Austin: Giant Glow Paddleboarding the Downtown Skyline

Experience a one-of-a-kind way to see downtown Austin after sunset with the Giant Glow Paddleboarding tour. For $70 per person and lasting about 2 hours, this experience offers an enchanting view of the city skyline illuminated at night. As the only company in Austin providing this glow-up paddleboard adventure, Boats and Bats delivers a memorable outing suitable for all ages and skill levels. The tour stands out for its interactive LED lighting, guided photography, and the chance to paddle along the river at dusk and after dark.

While no prior paddleboarding experience is necessary, participants should be comfortable wearing clothes and shoes that can get wet. The high-quality photos included in the package help capture your stunning views, making this tour an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed yet visually striking activity after sunset. The tour’s small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the bat emergence and city lights.

Key Points

• Unique night paddleboarding experience with LED lighting options and stunning skyline views
• All equipment provided—no need to bring your own gear
• Two-hour tour starting just after sunset, with the opportunity to see bats fly out at dusk
• Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with guides offering safety and support
• Photos included, capturing the illuminated water and cityscape
• No food or drinks provided, so bring your own, but no glass or alcohol

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Only Glow Paddleboarding Tour in Austin

This Austin-specific experience is exclusive to Boats and Bats, making it the only company offering glow-in-the-dark paddleboards on the city’s rivers. The special LED lights have 12 color options, allowing you to customize your paddleboard’s glow as you paddle. This creates a vibrant water display, complemented by the city lights reflecting on the river below.

The 2-hour tour starts right after sunset, providing ample time to enjoy the calm waters and the city’s evening atmosphere. The guided experience ensures safety while providing high-quality photos of your adventure, perfect for sharing afterward. The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention, and the guides help explain what makes Austin’s night scene so special, including the famous bat flight at sunset.

From the Meeting Point to the Water’s Edge

The tour begins at the meeting point located under the IH 35 bridge near the Boats and Bats trailer. After meeting your guides, you’ll walk down to the water where your giant glow paddleboards are waiting. The location provides easy access to the river, setting the stage for the night’s adventure. The organizers emphasize punctuality and recommend wearing clothes and shoes suitable for getting wet.

This setup allows for a smooth start to the tour, with minimal hassle. Since the group is likely to be small, there’s plenty of space for everyone to comfortably paddle and take in the urban views. The meeting point is convenient for those staying downtown or nearby, making it a perfect addition to an evening in Austin.

Exploring Austin’s Nighttime Skyline from the River

Once on the water, the guides lead the group upstream to observe the bat emergence at dusk, a highlight for many visitors. After watching the bats take flight, the tour continues downstream, passing under the downtown skyline illuminated against the night sky.

The illuminated water below and city lights create a picturesque setting. As it gets darker, your LED lights shine brighter, adding to the visual spectacle. The guides ensure safety and provide commentary along the way, making the experience both relaxing and engaging. The paddleboards are large, providing stability for those new to paddleboarding or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Customizing Your Glow Experience

One of the most popular features of this tour is the LED lighting system. You can select from 12 different color combinations, allowing each paddleboard to glow in a pattern of your choosing. The lights illuminate the water below, creating a magical effect as you paddle along the river.

This lighting not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes for fantastic photos. The high-quality photos taken during the tour are included with your reservation, ensuring you have professional-looking images of your adventure. The lights contribute to the sense of privacy, as the tour feels like you have the entire city to yourself in the dark.

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Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour is appropriate for all ages and skill levels, emphasizing a relaxed, fun environment. Participants should wear shoes and clothes that can get wet, and should be comfortable on water. The guides are experienced and provide support throughout, making it possible for beginners to enjoy the experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that a wider range of visitors can participate. Since the activity is largely on flat water, it requires minimal physical exertion, making it suitable for families, seniors, and those with limited mobility.

Practical Tips for Your Glow Paddleboarding Adventure

• Bring your own food or drinks, but avoid glass containers or alcohol during the tour.
• The meeting point is straightforward, located under the IH 35 bridge – walk down to the water where the Boats and Bats trailer is parked.
• Wear clothes that can get wet, and consider bringing a change of clothes for after the tour.
• The timing is ideal for sunset and after dark, so plan to arrive just after sunset for the full experience.
• The photos are included, so don’t worry about bringing a camera; just focus on enjoying the moment.

Why Choose This Tour in Austin?

This Giant Glow Paddleboarding experience offers a distinctive way to see downtown Austin at night. The combination of illuminated paddleboards, stunning skyline views, and the bat flight makes it a memorable activity for a wide audience. The small-group format and high safety standards provide peace of mind, especially for those new to paddleboarding.

The value lies in the all-inclusive setup—equipment, photos, and a guided experience—at an affordable $70 price point. It is an excellent activity for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxing yet visually striking evening adventure in Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is previous paddleboarding experience necessary?
No, this tour is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, as the guides provide support and the paddleboards are stable.

What is included in the price?
All equipment, high-quality photos, and the guided 2-hour tour are included in the $70 fee.

What should I wear?
Clothes and shoes that can get wet are recommended, and it’s best to wear comfortable, quick-drying attire.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

When does the tour start?
It departs just after sunset, typically in the evening, allowing you to enjoy sunset and nighttime views.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are food and drinks available during the tour?
No, food and beverages are not provided; you should bring your own, but no glass or alcohol is allowed.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The meeting point is below the IH 35 bridge, next to the Boats and Bats trailer—easy to find with directions.

What makes this experience unique compared to other Austin tours?
It’s the only glow paddleboarding experience offering customizable LED lights and nighttime views of the iconic Austin skyline and bat emergence.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby