Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats worth booking?
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats is a 2.5-hour experience in Austin, United States, from $70 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (6)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $70 per person
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 photo
What you get
About this experience
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.
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.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Austin
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
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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!!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Boats and Bats
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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.
Response from the operator: 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.
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.
via Viator
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!
via Tripadvisor
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!
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.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Austin.
How much does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Austin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Austin is not rushed.
Is Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Austin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Austin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Austin and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Austin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Austin?
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Austin's activity list runs on food and water: barbecue crawls to the pits that sell out by noon, Lady Bird Lake kayaking under the Congress Avenue bat colony, live music walks on Rainey and Red River, and Hill Country wine and distillery runs. We weight timing detail in the ranking, because a barbecue tour that arrives after the brisket is gone is a different product entirely. On Outty we rank every Austin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide, The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Downtown Austin. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Austin?
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March to May and October to November, avoiding the triple-digit summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Austin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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