Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals

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3 years ago

I really hate to give this spot a low rating as we had a great time but here is why: The guy taking working the register had all these jokes about a double kayak. I get it. He is trying to be funny but instead of trying to be funny he should be telling clients that if you are going to take anything like cellphones, to not put them in your pocket as they will fall out as soon at you get in the kayak. That should have been his focal point. Not all the jokes. Then we you get down near the water to retrieve your kayaks they lady doesn't mention anything about that. She should have told us " hey if you have anything in your pockets be mindful as they will fall out " nope. Dropped my iPhone 14 Pro Max in the water as soon and I sat in the kayak. She even told us this happens all the time. Well if you see this happen all the time why not warn the clients before they get in? She said in the summer them retrieve phones all the time. Why not just warn the client to remove any and all things from your pocket. One star. read more

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Jessi S.

1 year ago

Bat tour was so much fun and very informative! Our tour guide, John, was super knowledgeable about the lake, city, and bats! read more

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Casey V.

Thank you for the review! We do think it's multiple tours in…

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Portia P.

6 months ago

Casey & Dave were excellent in their respective jobs. Casey was very informative & fun in the shop and Dave was very helpful with explaining the procedure with the kayaks and what to expect. Would definitely recommend this relaxing, and fun event. read more

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Casey V.

Thank you for the review! Glad you enjoyed your time and hope to see…

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Nick M.

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380

723

4 years ago

These folks were amazingly helpful and very patient with me as it had been a while since I'd paddleboarded, and I was certainly a noob. Very easy to park, pay, rent, and get to the water. I think this was the highlight of my Austin trip! I highly recommend it. The best way to see Lady Bird Lake! read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Highlight of my trip! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Best way to see Lady Bird Lake - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Check in window - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Robert W.

1 year ago

Perfect! Everyone was great! Super accommodating for a last minute reservation- above and beyond service. Highly recommended! What a great nig read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Bats! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Austin skyline - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Casey V.

Thanks for the review and great pictures!

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Ronee F.

1 year ago

So amazing! You get to park in their lot, which is a huge plus. They have spots just for patrons. Their prices are much better, $15.00 for on hour and then the rest of your time is prorated based on the same rate. So if you go over 15 minutes you don't have to pay for another hour. And you will go over! The weather was extremely hot but on the water it was lovely. So cool even with the hot sun. I wish I could go every week! The gentleman at the doc itself was very patient and kind and he even took our picture and gave us photos for free. You will love this place read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - My kids and me floating and paddling and enjoying life in Austin. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - My daughter and my son and me on Town Lake. Thanks to Live Love Paddle. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - My son and I on Town Lake in Austin. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Me at Town Lake with Austin skyline behind me. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Casey V.

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Glad you had fun. These…

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Justin H.

1 year ago

I've been wanting to do this tour for three years while living in Austin--and I finally made it happen! Totally worth the wait. The check-in process was super easy and well organized. Our guide, John, was fantastic--funny, personable, and full of great info about the bats, the city, and the river. He made the whole experience feel both relaxed and really engaging. Being out on the water at sunset, with the city skyline as a backdrop, was beautiful on its own--but then getting to see the bats emerge just topped it all off. Such a unique and memorable way to experience Austin. Highly recommend this excursion for locals and visitors alike! read more

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Casey V.

Thanks Justin - hope you become a regular every time you have…

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Glenn D.

1 year ago

It was fun. Love being on the water. On that level, it's really great! HOWEVER, the Cyanobacteria has made us ill. It made my partner very ill. I was sick as well. This was caused by small splashes of water with bloom toxin in them, which is all but guaranteed to happen from hours of paddling in the water. The issue is that you don't properly warn about the danger from the water. If you did, then it would 100% be our responsibility. Your company should verbally warn (as well as it being in the disclaimer, if it is not already in the disclaimer.) The failure to warn could cause liability to attach to the company. It's also the right thing to do. You should warn. What if someone underlying health issues, this could potentially make it much worse. In sum, we are pretty disappointed. Glenn read more

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Casey V.

Hi Glenn, I am very sorry to hear that you were ill. I recently took…

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Sophia L.

1 year ago

Everyone was great. The people who help you get on the kayak as well as the staff in the building where you sign up. Process was super easy and the location is great. 10/10 would do again! read more

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Casey V.

Thank you Sophia - we hope we do see you again soon!

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Giselle E.

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3 years ago

We had a great experience! The female staff who helped us was the cutest little thing and so helpful. She gave great local recommendation too! Easy check in and short walk to river/lake to get your gear. Staff was helpful and friendly at the equipment. Clear directions of where to go and what to enjoy while on the water. We only needed a little over an hour and hit both directions. Definitely recommend. read more

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Atharva P.

9 months ago

the check in process was smooth. The volunteers were friendly and the experience was great. The view of Austin down from the lake was pretty amazing. read more

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Casey V.

We appreciate the review....the views are pretty great! Thanks!

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Ariel S.

1 year ago

Everyone was very kind and helpful as a first timer. The lake was quiet and peaceful. I did paddle boarding for my first time. Eventually I was able to stand and paddle. It was a great experience I would definitely go again! read more

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Casey V.

So glad you enjoyed your time on the water! We'd love to see you…

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Julie b.

1 year ago

It was so fun! A nice paddle to get to the bridge and watching the bats was neat! The guide was great, lots of info and very friendly

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Casey V.

Thanks for the review! It is a peaceful paddle to the bridge! Glad…

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Rhianna Z.

190

10 months ago

Great customer service. Fun, low-cost, peaceful way to experience Austin! Will definitely come back again when we visit Austin.

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Casey V.

Thanks Rhianna - we definitely hope to see you again! We love our…

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Anne E.

Elite 25

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3 years ago

What a terrific business. Well.organized, not too pricey, they do all the hard work for you (except the actual kayaking, duh). Our guide, Casey, was very self deprecatingly funny. We enjoyed the history and bat knowledge he was sharing with us. We are locals and brought visitors to this and we plan to return. It was great. read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Waiting on the bats! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Liz H.

2 years ago

The employees were nice. Quite a walk from the store all the way down to the water with the paddle. I'm leaving a three star review because it was pretty frustrating to paddle for two hours and come back needing to use the "real restrooms" they brag about on their website (screen shot included) only to be told they don't have "public restrooms" (I'm a customer?) and to "walk two minutes down to the food trucks and use the porta potties" read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Their website, bragging about having restrooms, when they do not allow customers to use them. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Jennifer J.

1 year ago

Amazing! Employees are all so nice and helpful and we got some amazing views! 10/10 would recommend! read more

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James L.

1 year ago

John Vaughn was a great guide! Very knowledgeable about bats. Plus we saw 2 bard owls perched in the trees on return trip. We had so much fun. A definite recommend for out of towners like us. J&G L read more

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Eli S.

1 year ago

what a great relaxing way of learning about some of Austin's history, i highly recommend it. read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - kayaking - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Casey V.

Very glad you joined us! Thank you for the review!

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Heather P.

1 year ago

Super kind, informative and wonderful people working both the inside and at the launch!! We had the BEST time for our first time out on Lady Bird Lake!! Thank you!! read more

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Casey V.

Hey Heather - thanks for the review! We do love our staff :) We hope…

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Gissell M.

1 year ago

It was such an amazing experience! Our guide was so nice and patient and knew so much about the city and the bats. I would 100% do this all over again. read more

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Casey V.

We can't wait to see you again! Thanks for joining us and thanks for…

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Libby O.

104

119

5 years ago

First time kayaking at ladybird lake and this place was awesome! All the guys were super helpful in giving us a refresh of how to kayak and talking to us about places to check out before we headed out on the water. Simple check in and great prices, all around a great business and we can't wait to go back to try paddle boarding! Parking is a little difficult, we ended up parking on a side street since all the retail spots were full. Recommend getting there early in the day if you can read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - Capture the moments and snap some photos of the beautiful scenery - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Merritt G.

2 years ago

Easy rental process, excellent customer service, nice boats! I know they don't control the weather, but it was beautiful and made our adventure perfect. read more

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Casey V.

So glad you had a beautiful day and a great time! Thanks for the…

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Isabelle B.

1 year ago

Views were amazing! John was a great tour guide and showed us the BEST spots to see bats. They were coming pretty close to our kayaks.

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Casey V.

We hope you make a trip back again! Thanks for the review! John is a…

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K E.

2 years ago

John was the most excellent guide. We had the most unforgettable experience. We saw the city and sunset from the water which was stunning, and it felt like we had a private bat showing with this tour. All the other tours headed back while the bats started coming out, which was fine by us, because it was as if we had our own private showing. It was an experience I will never forget. Beauty beyond words - God's glory! And this company was the BEST, they took their time with us, they were knowledgeable, they let us really experience the bats and they were so accommodating to all our needs. I cannot say enough good things about this company and our tour! EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY!! Thank you Live Love Paddle read more

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Casey V.

Thank you so much for the great review! The sunset is my favorite…

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Melanie W.

1 year ago

My son and his friends had the greatest experience paddle boarding! We will definitely be back!

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Kat M.

176

1 year ago

My tour was amazing! John was thoughtful and well versed in all things Austin. I highly recommend!

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Casey V.

Thanks for the review Kat!

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Z B.

1 year ago

Very friendly and helpful staff. Straightforward directions to Kayaks. Overall was a fun time and would probably do again.

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Casey V.

We appreciate the review! Hopefully we will see you again!

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Hevesy Z.

391

404

4 years ago

Who would've known that seeing bats was a thing?? This is a very cool experience if you're in Austin. We booked the evening slot to avoid the scorching sun. 530-6pm is the perfect time, sun is going down and it's much much cooler. Our guide was Dan, he was amazing! He has so much knowledge on bats that he shares, more than I can ever imagine. He was very energetic, had a great sense of humor and just made the overall experience memorable. You can go either single or double. The ride down the river was very nice, water was calm and it was a very cool night. When you get to the bridge, you get an crash course on bats and why they're here. Thank god for bats, they are a huge contributor to tequila! Fun fact. You'll also see a bunch of other people in the water, people on the bridge, all came to see the bats when they venture out to feed. They usually come out when the sun goes down, but they didn't this time unfortunately. We did get to see a few come out here and there, but not the entire flock like we were expecting. Nonetheless, we were very happy with the experience and the workout was great! Thank you Dan! We'll definitely be back soon! read more

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Françoise D.

1 year ago

We go out on the river with you every time we visit Austin, which is about once a year. Thought the bat talk was the best yet. Love being out on the water. Nice people. However, I was very sick and my partner was somewhat sick right after the trip, from getting splashes of water on our mouths from rowing, as the water is infected with Cyanobacteria at this time of year. There was no proper warning of the dangers. A child or someone in poor health could have a much more serious problem. The City needs to fix it, but all companies operating on the water need to clearly warn about it. There was no warning. We understand you want to protect your business, but protecting people's health is more important. If it's in the disclaimer, which I don't know, it's not enough. You need to clearly want people before they sign up. read more

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Casey V.

Hi Francoise - I am really sorry to hear that you had that…

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Kerry C.

1 year ago

My sister and I were walk-ins and we were set up quickly and efficiently with two paddleboards, vests, and cold water. Parking was right in front and we were able to change out our suits after. It was a bit windy that day but our guide (whose name we forgot!) pointed out the cove and we headed over there, paddled around and had a great time! Would definitely recommend. Oh, and price was good too! read more

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Casey V.

Hi Kerry - you hit all the highlights! Glad you guys had fun! Thanks…

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Liz N.

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962

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4 years ago

We loveeeeeeeed going kayaking around Austin!! Been wanting to do this for years and finally got a chance to. The employees were so nice and friendly and were also really funny!!! Their office is located on East Riverside so it was a convenient location. The tours get access to their office-which includes use of the bathroom and a free bottle of water. We kayaked from there to the SoCo bridge. I would recommend doing the tour vs the hourly option! read more

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Kimberly W.

1 year ago

My son and I did the Bat Tour with some other family friends and it was an awesome experience. Every employee we came in contact with was so friendly and helpful. I absolutely loved the location and the store front, unlike those other places where you are standing outside sweating in an old shed. The dock area was nice and easy and the kayaking was amazing! If you do the evening tour, you get the bonus of seeing the sunset over beautiful downtown Austin on your way to the bat bridge. The bats were out in full force and then your kayak back you get to see the lights of the city as your backdrop. Definitely put this on your to-do list and there is no way you could ever be disappointed. read more

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Casey J.

1 year ago

Fabulous location, easy access, great service and the best day ever! We can't wait to go back soon. If you haven't visited yet, you should make a plan. read more

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Page 2 of 16

1610 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741
Directions
(512) 804-2122
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.livelovepaddle.com

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Hours

What time does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals open?

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals close?

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals closes at 6:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals is closed on Wednesday.Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals closes at 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 11:00 AM - 6:30 PMWed ClosedSat-Sun 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals take credit cards?

Yes, Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals have bike parking?

Yes, Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals has bike parking.

Does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals have parking?

Yes, Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals have free WiFi?

No, Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and canoes on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas. We are the original Austin Bat Watching tour operator for kayak bat watching tours to see the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats. This is the Urban Bat Colony in the world. We also have a daytime Urban Kayak Tour with great views of downtown Austin, Tx! We are also the premiere Austin kayak rental company with single and double kayak rentals, canoe rentals, paddle board rentals, and SUP rentals with great prices, an ideal location, and convenient parking.

History

Established in 2009.

Live Love Paddle is a family owned business. Casey has been involved in water sports for over 15 years. He has been a white-water river guide on various Class 5 rivers. Once moving to Austin, he wanted to bring more adventurous water activities to the Hill Country area. The idea of Live Love Paddle was born and we started with guided river trips. We soon realized that a more active way to see the Congress Ave Bridge Bats was to kayak to see them...and it offers a much better view! We now offer daily canoe and kayak rentals, bat-watching trips, river trips, team building activities and overnight camping/kayaking trips.

Meet the Business Owner: Casey V.

Casey has guided on various rivers throughout North and Central America. Live Love Paddle is run by Casey, his wife Beverley, their 2 little monsters, and the very best river dog, Buddy!

Ask the Community - Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals

Can 2- 16 year olds rent paddle boards without an adult with them?

Kai, thank you for asking. Two 16-year olds can rent from us, as long as a parent or legal guardian does their waiver for them, which can be done in advance. Our waiver can be found at livelovepaddle.com and is under the "ABOUT" section at the top…

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Review Highlights - Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals

“I signed up for the bat tour by myself and Dan made sure everyone felt safe and our questions were answered.”

Mentioned in 46 reviews

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Cape's dam - a highlight of the river trip!

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San Marcos is the river destination in Texas and our partners like the Lions Club and Sights and Sounds of Christmas add to the fun!

Typhoon Texas Waterpark Austin

3.9

(218 reviews)

16.9 mi

Pros: multiple water rides, multiple areas (wave pool, lazy river, obstacle course, kid area, baby…read moresplash pad, changing room, quiet zone), nicely kept, lifeguards everywhere, plenty of parking Cons: you can't bring your own food not even a water bottle just an unopened one, & they open at 11am You can however, leave the park and come back. I saw many people eating in their cars and returning inside. Will definitely be back but only when they have ticket sales. Tickets at regular price for $$$

Very fun, nice, conveniently located waterpark in Round Rock! Excellent place to kick off summer…read moreand enjoy a day out with the family. Friendly for kids of all ages with different sections offering slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and experiences for all age groups. My daughters (ages 7 and 3) particularly loved the kids slide section and the wave pool. I did see quite a few dead bugs and leaves in the lazy river and wave pool which was a little off putting. They have lockers to store belongings, as well as clean bathrooms and changing rooms onsite. They also offer a variety of food choices which are pretty good & reasonably priced. Very few crowds if you arrive right at opening time. I was happy to see there were no lines at all for the slides. They open a half hour early for season pass members; general admission is 11am. Definitely worth checking out for a day of family fun in the hot TX summer!

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Barton Springs Pool

(1.1k reviews)

2.7 mi

I am one of a thousand reviews for Barton Springs. I don't think I'll have a new perspective, but I…read morecan share mine. It's a hot summer weekday in Austin, and my friends and I hit up the Springs to cool off. We came a little after lunchtime, and while it was busy at the pool, it wasn't TOO bad as it probably is on a weekend. We set up base at a spot near a tree to collect a little shade and lathered up in sunscreen. The pool has strict rules of no food and drinks other than water, but it keeps the place clean and risk free, which is actually appreciated by me. The pool stays between 68°-70°, which is a temperature not too cold on impact, but still super relaxing to hang in. The pool is massive with plenty of people hanging around in all corners. It's a great spot in summer but definitely not a hidden gem. It's an extremely well-known gem. I'm curious how populous it is during peak times, but that random Wednesday afternoon was perfect. RIYL: The biggest pools

Whether you like it or not, the Barton Springs Pool is a right of passage for all Austinites. For…read more$5 per person, you get all day access to a public 68-70 degree pool filled by natural water from Edward's Aquifer. You can purchase tickets at a kiosk on site or online. While there is a parking lot in front of Barton springs, it still belongs to the city of Austin and shares space with Zilker Park patrons. Make sure you pay for parking--parking enforcement is strict! A few mandatory guidelines: -No food, alcohol or glass allowed. -No animals allowed -Floats, waters and foldable chairs allowed When you're setting up for the day, the further you are from the water, the flatter the land. The closer you are, the steeper it gets. As much as I'd love to trust in the people of Austin, petty theft can still happen, so keep an eye on your belongings. As mentioned, some may enjoy the water, some may not. For me, no matter how many times I tried to get in, I couldn't last more than two minutes due to how cold and deep it was! There are supposedly some shallow areas, but I couldn't find them, and now, I'll never know...

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Town Lake Metropolitan Parks

4.8

(177 reviews)

0.4 mi

Multiple intricacies within the parks known as Town Lake Metropolitan. Waller Beach, the various…read moretrails and paths, the boardwalk, Ladybird Lake, etc. Such a peaceful and beautiful area to get in exercise (walking/running/leisurely strolling), enjoying the outdoors, year-round. Great to explore alone or with friends and family, or your furry friend. Different spots to sit and relax. Simply a beautiful piece of Austin for locals abs tourists alike.

You haven't explored Austin until you take a stroll through the series of parks through the Town…read moreLake areas. Covering multiple miles, you'll see parts of downtown alongside the colorado river. Along this pathway, you'll be lead to the Barton Springs municipal pool and the Zilker Park & Garden as you go west. Going east, you'll eventually find your way along the Boardwalk near the Town Lake apartments and then at some point, the peace point at lady bird lake, one of the chillest spots in Austin to zone out. Obviously you bike, jog, run, walk, dogwalk, skip, however you prefer to galivant along the way of this beautiful section of the capital of Texas. It's one of many reasons people love living here!

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What a view!

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If only the sun was out

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104 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ferry S.

7 years ago

Sadly there is an employee who is very creepy that works here now. A tall dorky guy with glasses, but he is oddly aggressive when it comes to putting on the life jacket if you are a woman. So ladies beware, if you don't want your chest fondled while putting on the life jacket stay clear of this place. I've been here a couple times and it was a normal paddle place. Prices are not cheap, for rentals or merchandise, but they are the only ones located in this convenient spot of the river. Unfortunately it now also seems to be a future location for a #MeToo incident. Dude, let females put on the life jacket themselves if they ask. Nothing gives you the right to touch them without permission. Certainly not because you work at some paddle rental shack! His words when I protested him touching my chest to fasten the life jacket.. "You wouldn't tell a fast food guy how to make fries." Um, yes I would, and if that's the logic you use to justify touching someone without their consent, then I have to wonder what other behaviors you've convinced yourself were alright. You're lucky I just didn't want to cause a scene, but I still feel violated by what you did, so I am writing this review. I hope someone takes notice, but I doubt they will, since this place has 5 stars and is just another "chill" Austin spot. read more

John F.

14 years ago

This was my first time kayaking in over 5 years, and Live Love Paddle made the experience a blast. Casey was the guy that helped us out, and he was awesome. In an era where customer service is very often anything but, he was incredibly pleasant, fun and helpful, and even offered to stay a good 30-45 after their normal close to wait for us to get back! On top of the wonderful experience with Casey, all of the equipment was in great shape and very easy to use. And perhaps most importantly, the location has to be one of the very best in Austin! Located at the AMLI South Shore, right by Draft Pick, there is plenty of available parking, and Town Lake (I'll always call it that) is a very short stroll from the shop -- easy in, and easy out! And not surprisingly, the views and lake in that area are second-to-none -- much better than my other kayaking trip 5+ years ago, which involved the green murky part of the lake down by the damn at Hula Hut! It was truly a great experience in every sense, and I will definitely be back!!! (And at only $20 / hour for a two-person kayak, I may be back and back and back some more!!!) read more

Jessica H.

