10 Austin Surf Trips Worth Booking

1.Downtown Austin Giant Paddleboard Sunset Tour with Bats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Join Boats and Bats for a private 2.5-hour sunset trip on a 15-by-4.5-foot giant paddleboard. Guide Ross and the team lead you past downtown views, the sunset, and Congress Avenue Bridge, where about 1.5 million bats emerge. Sit, stand, or relax as you paddle back under the city lights.

“We did not know what to expect but knew we wanted an outdoor family activity. We had to work together to move our boat down the river and felt so accomplished when we really got it moving. The communication it required from my three teenagers filled my heart! The guides were really knowledgeable about the bats and made the experience so worth it. My son is yapping about taking a date next time! Thank you boats and bats for a great new memory!”

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2.Kayak or Paddle Board Sunset Bat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $0

Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Lady Bird Lake to South Congress Bridge at dusk. Guides lead the route, explain Austin and the local environment, and position you for the bats’ nightly flight. The tour lasts about two hours and returns to the starting point.

“An Amazing evening on the water! To see the Bats 🦇 make their Beautiful flight from the water was Spectacular !!”

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3.Wakesurf Trip on Lake Austin – BYOB Captained (up to 12 guests)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Bring your own drinks and friends for a private four-hour Lake Austin outing with a captain such as Adam or Thomas. Wakesurf, wakeboard, waterski, tube, swim, cruise at sunset, or anchor at Party Cove. Equipment and life jackets are included, while tubing costs extra.

“Captain Adam was the best. Never been. He taught how we do. Was shredding all the wakes. There are a ton of options. I would definitely book with this group again!”

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4.Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · from $55

Meet at Waller Creek Boathouse, collect your individual paddleboard, and learn the basics before paddling Lady Bird Lake. You’ll pass Austin’s skyline, Congress Avenue Bridge, Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and the Statesman Bat Observation Center during this flexible two-hour rental.

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5.Austin: Giant Paddleboarding Tour Downtown at Sunset w/ Bats

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $54

Join Boats and Bats for a two-hour paddle along downtown Austin with guide Ross and the crew. You will paddle by day, watch sunset over the river, see the bats near the bridge, and finish under the city lights. Equipment and photos are included.

“10/10 ⭐️ Das war fantastisch! Must-do in Austin 🥰 Großartiges Team. Super Equipment. Wunderschöne Paddeltour zur Fledermausbrücke ❤️ Wir würden jederzeit wieder mit Boats and Bats buchen!”

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6.Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline with Bats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Meet at 5 East Ave before sunset for a guided paddle beneath Austin’s downtown skyline and Congress Avenue Bridge. Watch the bats emerge, then choose from 12 glow-light colors for the paddle back. Boards, paddles, lifejackets, dry storage, and photos are included.

“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!”

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7.Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of San Marcos River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Ben from Alamo Adventures for a 2.5-hour stand-up paddleboard tour on the clear, warm San Marcos River. You’ll get instruction, practice time, a board and required gear, plus a small group capped at 15. The river’s gentle setting, turtles, and guide-led pace make this a friendly first paddle.

“This was my first time paddle boarding. Ben, the guide was absolutely fantastic. He made sure everyone knew how to use the kayak and paddleboards and had us practice before taking off. The experience was so great because you could go at your own pace and enjoy what you were seeing....turtles...it was fantastic!!! Ben took time to take pictures and sent them to us!!! Would HIGHLY recommend this. Ben is very experienced, kind and just a joy to hang with!!! Sidenote, bring bug spray!! Thank you, Pati an Andrea, WI”

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8.Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Paddleboard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Paddleboard along Lady Bird Lake to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, then watch Austin’s famous Mexican free-tailed bats take flight. Lone Star Kayak Tours keeps groups to 10, with a relaxed pace, city views, and possible kayak transfers if needed.

“Great Time on the river with friends. The guide was super friendly and had lots of great insights to share about the city and the bats.”

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9.Giant Paddleboarding Austin’s Springs and Party Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Join guides Brayden and Esteban for a two-hour giant paddleboard trip from Lady Bird Lake to Barton Springs. You’ll paddle, swim in spring-fed water, spot turtles and fish, and may join a weekend party island. Boards, paddles, and lifejackets are provided.

“We had such an amazing experience. So many people asked us about the paddle board or commented about how much fun it looked. It was our first time out and Brayden and Esteban made it the best experience. Already looking forward to the next trip out.”

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10.1 Hour Paddle Board Rental on Lake Austin Per Person

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $20Best value

Rent a paddle board for one hour on Lake Austin’s calm, no-wake water. Jacob and the Lake Austin Calm team get you set up near Mozart’s Coffee, with access to the Fern Wall, clear water, and nearby Quince and Hula Hut. Add rental time at check-in if you want longer on the lake.

“Fun fun fun and we were free to go where we wanted the rain at the end was rough but it was near the end anyway and the guys there were very awesome”

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