Table Of Content
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.
Contact Capital Cruises Bat Watching and Sightseeing Tours
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.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Cameras or Binoculars for the Bat-Watching Experience?
August in Austin? Time to Get Batty - Thrillist
August in Austin? Time to Get Batty.
Posted: Mon, 22 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
Friends of Capital Cruises Dedicated to Helping the Bats
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to Capital Cruises
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. One of the first tours to show visitors around town and the only land and water tour available, Austin Duck Adventures is one of the most popular tours in town.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Sunset Boat Cruise With Bat Watching Tour in Austin?
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.
Now offering Guided Sunset Tours
Purportedly, the locals petitioned for the extermination of the bats and the dismemberment of the colony. If it were not for the Bat Conservation International organization, the bats may not have been around for the enjoyment of the individuals now. Our manually powered rentals include paddle boards, canoes, one-person and two-person kayaks, and swan pedal boats. Our motorized rentals are sporty electric launches and can accommodate groups of 10 or less. Pick from one of Lone Star Riverboat's public tours down Lady Bird Lake.
Once a year, Austin, also known as “Bat City”, hosts an extravagant celebration in honor of the Mexican Free-Tails. People from all around gather together to celebrate these mammals with food, professional vendors, and music. Tourists, bat aficionados, and locals alike, all take pride in and cherish this annual event. We are a city concession and a portion of our gross sales goes to support our nationally recognized park system. Fred DuPuy is the new owner of Lone Star Riverboat which has been in business as an Austin icon since 1987. Our staff at Lone Star Riverboat is committed to excellent customer service and making your trips as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
Set out on a captivating 2.5-hour sunset boat cruise with bat watching in Austin, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for ultimate flexibility and convenience. This tour allows guests to enjoy the beauty of Austin’s sunset while witnessing the largest urban bat colony take flight from the Congress Avenue bridge. The Anne W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world. They migrate each spring from central Mexico and return to Mexico in early Fall. Capital Cruises offers public bat tours from March through mid-November.
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).
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment