Watch Millions Of Bats Fill The Night Sky On This Sunset Riverboat Cruise In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 07, 2019
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
It’s almost time for the famous Congress Avenue bats to make their appearance, and Lone Star Riverboat couldn’t be more prepared. This sunset cruise on Lady Bird Lake takes passengers directly underneath the colony, offering a viewing experience like nothing you’ve ever witnessed before. Check it out:
Lone Star Riverboat is one of the best ways to experience our capital city. It features four different vessels that seat up to 120 people, making it a perfect summer activity for weddings, birthday parties, company events, or simply a fun-filled family excursion.
Several different types of tours are available, including daytime sightseeing, moonlight, and the one we'll be featuring today: bat watching. We all know one of America's largest Mexican free-tailed bat colonies resides here, and you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these mystical creatures of night.
Departure is about 30 minutes prior to sunset, and the tour typically lasts an hour. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children under 13.
As dawn slowly fades, the horizon is painted in mesmerizing amber and pale pink hues. While Texas sunsets are drop-dead gorgeous any time of year, there's something so special about dusk in the summertime.
It's estimated that over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their homes under the bridge, all emerging at sunset. They soar to incredible heights and blanket the sky in darkness as onlookers watch with utter amazement.
All bat watching cruises are held on the three smaller boats: Southern Star, Northern Star, and Little Star. They hold anywhere from 32 to 60 people and are available for private charter if you'd like to book a more intimate tour.
While the bats are undoubtedly the main attraction, Lady Bird Lake is full of other awe-inspiring sights. This grafitti-studded train bridge has become an icon of sorts here in Austin, and you'll get to view it from an entirely different perspective as the boat passes underneath.
Have you ever taken the bat cruise on Lone Star Riverboat? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! To learn more about the Congress Avenue bats, check out our previous article: There’s No Attraction In The World Like This One In Texas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
