Tours/Austin/Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats
4.2(6)Austin2h 30min
VIATOR3.8(4)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)
At a glance
Duration
2h 30min
Price from
$70 / person
Location
Austin, United States
Rating
4.2 / 5 · 6 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 178
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Boats and Bats
Meeting point
You'll get a link with all the info you need once you book. Read that info! But in short, we meet UNDER the interstate 35 bridge on the north side of the river. Be there 15 minutes early. Start times updated weekly so check the link below!!
Description
This specific tour is really similar to the kayaking with the bats or giant Paddleboarding with the bats only its more of a VIP experience.
You start after most people, stay out longer than most, and you get more photos of your group and you're after dark photos should be amazing.
You are welcome to start early with the other tours to catch more of the sunset and still stay out late to play with the glow lights. Sometimes if the Glow bookings are small, we'll ask you to start early.
Out at sunset: the 5:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:53 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 151 of the next 180 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 9.
Tour Options
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats
What's included
Included
We provide the Giant Paddleboards, paddles, life jackets, and a dry empty cooler that you can use as a storage and captions seat. Of course, we also provide the glow lights.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.2
6 reviews
5
4
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Austin
Starting price $70 is 30% above the typical $54 for tours of similar length in Austin
Excurgo comparison of 277 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats take?
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats lasts about 2h 30min.
How much does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats cost?
Prices start at $70 per person for this Austin experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 7:30 PM.
Does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats sell out?
It can: 151 of the next 180 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is You'll get a link with all the info you need once you book. Read that info! But in short, we meet UNDER the interstate 35 bridge on the north side of the river. Be there 15 minutes early. Start times updated weekly so check the link below!! Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 178 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(6)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Melinda_S
July 28, 2026 · via Viator
Cancelled without a phone call. Note taped to the door on the time scheduled to start activity.
We travel from San Antonio to Austin for this activity ONLY! Since the activity could run late we rented 2 hotels room downtown. This was a planned trip for my daughter’s birthday.
We we arrived we had a quick dinner so we could make the time scheduled (7:00pm). Once we arrived there was a NOTE on the door stating the event was cancelled due to the lake being closed. When I called the business they told me this had a been an ongoing issue with the city!! If they had the common courtesy to relay that message before our reservation and travel we wouldn’t have taken the chance and wasted over 1k for the room and event. This ruined my daughters weekend not to mention the other that were also scheduled rented a hotel and traveled for this.
I wanted to give it a few days before posting my review. It doesn’t seem the owner cares enough to at least give me a call to apologize. Don’t reserve with them. There are many other places you can do the same activity with much more professionalism.
BTW, we have NOT been reimbursed.
Operator response
Hey Melinda, I'm sorry your weekend was ruined. Here's the story for anyone else reading. The city announced a lake closure due to needing to drain the upper lakes meaning they needed to open the dam downtown and let the water flow through. On the day of her tour the lake was supposed to reopen at 5PM. The city waited until the last minute to extend that closure. She was given a few hours heads up via text that it was not legal for us to operate. She chose to drive to the shop anyway. I'm not sure why. Her refund was processed the same day the tour was canceled. When she writes she has not been refunded, thats inaccurate although it's possible the money has not hit her account because it does take a few days. We did the best we could when the circumstances were out of our control and if she handled it any differently we would likely have offered to let her rebook for free.
M
M_L
July 12, 2026 · via Viator
Be ready to sweat!
This activity was great BUT pick your crew appropriately, SUP is not for the weak. Spent this with family, 3 adults, all related and let's just say that our athletic skills varied. The tour itself was great, the lead made sure we were well informed of the history and fun facts, good music was even included. The weather in August is very warm even in the evening so be prepared with enough cold water and good sunscreen and/or sunshirts, include sunglasses and hats if you want coverage. We made it to the bridge and like clockwork, the bats were out and it was truly amazing. You just don't get this view any other way unless you are water level under the bridge. Then the hard part, paddling back to the start. It was a bad combo of excess kelp in the river, poor athletic skills and darkness set in. We were hot and exhausted, luckily the crew came out and rescued us, towing us back home. If it was just myself with an equally athletic buddy it would've been stellar, this crew should've considered the boats instead. I'd recommend this activity to anyone visiting Austin, just know your physical limits.
J
J3155RLtonyd
March 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with the family!
Amazing experience. Staff is so friendly and responsive. Pricing is reasonable for experience. Worth it for glow light paddle boarding at night. An added bonus to be able to see the bats at sunset! Perfect view!
J
Juan_F
October 13, 2025 · via Viator
Boats & Bats
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Austin, check out Boats and Bats! It’s an amazing experience — perfect for families and kids who’ll love every moment. The guides are super helpful and make it easy for everyone, even beginners. As the sun sets, you’ll get to watch hundreds of bats flying out from under the bridge — a sight you’ll never forget. It’s fun, simple, and full of Austin charm!
J
Jami_N
June 27, 2025 · via Viator
So fun!
So fun and guide was very knowledgeable about the bats! Very thorough information on the website and they send you a link with a video so you can easily find them.
S
Sunshine20180479006
July 14, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Fun, relaxing, and educational
This was a wonderful tour! Well worth the time - We are so glad we went. It was my first time on a paddle board but the guides were all very helpful, friendly, and funny! We got to have a nice, do it at your own pace, sunset paddle on the river and learn more about the famous bridge bats. The guides made sure to check in with us throughout the trip and offered some good photo opportunities.
A big thank you to our guides! I would definitely recommend this tour if you're looking for a fun and relaxing activity in Austin!
Compare similar tours in Austin
Lowest price: The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour — $31
Best rated: Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide — 4.9 (2,417 reviews)
Shortest: Clear Kayak Sunset Glow Tour — 1h 15min
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats