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The Statesmen Bat Observation Center, just southeast of Congress Bridge, does not cost much, and is available for public use. With standing room along the top portion of the bridge and the closest parking to Congress Bridge, the Observation Center is definitely worth looking into if you want to see the bats. If you are familiar at all with bats, you know that they are nocturnal creatures by nature, and as the sun sets, they take flight, looking to consume any and all unsuspecting insects that happen to be airborne.
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Guests are sure to be captivated by the graceful flight patterns of the bats as they fill the sky, creating a spectacle against the vibrant hues of the setting sun. The tranquil atmosphere and the breathtaking views make this an unforgettable experience. Tours run March - October, departing approximately 30 minutes before sunset. 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.
Small Group Experience With Live Guide
The opportunity for sunset photography was well-received, capturing Austin’s skyline as dusk fell. Plus, guests enjoyed observing bat behavior at the Congress Avenue bridge. The various bat tours begin in the evening, and start in early March, proceeding until November. Worst case scenario is that the bats do not take flight due to inclement weather, but the tours still afford many amazing photo opportunities. Located in Austin, Texas, the Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching offers a unique opportunity to witness the famous Congress Bridge bats in action.
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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. It is a spectacular sight to see the bats emerge from the bridge at sunset!
Austin's resident bats are Mexican free-tailed bats, which migrate each spring from central Mexico to various roosts all over the southwestern U.S. Visitors can definitely bring cameras or phones to capture the mesmerizing bat behavior during the experience. Photography tips include adjusting settings for low light and quick movements. The chance to capture the city’s natural inhabitants in their element adds a unique touch to this memorable experience, blending the beauty of nature with the urban landscape of Austin. Mexican free-tailed bats live for 8-9 years and only grow to weigh roughly 12 grams.

See Many Bats
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Austin’s landmarks on a twilight cruise with a unique bat-watching twist. It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby. An intriguing fact about Austin’s ‘Sunset Boat Cruise With Bat Watching’ is that over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats call the Congress Avenue bridge home during certain months of the year. Capital Cruises provides a unique glimpse of Lady Bird Lake with a public daytime Sightseeing Tour. Sunset Sightseeing Tours are offered November through February (weather permitting).
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All "bat cruise" results in Austin, Texas
Persons kayaking must be able to paddle (basic instruction provided) and be less than 250lbs. Lockers are available on the dock for personal items that need storing. At the end of the season, you can see roughly 1.5 million bats ascending into the summer sky.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Sunset Boat Cruise With Bat Watching Tour in Austin?
Despite some mixed reviews, the overall sentiment leaned towards a satisfactory experience with notable highlights like bat watching and the sunset cruise. On top of that, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, from graceful birds to the possibility of spotting the largest urban bat colony taking flight from the Congress Avenue bridge. The cruise not only offers a chance to witness the spectacular sight of bats taking flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge but also provides a unique opportunity for culture. Learn about Austin’s rich heritage as you glide past iconic landmarks like the Paramount Theatre and Texas Capitol, all while soaking in the beauty of Lady Bird Lake at dusk.
Imagine your social occasion on a delightful cruise right through the heart of downtown Austin, Texas aboard a Lone Star Riverboat. Private charters are available year-round for groups of 30 to 100 people. Parking there should be $25.00 per vehicle for up to 3 hours, after which you may be subject to additional charges.
If you'd rather make it a more active experience, you can watch the bats emerge from the trail. There are many spots along the Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake where you can stand to enjoy the view. Try to find a spot east of the Congress Avenue Bridge with a clear view of the sky, but be sure to not block the trail from runners, walkers and cyclists passing by. You can also rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard board, canoe or water bike and join the other aquatic adventurers that float around under the bridge around sunset. Feedback from your indicates a generally positive experience with the sunset boat cruise and bat watching tour in Austin. Austin is home to the roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats from late spring to early fall.
Or you can customize your own excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. The tour provides a perfect opportunity to learn about the city’s culture and history with insightful on-board commentary. One of the highlights includes encountering the largest urban bat colony at the Congress Avenue bridge, offering a unique and thrilling experience for visitors.
Bat viewing is available on a nightly public tour, March through mid-November, or you can customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. Please use the GET A QUOTE button for rates for a private cruise. Experience the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, our ever changing city skyline and the natural beauty that is Austin. We offer public, narrated sightseeing cruises or witness the spectacular emergence of the world famous Mexican free-tailed bats on our sunset/bat watching cruises! Come see the sights and learn about Austin or jazz up your next occasion and have a private party aboard The Lone Star, the largest electric powered paddle wheeler in the nation.
An estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. It is the largest urban colony in North America, recognized by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, and various other news media. Come relax on the lake, observe our unusual attraction, and listen to the narration and history provided by your captain. While it is not known exactly where the bats go every night, the majority of the colony flies east and hunts for insects along the Colorado River. The entire colony doesn’t travel together to the same place, nor do they stay out for the same amount of time each night.
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