Saturday, August 26

bat fest: a limited edition guided bat tour

Did you know Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world? Get a front row seat to Austin’s most popular bat sighting of the year, and join Rowing Dock for its limited-edition guided bat tour on Saturday, August 26^th, during Austin’s annual Bat Fest! Beat the crowds on land and watch from the comfort of your own kayak as over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge to their nightly feeding, while listening to the live music from Bat Fest. This is the best time of year to see the bats, as baby bats are now emerging with the adults!

The 4-mile round-trip is accompanied by one of our excellent guides who will also teach you about prominent architecture across the skyline, the Austin power plant, Auditorium Shores, and much more. Please allow three – three and a half hours for this experience, as the bats dictate our timing.

For those interested in participating in Bat Fest prior to your guided tour at Rowing Dock, you can learn more about the festival by visiting www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest/.

DATE & TIME

Saturday, August 26, 6:15pm

PRICING

$45 Per Person

PADDLING TIME

4 Miles Round Trip | 3 Hours - 3.5 Hours

BOAT SELECTION

Single and Double Kayaks

Interested in a Private Tour?

If our pre-scheduled dates don't work for your schedule or you'd prefer a private experience fo your group, please reach out and we'd be happy to arrange a tour based on your needs.

Request a Private Tour

What to bring

We require each of these before you hit the water, no exceptions – but keep in mind our dock doesn’t have secured storage for additional items.

Photo ID

Matching Credit Card

Rental Waiver

(provided at dock)

Learn More About What to Bring

RULES & GUIDELINES FOR SMOOTH SAILING

Rule number one, obviously, is to have fun. Alas, there are a few more things to know before you row.

Read all the rules & guidelines

Guided Tour FAQs

How long are guided paddles?

Our typical guided paddles are about 2 hours. But, for our bat paddles, the bats dictate our timing so plan to be on the water anywhere between two and three hours.

How do I get to Rowing Dock?

Please visit our Find Us page for details on how to get to us. Given limited parking options throughout Zilker Park, we heavily encourage ride-sharing, biking, or public transit via CapMetro. There is a large gravel lot East of Mopac for easiest parking, with a 5-10 minute walk to Rowing Dock ($7/vehicle). Details here. We ask that all are respectful of our neighbors including the Nature and Science Center, and do not park in their bus/handicap lane. If you do plan to attempt to drive closer, there will be limited parking on a first come, first serve basis in the Rowing Dock parking lot or under the Mopac bridge. Due to an increase in theft in the area, please do not leave any valuables in your car.

How many people can go on a guided paddle?

We can accommodate groups of all sizes. We recommend groups of 2-12, however, we can add additional guides to accommodate larger groups.

Is there a minimum age you have to be to go on a guided paddle?

All ages are welcome. If your group is taking out SUPs, children under the age of 16 are required to have a parent or guardian on the water with them. For kayaks and canoes, children under the age of 13 are required to have a parent or guardian on the water.

Can you bring your pets on a guided paddle?

Pets are welcome! Generally the tour is more enjoyable if your pet is not high energy.

Can people take different boats out for guided paddles?

Yes, but we do recommend renting the same boat if you'd like to all travel at the same speed.

View our full FAQs

Notice:

PS: We're Hiring! Read more >

BAT FEST: A Limited Edition Guided Bat Paddle