Paddle Lady Bird Lake at sunset and watch bats emerge from Austin’s bat bridge
1 Hour 45 Minutes
Guide, equipment, water
Explore Lady Bird Lake with a guide as the sun sets over downtown Austin. Learn about the local bat colony and look for Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from the bat bridge.
Bring a driver’s license, military ID, or passport per watercraft rented. There is no public parking at the boathouse, so plan extra time to park and walk.
Cancel at least 48 hours before the start time for a refund. No refund if cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the booked event. Full refund or option to reschedule if the operator cancels due to inclement weather.
Bring a driver’s license, military ID, or passport per watercraft rented.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing for paddling.
No. There is no public parking at the boathouse. Park on nearby downtown streets (metered) or in parking garages.
74 Trinity Street Austin, TX 78701
With an exceptional reputation built on nearly perfect ratings, this lakeside operation delivers exactly what paddlers are looking for: affordable rentals, friendly service, and a genuinely fun time on the water. Staff members like Ethan, Holden, and Ruby consistently earn praise for their welcoming personalities and knowledge, particularly on the popular sunset kayak and bat-watching tours where guides share entertaining history and fun facts while timing the experience perfectly for the evening bat show. The equipment is well-maintained and easy to use, even for complete beginners. A couple practical notes: parking can be a bit tricky, and signage from the lot could be clearer (one visitor nearly thought they'd missed their tour). Some paddlers wished for more detailed directions to spots like the cold spring, though exploring and finding it added to the adventure. The process itself is straightforward and quick, with rentals requiring return by 8:30 PM, which still leaves plenty of time for paddling and bat viewing during the cooler evening hours.
Do you love turtles? We saw baby turtles, turtles in the water, turtles on logs, and turtles on rocks. I have never seen so many turtles in the wild! 5/5 highly recommended for turtle lovers of all ages. The service, equipment, and location were also excellent.
Tina S
May 23, 2026
Do you love turtles? We saw baby turtles, turtles in the water, turtles on logs, and turtles on rocks. I have never seen so many turtles in the wild! 5/5 highly recommended for turtle lovers of all ages. The service, equipment, and location were also excellent.
Tina S
May 23, 2026