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Austin Clear Kayak Tour - Lady Bird Lake

Guided ·
4.7
(123)
See all kayak tours in Austin
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book

This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available

Duration: 1.5 hours

Pricing

Adult

Ages 12+ | You must select an adult before choosing a child | Single guest bookings- please call us for assistance.

$55
Adult (11/29-12/1/24, 12/26/24-1/1/25)

Ages 12+ | You must select an adult before choosing a child | Single guest bookings- please call us for assistance.

$65
Child

Ages 3-11

$39

All Prices

Adult

Ages 12+ | You must select an adult before choosing a child | Single guest bookings- please call us for assistance.

$55
Adult (11/29-12/1/24, 12/26/24-1/1/25)

Ages 12+ | You must select an adult before choosing a child | Single guest bookings- please call us for assistance.

$65
Child

Ages 3-11

$39
Child (11/29-12/1/24, 12/26/24-1/1/25)

Ages 3-11

$49

Description

Clear Kayak Day Adventure Tour on Lady Bird Lake

Paddle through one of Austin's most beloved natural corridors in a 100% clear kayak, giving you an unobstructed window into the world beneath the surface. This guided day tour takes you along the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake, into the spring-fed Barton Creek, and out toward the crystal-clear waters of Barton Springs — a beloved Austin swimming hole fed by natural springs and home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into Austin's local wildlife, ecology, and city history. Guests frequently spot turtles sunning on logs, native birds, and fish gliding beneath their transparent hull. The tour also includes a stop at a peaceful sandbar where guests may get out and wade in the water during the warmer months. The experience is tailored for all skill levels — no prior kayaking experience needed — making it a perfect outing for solo travelers, couples, families, and friend groups alike.
With a maximum group size of 12 paddlers, you can expect a personalized, relaxed experience where every guest can hear the guide and enjoy easy conversation on the water. Reviewers on Tripadvisor consistently describe this tour as one of the best ways to experience Austin from a fresh perspective — beautiful, informative, and unlike anything else in the city.

Duration

  1. Approximately 1.5 hours on the water
  2. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled tour time

Location / Where to Meet

  1. Tours depart near 38–39 East Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 — a park area along the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake. Look for your guide near the water's edge. 
  2. Street parking and nearby garages are available in the downtown area. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early if traveling by car to allow time to park.

Ages

  1. Minimum age: 3 years old
  2. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ in the same kayak

What's Included

  1. Expert guided tour with knowledgeable local guide
  2. 100% clear tandem kayak
  3. Paddle
  4. Personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket)
  5. Basic paddling instruction at the start of the tour

Not Included

  1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider tipping your guide. Standard US gratuity is 20%.
  2. Trip Protection (available at checkout for an extra fee — allows cancellation for any reason up to 12 hours before tour time for a full refund)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit or clothes you don't mind getting wet
  2. Towel
  3. Reef-safe sunscreen
  4. Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
  5. Sunglasses and hat for sun protection
  6. Waterproof phone case or waterproof camera (the outfitter is not responsible for damaged or lost items)
  7. Note: Shoes are stored in the back of the kayak during the tour, not worn inside
  8. Please leave behind any jewelry, watches, or valuables you don't want to lose or get wet

Wildlife Guidelines

Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek are home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, native birds, fish, and the rare Barton Springs Salamander. Please observe all wildlife from a respectful distance — never chase, harass, feed, or touch any animals. Coral and aquatic plants are part of a sensitive ecosystem; avoid disturbing vegetation or the creek bed. Leave no trace and pack out anything you bring onto the water.

Videos

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Get Up and Go Kayaking - Austin

FAQs

What waterways does this tour cover?

The day tour takes you along Lady Bird Lake (a calm section of the Colorado River in downtown Austin), into Barton Creek, and out toward the natural springs area near Barton Springs Pool. It's a great combination of urban skyline views and lush, green natural scenery all in one paddle.

What wildlife can I see on the day tour?

Guests frequently spot painted and red-eared slider turtles, native birds like herons and egrets, and various fish species swimming beneath the clear hull of the kayak. The creek section near Barton Springs is also habitat for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.

Can we get out of the kayak during the tour?

During daytime tours, there may be an opportunity to stop at a sandbar where guests can get out of the kayaks and wade or splash around. This depends on conditions on the day of the tour.

What safety measures are in place?

All guests are provided with a life jacket (personal flotation device), and guides are trained to lead the group safely through the waterways. A safety and paddling briefing is given at the start of every tour. Guides will not launch in unsafe weather conditions.

I've never kayaked before — can I still join?

Absolutely! This tour is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, including first-timers. Your guide will walk you through the basics of paddling at the start of the tour, and the group always moves at a relaxed pace comfortable for everyone.

How big is the group?

Tours have a maximum of 12 paddlers, keeping the experience intimate and personal. If you're looking for a fully exclusive experience, private tours are also available.

Do I need prior experience to join a tour?

No experience is necessary. All tours are designed for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned paddlers. Your guide will cover basic paddling tips and tricks at the start, and the group always paddles at a comfortable, relaxed pace. All guests are asked to stay with the group throughout the tour.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg) per person and 425 lbs (193 kg) per two people sharing the same kayak. All kayaks are tandem (built for two paddlers). These limits are set by the kayak manufacturer and cannot be exceeded.

Is the price per person or per kayak?

Pricing is per person, not per kayak. This keeps the experience fair for solo paddlers and groups with uneven numbers.

Are the kayaks tandem or solo?

All kayaks are tandem (two paddlers per kayak). If you have an odd number of guests, the kayak can be reconfigured to accommodate a solo paddler.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Absolutely — guests are encouraged to bring a phone to capture photos along the way. Please be mindful of water splashes and consider a waterproof case for your device. The outfitter is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Are shoes worn in the kayak?

No, shoes are not permitted inside the kayak but can be stored in the back of the kayak during the tour.

What is the sustainability approach?

The outfitter is committed to eco-friendly practices and protecting Austin's natural waterways. They have been recognized in Forbes for their sustainability efforts. Guests are encouraged to minimize waste by bringing reusable water bottles and avoiding single-use plastics on the water.

Can we swim during the tour?

Due to the depth of the water on this tour route, it will not support swimming in the river.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. Trip Protection can be added at checkout for an extra fee (10% of ticket price), which allows cancellation for a full refund for any reason up to 12 hours prior to the tour. If the tour is canceled by the operator due to unsafe weather, guests will be refunded in full or rescheduled. No-shows are not eligible for refunds.
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Availability

October 2026

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There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Reviews

4.7
(123)
4.7 (123)

Location

Address

38 East Avenue

Austin, TX, 78701

US

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