Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places.

Capital Cruises’ Internationally Famous Bat Watching Tour

Public nightly bat watching tours depart approximately 30 minutes before sunset and lasts roughly one hour in length. Bat Watching Tours available March through early-November. Rates for the 2023 Sunset Bat Watching tour: $14.00 for adults, $11.00 for seniors & $9.00 for kids 3 to 12 (lap kids are free but there is not a seat for them).

A Typical Emergence
Good viewing of the bat emergence happens consistently March through mid May; more inconsistent viewing of emergences happen mid May – June (birthing time); BEST viewing is July-September/early October.  In late October/early November, less consistent viewing is typical due to cold fronts that pass through. 

REMINDER — Bats are wild animals and can be unpredictable any time of year for a variety of factors. We do our best to put you in the right place at the right time to view the emergence based on current patterns and give a great tour of the area. We cannot guarantee a good or great emergence. If you have questions about what the emergences have been like prior to purchasing tickets, give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss what we have been seeing.

Sunset/Sightseeing tours available November through February, (weather permitting) excluding holidays. Rates for the Sunset/Sightseeing tours: $13.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors & $8.00 for kids 3 to 12.

*Now offering Guided Kayak Tours* available Thursday through Saturday evenings. Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes-2 hours. $30 per person (tandem kayaks will be used for groups of 2 or more). See views of the downtown skyline as well as watch the emergence of the largest urban bat colony in the world!  Click here for more details!

The Anne W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world.  Austin’s bridge bats are Mexican free-tailed bats. They migrate each spring from central Mexico and return to Mexico in early Fall. Our cruises provide the best possible viewing for one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world! Bat viewing is available on a public tour nightly March through mid-November or  you can customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. Please see dinner cruise and party boat pricing for rates.

November through February (weather permitting) we now offer a nightly sunset tour for those who want to just get out on the lake and view the sunset. Though most of the bats are gone at this time, some do stay around but viewing is limited. This tour is just to get out on the water at the perfect time – sunset! Bring a jacket, some snacks, and a beverage of your choice and enjoy the scenery!

Book a Bat Cruise or call at (512) 480-9264.

• Reservations require check in 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
• Not checking in at this time may result in a loss of your reservation to wait-listed patrons.
• Departure times will change depending on the bat emergence and sunset times.
• This tour runs March through October (weather permitting). Tour not available November – February but our Sunset tour is still an option to get out on the lake.

Map & Directions
Capital Cruises Dock (Lakeside of the Hyatt Hotel)
208 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704