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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.
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With all of the female bats in Austin, let us not forget about the bountiful male population, as well. The male bats will generally cluster in small groups ranging from twenty to one hundred, often times being found roosting on building alcoves, and the like. The bats population reached maximum capacity in approximately three years, stacking on top of one another in the aforementioned crevices. This brought about the locals dubbing the northern portion of the bridge the “nursery”, which is where the mama bats leave their offspring as they go about their night-time insect hunting. They then return to the nursery and use scent and echo location to find their bundles of nocturnal mammalian joy, which they then nurse before resting.
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Bat viewing is available on a nightly public tour, March through mid-November, or you can customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. Please use the GET A QUOTE button for rates for a private cruise. Experience the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, our ever changing city skyline and the natural beauty that is Austin. We offer public, narrated sightseeing cruises or witness the spectacular emergence of the world famous Mexican free-tailed bats on our sunset/bat watching cruises! Come see the sights and learn about Austin or jazz up your next occasion and have a private party aboard The Lone Star, the largest electric powered paddle wheeler in the nation.
Chiang Rai Full Day Tour Includes Boat Trip and Longneck Village From Chiang Mai
Get a different view of Austin’s free-tailed bats from a boat - The Dallas Morning News
Get a different view of Austin’s free-tailed bats from a boat.
Posted: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Make sure to adjust camera settings for optimal wildlife observation during this unforgettable adventure. Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like. Set out on a journey through Austin’s vibrant culture and captivating sunset views aboard the Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching. As the sun dips below the horizon, the warm hues paint a mesmerizing sunset ambiance, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The tour guide’s insightful commentary provides a deep dive into the city’s past, offering a blend of landmark exploration and culture. Guests can witness the beauty of Willie Nelson Statue and the grandeur of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, gaining a profound understanding of Austin’s heritage.
The 2.5-hour duration ensures a comprehensive experience, with ample time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as it transitions from day to night. Plus, the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour provides peace of mind, allowing guests to adjust their plans if needed. Choose from one of three different Lone Star Riverboats to host your next Austin adventure.
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.
As the sun begins to set over Austin, guests on the sunset boat cruise with bat watching can anticipate an intimate and enlightening experience in a small group setting led by a knowledgeable live guide. The small group dynamics foster interactive experiences, allowing for personalized attention and building group camaraderie. This setting enables guests to engage closely with the guide, asking questions and sharing the excitement of witnessing Austin come to life at sunset. The live guide not only enhances the tour with area history and insights but also ensures that each participant feels included and valued. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bond with fellow travelers while enjoying the beauty of Lady Bird Lake and the thrill of watching the Congress Bridge bats take flight.
Now offering Guided Sunset Tours
Watch the bats emerge nightly on our Public Bat-Watching Tour, running from March through mid-November. Or customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. It is a spectacular sight to see the bats emerge from the bridge at sunset!
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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.
If you'd rather make it a more active experience, you can watch the bats emerge from the trail. There are many spots along the Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake where you can stand to enjoy the view. Try to find a spot east of the Congress Avenue Bridge with a clear view of the sky, but be sure to not block the trail from runners, walkers and cyclists passing by. You can also rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard board, canoe or water bike and join the other aquatic adventurers that float around under the bridge around sunset. Feedback from your indicates a generally positive experience with the sunset boat cruise and bat watching tour in Austin. Austin is home to the roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats from late spring to early fall.
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.
The opportunity for sunset photography was well-received, capturing Austin’s skyline as dusk fell. Plus, guests enjoyed observing bat behavior at the Congress Avenue bridge. The various bat tours begin in the evening, and start in early March, proceeding until November. Worst case scenario is that the bats do not take flight due to inclement weather, but the tours still afford many amazing photo opportunities. Located in Austin, Texas, the Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching offers a unique opportunity to witness the famous Congress Bridge bats in action.
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