Big Tall Gringas

Visiting from out of town, we heard about the bats and figured it was one of those must do things while we are there.
Found a great deal on groupon for almost half off so we figured why not?!
Turned out to be a really awesome experience!
The girls were cool and really down to earth. They not only were knowledgeable about the water and bats, but they gave us some recommendations on the local nightlife. …first time kayaking? No problem, they could give you a more than helpful and quick rundown on the «how to».
As for the actual kayaking, the water was very calm and when you first begin the tour to the Congress Bridge, it is all down stream. I took my wife (hates strenuous physical activity) and she had no problem the entire tour in her own kayak. Feel free to bring snacks or drinks. Never said No to alcohol :) there are cup holders in the kayak. We went with a group that had young kids and a dog and all were welcome! I even played some music during the trip. For your phone/​wallet/​keys they provided a small water proof bag to use as well as free water and a glow stick to locate each other after dark.
AMAZING PHOTO OPS of the Austin Skyline and C Bridge. You start the tour at about sunset that made the mood very romantic and relaxing.
Once we got to the bridge, as a group, the girls give us more insight about the history and some fun facts about the bats and seemed to know exactly when they were going to come out and the best spot to view them. Gotta say that being on the water able to move freely on your own kayak seemed like you had the advantage on an exclusive and what I felt was the best view compared to the hundreds watching from the top of the bridge, land and even tour boats. There were only about 30 or so kayakers on the huge lake/​river.
The ride back was the cherry on top… Listening to music and kayaking side by side in the dark with just the moonlight was sooo awesome. Very peaceful and not even scary because the 30 other kayakers that were on the river with you usually all go back at the same time.
Highly recommend going out on the river with the big tall gringas! Would def do again.
They have free parking and you can use the bathrooms at the holiday in next door. If you didn’t BYOB, there is a chevron on the other side next door that offers the usual tall boys.
We actually used the #Austin-​B-​Cycle bikes to get there. Parked at the station located at Rainey St and Cummings St… Ended up being perfect because it was a short walk (cut through the apartments and holiday inn on foot) because after the epic trip with the girls we walked back to our bikes and had the chance to check out a hidden strip of delicious food trucks, restaurants, and bars that we didn’t even know existed!
Thanks again Big And Tall Gringas for the memorable experience
And yes they take a couple pics for you and email them after

Such a great time After a 20 minutes paddling where you have a great sunset of Austin you reach the Congress bridge where the bats stay
After a few minutes discussing about the bats and Austin with Michelle we try and spot the first bat. Great time. And then it is a non stop flow of little bats coming out from under the bridge.
Would highly recommend the tour
We went on a week night and were just all 3 with Daisy. It is a great experience to do with kids too I am sure
Thank you for your time and that unique experience

We had a fantastic time. Allyson and Michelle were very knowledgeable, accommodating and thorough. Our group was from 9 to 72 years old and they made the experience wonderful for all of us. We highly recommend this tour for everyone.

We had a great time with the girls Allison and Michelle! They were knowledgeable about the bats and told us some pretty cool facts about them. They also took pictures of us and texted it to us when the tour was over. They know just were to sit and wait for the bats for the best views and are all around awesome girls! Highly recommended tour! These girls both have day jobs and moonlight this as their very own first business. Its a great way to support the locals. Enjoy!

This kayaking tour to see the bats was awesome! Allison was an great tour guide and made sure we had the best experience! I highly recommend everyone that either lives in Austin or just visiting to go on this tour!!!

Allison and Michelle were AWESOME! We had the best kayaking/​bat experience ever.
We stumbled upon them on Groupon (we’re from out of town and were looking for a good bat-​viewing experience) and are so glad we tried it out. Not only was the kayaking itself extremely enjoyable (and a nice little workout!), Allison, Michelle and Daisy were super cool, friendly and knowledgeable and we had a ton of fun with them! Then when it came time to see the bats, we hands down had the best view on the river, right under the bats! We had brought a couple beers with us (the kayaks had cup holders!) and chilled on the river, drinking our beers and watching the bats. Was an amazing evening.
Thanks again, guys!
P. S. They even took complimentary photos of us and sent them out to us after!