On their nightly flights the bats eat anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects, including mosquitoes and harmful agricultural pests. Visitors and residents alike line up nightly on the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the bats fly out from beneath the bridge, forming a surreal dark cloud as they ascend into the night sky. Arrive early for a front row spot (the sidewalk gets crowded) and be sure to face the east, as the bats will fly out in that direction. A 1980 renovation transformed the Congress Avenue Bridge into an ideal bat cave, soon attracting migrating Mexican free-tailed bats. Decades later, Austin's bat numbers have swelled and locals have adopted the beloved creatures as neighbors who happily handle the city's bug mitigation and provide an amazing nightly show. Witness the magic of Austin’s illuminated skyline and the enchanting Congress Avenue bridge bat colony on the captivating Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching in Austin.
Capital Cruises’ Internationally Famous Bat Watching Tour
With a flight speed of 60 miles per hour, insects do not stand a chance, leaving spectators awestruck by the bats amazing and erratic flight patterns. Each evening, the flight path of the bats is unique and different from the previous, creating anticipation as bat enthusiasts await the cacophony of nocturnal, leathery wings. Restroom availability is ensured on board for guests’ comfort during the sunset cruise. As they marvel at the stunning sunset views, they can conveniently use the facilities. Enjoy the adventure without worrying about missing any part of the experience.
Contact Capital Cruises Bat Watching and Sightseeing Tours
The Austin locals are also happy with the environmentally conscious bats whom eat an estimated thirty thousand pounds of insects every single night, reducing the need for any pesticide usage. Not to mention that those pesky mosquitoes virtually do not exist due to the hungry creatures eating them every night. Guests can bring their own cameras and binoculars to enhance their bat-watching experience. Capture stunning sunset photography and observe bat behavior up close.
Everything you need to know about Austin’s Congress Bridge Bats
You are welcome to bring your own beverages on the Little Star, Southern Star, and Lone Star. Embrace the wonderful weirdness of Austin and come out to see the spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats for yourself. Be sure to share your bat-watching experience by posting pictures on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #TrueAustin.
Get set for an exciting sunset boat cruise with bat watching in Austin, where you can experience the city’s beauty as it comes to life at dusk. Age restrictions apply for the sunset boat cruise with bat watching in Austin. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the Congress Bridge bats in action.
The review summary highlights visitors’ perspectives on the sunset boat cruise with bat watching in Austin. It provides insights into the guide’s performance, transportation quality, and overall value for money. While the guide received a low rating of 1/5, transportation was rated positively at 4.1/5, and the value for money was considered fair at 3.5/5.
Are Food and Drinks Provided on the Sunset Boat Cruise?
The bats were happy to find that the miniscule crevices under the bridge were ideal for building a colony and housing many, many bats. With the assistance of time, purportedly, the colony eventually grew to be about one and half million strong, which is impressive, to say the least. As the boat cruises along Lady Bird Lake, guests are treated to a mesmerizing tour of the city’s most renowned sites. From the majestic Texas Capitol to the historic Paramount Theatre, each landmark holds a piece of Austin’s unique story.
All bat watching cruises will be on one of our THREE smaller boats, The Southern Star, The Northern Star or The Little Star. Bats are nocturnal animals, therefore they are least active during the day while they’re asleep. The bats live in the crevices on the underside of Congress Avenue Bridge and fly out of the east side of the bridge each evening to hunt for insects and bugs. The bats only call Austin home for a portion of the year from spring to late fall. The colony will typically begin to appear in late March and stay until temperatures start to drop around September/October.
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world. Austin's bats are Mexican free-tailed bats and use the bridge as their maternity roost, migrating each spring from central Mexico to have their pups here before returning to Mexico in autumn. Our cruises provide the best possible vantage point for one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world!
The bats flight pattern generally depends on the weather and whether or not they’re nursing a baby bat, called a pup. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for the experience. Whether you BYO or opt for catering, the tour offers a captivating evening on the water. The newborn pups will generally stay at the colony for the first season, or so, of their lives, but the mothers that birthed them can always be expected to return to where they birthed their offspring the year prior.
Get comprehensive pricing information and peruse the numerous "add-on" options we have to offer. Enter as many quotes as you like, modify the number of guests or catering and entertainment options, and let the quote generator do the work for you. Comprehensive pricing information and additional cruise "add-on" options. Enter as many quotes as you like, change the number of guests or catering and entertainment options and let the quote generator do the work for you. In early June each bat gives birth to one single baby bat (known as a pup).
What is it about Austin? Simply put, this 'weird' Texas city has it all - The Spokesman Review
What is it about Austin? Simply put, this 'weird' Texas city has it all.
Posted: Sat, 09 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Guests can enjoy a peaceful evening on Lady Bird Lake while learning about the city’s history and gaining local insights. This experience promises an unforgettable blend of nature and urban adventure. Cruising along Lady Bird Lake, guests are immersed in the enchanting experience of witnessing the Congress Bridge bats taking flight against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. The bat-watching experience and sunset view offer a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife interaction. Yes, there’s a restroom on board the boat during the tour, ensuring comfort for all guests. While enjoying the stunning sunset views, visitors can easily access facilities.
Their wingspan is about 11”, but with their wings retracted, they can fit in the palm of a hand. These aforementioned Mexican Free-Tailed bats can live almost a decade and can weigh approximately twelve grams with a wingspan of eleven, or so, inches. If they do not spread their wings, however, they are the size of an average adult’s palm.
Alternatively, you can typically pay to park at the surface lot adjacent to the hotel, though prices for this and other pay lots in the area may vary depending activities in the surrounding area. Both the Long Center for Performing Arts and Austin City Hall have large pay-parking structures and are a short walk from the dock. Also, One Texas Center off of Riverside Drive typically has available parking. Guests may drop off passengers at the front door of the hotel, but parking there is limited to 5 minutes. We are on the boat dock at the lakeside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hyatt is located at 208 Barton Springs Road near the intersection of Congress and Barton Springs on the south side of Town Lake.
Most of the visitors that venture into Austin, Texas have heard of the city’s reputation for being home to a colony of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. Many bat watchers from around the globe visit the Congress Bridge between Spring and Fall, to witness these majestic-winged creatures in flight. With a small group setting and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a personalized and insightful experience.
With a knowledgeable guide, iconic landmarks, and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a magical experience you won’t soon forget. Set out on a Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching in Austin for an enchanting evening filled with stunning views, fascinating bat sightings, and a deep dive into the city’s culture. The sight of thousands of bats taking flight at dusk is just the beginning of this captivating journey.
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