off the Barton Springs bridge

Picnic and games at the secret island

Aaron Bell, Tour Guide

Reviews from our kayak and paddle board tours:

Meet the guide.

Hi, my name is Aaron and I've hosted these trips hundreds of times and still love it! I know Austin and its outdoors and secret spots better than most. You can usually find me exploring on my dirt bike or swimming. I've traveled to more than 60 countries and I do all sorts of extreme sports along the way. I also rent houses in Austin month to month and organize a lot of social activities for our friend group. If you're coming to Austin and want to explore the outdoors, you won't find a better host. I've hosted guests at my houses since 2010 and on tours since 2011.

When it comes to exploring the beauty of Austin, Texas, one cannot miss the captivating allure of Lady Bird Lake. Nestled in the heart of the city, this scenic reservoir offers an unforgettable experience for kayaking and paddle boarding enthusiasts. As you embark on a guided tour with us, you'll discover the perfect harmony between nature and urban life. The serene waters of Lady Bird Lake are flanked by lush greenery, picturesque trails, and iconic landmarks, such as the Congress Avenue Bridge. Paddle along the shimmering waters, taking in breathtaking views of the Austin skyline, as the city's vibrant energy pulses around you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, our tours cater to all skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable and immersive experience. So, grab your paddle and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Lady Bird Lake, a true gem in the heart of Austin.

Austin's Spectacular Bat Colony under South Congress Bridge

Prepare to be mesmerized by one of Austin's most captivating natural spectacles: the famous bat colony residing beneath the South Congress Bridge. This extraordinary attraction is a true marvel, as over a million Mexican free-tailed bats make this bridge their home from spring to early fall. As dusk descends upon the city, witness the sky come alive with a mesmerizing display of swirling wings and graceful flight as the bats emerge in search of their nightly feast. Join us on a kayak or paddleboard tour to witness this breathtaking phenomenon up close. As you glide along the gentle currents of Lady Bird Lake, positioned perfectly to witness the bats' exodus, you'll feel the rush of excitement as the sky transforms into a living tapestry. It's an experience like no other, where nature's wonders and human fascination converge. Join us and be captivated by the awe-inspiring bat colony under the South Congress Bridge, a truly unforgettable encounter.

Why Book A Tour With Us?

"must do" austin adventure guide.

When you book a trip with us, our confirmation email will send you a link to our list of must-do Austin activities to help you plan the rest of your trip. Things like what to do, where to eat, etc. People love this bonus because it makes everything easy. 

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We've hosted over 10,000 tours and have collected hundreds of positive reviews ! People love us!

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Our guides take high-quality photos for free using the latest Iphones and send them to you at the end of each trip.

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If your tour is canceled due to bad weather you will receive a full refund automatically.

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Best Bat Watching Locations in Austin, Texas

No matter if you’re visiting Austin, Texas for the first time or a repeat visit, or you’re a local, Austin is a city with much to offer in regards to outdoor fun. There’s a little bit of everything under the sun for everyone.

Ride the DoubleDeckerAustin.com and venture throughout Austin enjoying a Hop On and Hop Off tour of all Austin’s top attractions.

Or enjoy an awesome amphibious tour of downtown Austin and beautiful Lady Bird Lake via Austin Duck Ventures .

Both venues are located at 602 East 4th Street in Austin, Texas.

When the weather is warm, hundreds often swim, canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or pontoon party boat on Lady Bird Lake too.

But by far, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing and watching the bats fly the Congress Avenue Bridge. Nearly 200,000 people a year witness over 2 million bats fly from the bridge daily between March and early September.

But what you, like many others, may not know about are the best locations other than the Congress Avenue Bridge to see and watch the bats in Austin fly. There are a number of paid and free locations and experience types that provide a one-of-a-kind bat watching experience.

• See bats from the bridge
• Waterfront and waterside bat watching
• Aquatic and boating bat tours and cruises
• Panoramic and aerial bat viewing
• Spotting bats from parking garages
• Romantic and fine-dining bat experiences

So, what and where are the best bat watching locations and tours in Austin, Texas?

Well, let’s dive in and explore each of these unique bat watching locations and experiences. We’ll attempt to answer all your questions and more. We aim to help you solve or at least narrow down all the various considerations and available options to create a memorable bat watching experience.

The famed home of Austin’s bats: Congress Avenue Bridge.

What started as a pontoon toll bridge in the late 1800s is now one of the hottest places to visit for locals and tourists year-round.

The Congress Avenue Bridge hasn’t always been home to a thriving population of Mexican free-tailed bats. In fact, the bats didn’t claim Congress Avenue Bridge as their home until after a 1980s rehabilitation of the bridge. This rehabilitation made way for today’s thriving urban bat population and attraction.

The Congress Avenue Bridge is the number one location for many people to see, watch, and experience the evening emergence of the bats on a daily. Many spectators, near and far, gather along the sidewalk of the east side of the bridge away from the sun. It’s free to watch from bridge, but it’s certainly a first-come, first-serve experience.

There are a few things to note about the bridge. The northernmost end of the bridge, located near the LINE Hotel, is designated as the bat nursery. Most of the bats that call the Congress Avenue Bridge home are female bats ready to give birth to bat pups. Most of these bat pups hideout upside down on the north end of the bridge until they’re strong enough to fly and fend for themselves. It typically takes six weeks for most bat pups to leave the roost for their first flight.

The ideal spots are the south end and near the middle of the Congress Avenue Bridge. I personally like the bat watching experience from the middle of the bridge. It offers the opportunity to see both ends of activity as well as the middle. It takes nearly 2 hours for all 2 million bats to drop from the bridge and glide into flight.

Austin Statesman Bat Observation Center

While Congress Avenue Bridge provides a somewhat aerial view of the bats, the Austin Statesman Bat Observation Center provides a bats overhead experience. Like the Congress Avenue Bridge, the conservatory experience is free. Space, both parking and watching, is limited. The view is somewhat limited to the sound end of the bridge with clear line-of-sight visibility to the northern end.

Families of children, especially toddlers to 10 years of age, often opt for the Austin Statesman Bat Observation Center instead of the crowded bridge experience. The Congress Avenue Bridge experience can also be a bit dangerous due to being highly trafficked in both directions during late-evening rush hour.

The Austin Statesman Bat Observation Center is located at 305 South Congress Avenue.

Bat watching from Canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boats or Pontoon Party Boats

If the bridge and conservatory bat experiences are not your cups of tea, then maybe floating on Lady Bird Lake in a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or pontoon party boat.

Each floating apparatus provides an up-close and personal experience with the bats. Water watchers can paddle, float, or ride under the bridge as they anticipate the bats dropping into their gliding flight.

There are many options to choose from for bat watching by way of the canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or pontoon party boat.

Austin Water Bikes

Located at the back of the Hyatt Regency Austin on the south side of the bank and west of the Congress Bridge is Austin Water Bikes . Austin Water Bikes, now closed, once offered the paddle bike experience.

Think of riding a bike adhered to two canoes or floating devices. Just as you use the pedals to accelerate and brake on a normal bike, this is also the same for the paddle bike experience. However, this experience is no longer offered due to COVID-19 shutting down the business for good.

The bat watching water experience via Live Love Paddle

They are located at 1610 East Riverside Drive next to Radio Shack (these things still exist? who knew!?), also known as AMLI South Drive.

In addition to offering affordable watercraft rental rates, Live Love Paddle also offers a near 3-hour Congress Avenue Bridge Bats on a Kayak Tour .

A romantic bat experience via Capital Cruises

But the one thing that sets Capital Cruise head and shoulders above its competition is the swan pedal boats. The swan pedal boats are a hit for those seeking a memorable romantic experience. You’ll see quite a few couples in swan boats taking in the bat watching experience.

In addition, Capital Cruises offers the following watercraft rentals:

• Swan pedal boats (favorite)
• Donut boats (small groups of 6-8 friends)
• Duffy boats
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Pontoon party boats.

They also offer a guided 2-hour bat watching tour that offers amazing skyline views of Austin as well as watching bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Capital Cruises is located not far behind the Hyatt Regency Austin at 208 Barton Springs Road.

Bat Watching Sunset Cruises via Lone Star Riverboat

One of the most popular sightseeing cruises known around Austin is the Lone Star Riverboat bat watching sunset cruises.

It’s easy to spot the luxurious double-decked, paddlewheel riverboat named The Lone Star . You won’t miss this 75 foot long and 16-foot wide electric-powered paddle-wheeler amongst floating watercraft eagerly awaiting bats to emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge.

In fact, the captain is often spotted shining a big red spotlight underneath the bridge in hopes of enticing the bats to emerge for their nightly flight.

Lone Star Riverboat also offers reserved cruise tours of Lady Bird Lake, including a Bat Watching Sunset Cruise . These tours last roughly 60-70 minutes and are offered to groups in three different boat sizes:

• The Southern Star
• The Northern Star
• The Little Star

It’s relatively inexpensive, but a great opportunity for families, friends, or companies to experience an evening out on the town watching the bats take flight.

Lone Star Riverboat is located just behind the Hyatt Regency Austin at 208 Barton Springs Road.

A waterfront bat pass experience at Alta’s Cafe

Another great hideout to see the bats while enjoying a pastry to two over coffee or wine is Alta’s Cafe .

It’s adjacent to Congress Kayaks and is located at the Waller Creek Boathouse at 74 Trinity Street. It’s also surrounded by the beauty of Lady Bird Lake, and the hike and bike trail.

Alta’s Cafe is roughly 200-300 yards east of the Congress Avenue Bridge. So, you’re not located on or near the bridge like the aforementioned options. However, because the bats fly down the Colorado River, they fly right past Alta’s water decks and second-level deck .

Alta’s waterfront location and ambiance are great, and pastries, wines, and coffees make the bat watching experience that much more enjoyable.

Bat-dining Experience via P6 at The LINE Hotel

There are not too many places near the Congress Avenue Bridge that allow for a bat-dining experience. Of course, the aforementioned cruises offer a similar experience.

But if the water is not your thing, then the next best non-water experience to see and watch the bats has to be P6 at The LINE Hotel. The LINE Hotel is located at the corner of Congress and Cesar Chavez, 111 East Cesar Chavez Street.

P6 is on the rooftop of the LINE Hotel overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the east side of the Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s one of the best lakeside fine-dining experiences to witness the bats emerge from under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge.

Have a few drinks and tacos while enjoying a beautiful sunset and witnessing the most bat-ocular aerial show on the face of the earth. Watching the bats from P6 at the LINE Hotel is an experience like no other in Austin.

Hyatt Regency Austin Hotel Parking Garage

Exactly diagonal to P6 at the LINE Hotel, immediately west of the Congress Avenue Bridge, sits the Hyatt Regency Austin Hotel.

The Hyatt offers an outdoor dining experience on the west side or opposite side of the bat flight exit of the Congress Avenue Bridge. However, the dining experience pales in comparison to the awesome aerial views offered at P6 at the LINE Hotel.

But don’t count The Hyatt out just yet though. The Hyatt’s 8-story parking garage offers a unique panoramic view of the bats on the south side of Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue Bridge. The best viewing is likely just a few floors from the top of the Hyatt’s parking garage located at 208 Barton Springs Road.

The only downside is that parking, both valet and self-parking, is not free. Check Hyatt Regency Austin’s website for more information in regards to parking pricing, room rates, and amenities.

Hotels Rooms With Bat Watching Visibility

If you desire a full weekend experience or an overnight bat experience, then there are a few hotels in downtown Austin not far from the Congress Avenue Bridge.

In fact, a few hotels along both sides of Lady Bird Lake offer rooms facing the Congress Avenue Bridge bat experience. Call in-room service and create your own personalized dining and weekend experience watching Austin’s birds of the night.

Below are recommended hotels in downtown Austin near or not far from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Hotels are listed in order of priority and by which offers the best bat watching and viewing experiences

• The LINE Hotel (RECOMMENDED)
• Four Seasons Hotels (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
• Hyatt Regency Austin

Embassy Suites Downtown

Holiday inn austin-town lake, the line hotel and hyatt regency austin.

The closest two waterfront properties that offer amazing bat gazing and watching views are the Hyatt Regency Austin and the LINE hotel.

The Hyatt Regency Austin , located at 208 Barton Springs Road, offers rooms with north and east-facing views on the west side of the Congress Avenue Bridge. The LINE Hotel , located at 111 East Cesar Chavez Street, offers rooms with adjacent south-facing views on the east side of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Four Seasons Hotels

About 200-300 yards south of the LINE Hotel sits the 9-story Four Seasons Hotel , located at 98 San Jacinto Boulevard. It offers exceptional views of Lady Bird Lake and much of Austin’s cityscape views south, east, and west.

In addition, most Four Seasons Hotel rooms face south and have full end-to-end window and balcony views of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Much like how the Hyatt Regency Austin is located diagonal of the LINE Hotel, Embassy Suites Downtown is located at 300 South Congress. It is positioned south of Lady Bird Lake and Hyatt Regency Austin.

While Embassy Suites offers a bat experience, it only captures the most southern end of the Congress Avenue Bridge. If you’re fortunate to score a second-to-top or top-level suite at the Embassy, then you’ll enjoy a full panoramic viewing of the bats flying eastward.

But be sure to request a room facing north or east to ensure a good bat watching the view.

There are many more hotels and restaurants to list. However, one hotel that is often forgotten or simply not known for its bat watching experiences is the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake.

Truth be told, the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake is located nearly 2 miles slightly south and east of the Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s immediately adjacent to IH 35 — 20 North Interstate Highway 35. But like many of the aforementioned hotels, the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake boasts a beautiful waterfront ambiance.

It offers 14 floors with many lovely lake views. Rooms located on the northwest, west, and southwest sides of the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake off the best opportunity to view the bats. However, the common area pool patio offers a westward partial viewing of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

While you may not see the bats drop from the bridge to take flight, many often witness a ribbon of bats flying in clusters down Lady Bird Lake past the Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake.

Be sure to request rooms facing south or west, and don’t forget the pool patio option either.

And don’t forget about Austin’s parking logistics

While there is much excitement about discovering Austin’s most perfect bat watching location, please do not forget about parking. Review our top 10 parking locations , including free and paid options.

Also, be sure to add and allocate at least 20-30 minutes to find parking and to return to parking. If you are lodging at a nearby hotel, then parking expense is likely included. If you’re not lodging at a nearby hotel, bed, and breakfast, or Airbnb, then plan to budget at least $20-$25 per car to park for at least a 3 hour period.

Whatever location and experience type you select, we wish you well and hope that you have the most bat-acular experience once could ever hope for. See you there!

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Lone Star Riverboat has three different boats for you to choose from, to host your next Austin adventure. Chose bethween luxurious double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat, or two smaller boats ideal for sunset/bat watching.

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Our largest boat, the Lone Star, is Austin's newest and most luxurious double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat

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The Little Star was built in 2000 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises and sightseeing cruises March through October.

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The Southern Star was built in 2006 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises March through October.

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The Northern Star was built in 2017 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises March through October.

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Discovering Austin’s Bats with Lone Star Riverboat Tours: A Family Adventure

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable family outing in Austin, Texas, look no further than the Lone Star Riverboat bat-watching tour . This delightful excursion offers an unbeatable opportunity to witness the city’s famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats in their natural habitat while enjoying a serene boat ride on the Colorado River.

Our adventure began at the picturesque docks of Lone Star Riverboat, located conveniently near downtown Austin. From the moment we stepped aboard, the friendly and knowledgeable staff made us feel right at home. The boat was clean and spacious, with plenty of room for to explore or relax.

As we cruised along the river, our guide provided fascinating insights into the history of Austin and the significance of the bat colony under the Congress Avenue Bridge. The kids onboard were captivated by the stories of how these little mammals came to reside in the city and their impact on the local ecosystem. It was both entertaining and educational, turning our evening into a fun learning experience for the whole family.

As dusk approached, the excitement on the boat grew palpable. We all gathered on the deck, eyes trained on the bridge. Right on cue, thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerged from under the bridge, creating a mesmerizing display against the twilight sky. The sight was nothing short of magical. Everyone was in awe, with faces lighting up with wonder and amazement. This spectacle, set against the backdrop of Austin’s skyline, is a sight every family should experience at least once.

One of the highlights of the Lone Star Riverboat tour is how family-friendly it is. The boat offers a smooth, gentle ride that’s perfect for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. There are snacks and beverages available on board, which was a lifesaver for keeping the little ones content. Plus, the restrooms were clean and easily accessible, a crucial factor when traveling with kids.

Don’t forget to bring your camera! The combination of the setting sun, the bats, and the city skyline makes for fantastic photo opportunities. Our family snapped several pictures that will undoubtedly become cherished memories of our Austin adventure.

The Lone Star Riverboat bat-watching tour is a must-do for families visiting Austin. It’s a delightful blend of nature, education, and pure wonder, all packaged into a relaxing boat ride. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of Austin’s most fascinating natural phenomena. We left the boat with smiles on our faces, a camera full of photos, and a deeper appreciation for the city’s wildlife.

So, gather your crew and set sail on a Lone Star Riverboat tour – it’s an experience your family will treasure for years to come.

*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*

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Kick Off the Semester with Riverbat Bash at ACC! 

Posted by ACC Staff | Sep 11, 2024 | What to Do at ACC | 0

ACC’s Student Life is kicking off the fall semester with the Riverbat Bash. The annual event introduces you to ACC’s different departments and resources and helps you foster connections within your college community.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

• Connect With Student Life Programming Areas: Learn about different leadership opportunities, intramural and club sports, and more.
• Explore Resources Through Departmental Tabling: Meet staff from different ACC departments to learn about the resources and support they offer.
• Discover Opportunities to Get Involved: Find out how students can participate in campus life and enrich their college experience.
• Join Student Organizations and Groups: Identify and connect with student-led groups and organizations that match different interests and passions.
• Develop a Sense of Community and Belonging: Immerse yourself in the ACC community, making connections to help you feel supported.

Fall 2024 Riverbat Bash Dates:

North Region

San Gabriel Campus | Monday, September 16 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Northridge Campus | Thursday, September 19 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Round Rock Campus | Tuesday, September 24 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cypress Creek Campus | Thursday, September 26 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Central Region

Elgin Campus | Tuesday, September 17 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Rio Grande Campus | Wednesday, September 18 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Eastview Campus | Monday, September 23 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Highland Campus | Monday, September 30 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

South Region

Hays Campus | Wednesday, September 18 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

South Austin Campus | Monday, September 23 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Riverside Campus | Wednesday, September 25 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.For more information and updates about Riverbat Bash, visit austincc.edu/welcome .

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