Birdwatching · AUSTIN BIRDWATCHING TOURS
Every trip has one free morning too few. These 8 austin birdwatching tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Cycle from Barton Springs and Zilker Park to the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, Congress Avenue Bridge, Pfluger Bridge, and Lady Bird Lake’s boardwalk. Your English-speaking guide, including Peter, Mark, or Michael, supplies a bike, helmet, water, and local stories.
“Lady Bird bike tour from. Barton spring bike rentals was amazing. My guide Mark was very knowledgeable & great fun. Highly recommended”
Meet Longhorn Kayak Tours at 7 East Ave for a two-hour paddle on Lady Bird Lake. You receive a basic launch lesson, route advice, kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then set your own pace toward the Austin skyline, lakeside wildlife, and Congress Avenue bat bridge.
“It was amazing. The other people in the 2:00 group we went out with all had fun. Going down to the bridge was so much fun. The Austin skyline is beautiful!”
Join Get Up and Go Kayaking ATX for a 2.5-hour tandem clear kayak trip from 30 East Avenue. Guides such as Satvik and Patrick share Austin history as you paddle Lady Bird Lake, pass the Congress Avenue Bridge, visit Barton Creek, and reach Barton Springs Pool. Sunset offers the best chance to see bats.
“The tour was excellent. We ended up being the only people on tour, so it was essentially a private tour. We were able to get very close to the bars under the Congress Street bridge. It was awesome. The views of downtown Austin from Lady Bird Lake were amazing, especially to see the difference between daylight and sunset. The weather couldn’t have been better. Patrick our guide was superb. He was very knowledgeable about Austin and its history. We would highly recommend this tour, especially people with families. It was really easy for our 6 year old son to join and enjoy. Patrick taught him how to row/paddle and he…”
Pick up a single kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe from Live Love Paddle and spend an hour on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. You’ll get a personal flotation device, free parking, and skyline views, with the option to paddle toward Barton Springs Pool. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a credit card.
Rent a kayak from Austin Rowing Club and spend two hours paddling independently on Lady Bird Lake. You can pass beneath Congress Avenue Bridge, view downtown from the water, spot turtles and fish, and possibly reach Barton Springs. No prior kayaking experience is required.
“Good experience! Hard to beat kayaking in the middle of Austin with views of several bridges and the whole city.”
Collect your individual paddleboard at Waller Creek Boathouse, learn basic handling and water right-of-way rules, then paddle Lady Bird Lake toward Austin sights, Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and Congress Avenue Bridge. Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for this flexible two-hour outing.
You’ll spend about 90 minutes on a small-group Segway experience linked with Austin sights and local nature themes, including birds, bees, plants, and goats. The plan references the Driskill hotel and Texas State Capitol, but the listed meeting point is outside central Austin, so confirm the route and pickup details before booking.
“I waited until after my reservation time of 12:30 pm and no one showed up. Had to book a tour with another company.”
You’ll paddle Lady Bird Lake in a private clear kayak tour for up to 12 people. Your guide can shape the route toward Barton Springs by day or Congress Bridge at sunset, when the kayaks glow and bats may be part of the scene. Harrison and Patrick have guided past tours.
“We had a great paddle up to the springs! It was neat to see Austin and Ladybird Lake from a different perspective. We could see the fish and turtles in the springs through the clear kayaks and the small group size was a plus. Would recommend for anyone visiting and looking for an active outdoor experience!”
Pick a bird, a colony or a coastline.