7 years ago

Planning a half-day kayak trip after a night of drinking probably wasn't the best idea, but what could've been a disaster Live Love Paddle made an awesome adventure. From the second we sprinted into the shop (5-10 minutes late) the staff at LLP made us comfortable, allowed us time to pull ourselves together and provided suggestions that made our paddle awesome. Especially great was the fact our Urban Kayak group tour turned out to be private when no one else signed up. The shop is clean, well organized and had ample parking. They provide secure lockers and a changing room. One of the coolest features was the large state and world maps with pins placed by other customers. Our guide Gavin was knowledgeable, entertaining and accommodating. He went above and beyond, allowing us to help plan our tour based on our schedule (our flight home was later that afternoon), and even let us test out his SUP, which none of us had been on before or would've been brave enough to rent. I've never been so impressed with a tour company and would highly recommend Live Love Paddle to anyone looking to explore Austin from the water! read more

Jayne H.

15 years ago

Wow! What an experience! We would HIGHLY recommend a Live Love Paddle kayak/bat trip to anyone and everyone visiting Austin! Seeing thousands of bats swarm out in giant ribbons from under Congress Avenue Bridge was a huge thrill, and we couldn't have had a better vantage point. But seeing the bats leave is just part of the adventure. It was equally thrilling to paddle out on Lady Bird lake and see the beautiful Texas sunset. Although we were free to paddle around, everyone kept their kayaks close to the group so they could hear Casey talk about the bats and the area's history, which was both informative and entertaining! The whole adventure, from start to finish, was great. Casey and Beverley did a great job of making sure everyone was safe and that they knew how to handle their kayak. There were adults and children on our trip, and nobody had any problems. In fact, everyone had a giant smile on their face, ourselves included, the whole time! This was definitely the highlight of our vacation! read more

Jason G.

15 years ago

My wife and I were in Austin for a quick (48 hr) business trip, but really wanted to find something unique and memorable things to do for our evenings. We were THRILLED with this opporunity and found it so easy to schedule there was no way we could pass it up. This turned out to be the climax of our trip, it was relaxing, breathtaking and still keep us integrated with our active lifestyle. If you come to Austin and pass this opportunity up, you are truly missing out. Casey and Beverly has managed to package the perfect icing to the cake of our trip and we can't wait to come back and go again. The views are amazing, the water was perfect and where else in the world can you experience this? If you have the chance to go and pass it up, you are truly missing out and I strongly suggest the next time you're here, you go. read more

Robert P.

13 years ago

We just returned from a 4 hour kayaking trip on the San Marcos led by Casey, and it was terrific! The weather was ideal, the scenery was fabulous, the water level was optimal for folks with little to moderate experience, the equipment was in good shape, and Casey was a great guide. He is very knowledgeable, skilled, and seriously interested in everybody's safety and fun, but he also has a calm, communicative, mischevious demeanor that makes for memorable trips. As the first person to capsize in the rapids, I very much appreciate how prepared his crew was and how welll they handled both my safety and my pride. I would definitely recommend Live Love Paddle to others and look forward to our next trip. read more

Michaela C.

8 years ago

This was genuinely one of the best highlights of our Texas trip! We did the bat watching tour with the guide Johnny, who was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about the bats, their habits, and their importance for our ecosystem. The bat tour is definitely a must see if you are coming to Austin. Seeing it from the water, under the bridge, allowed you to have a more personal interaction with the beautiful creatures. I would come back every year and know I would have a different and memorable experience! read more

Carrie S.

4 years ago

We loved our kayaking trip! We booked the evening bat trip and left right before sunset. We had a lazy paddle out to the bridge. Our view of the Austin skyline from the water at night was stunning. Our tour guide and her little daughter were both fantastic. They shared some bat facts and we got to see some bats. We had a couple in our group that had never kayaked before. It was a little more distance than they thought but there was no rush to get there or back. Definitely a fun night in Austin! read more

Jessica H.

3 years ago

Great nature tour, I'm a more experienced kayaker and went with my 10 yr old daughter who has only been in a kayak once or twice before. Our tour guide Hiiakaikapoliopele was wonderful and attentive to the needs of the group, and gave my daughter pointers on her paddling strokes to help Her get tired less quickly. She was great at keeping a balance between keeping the tour group moving at a leisurely pace, allowing time to explore and rest, and keeping us on time. read more

Edie H.

11 years ago

This is the best bat kayak tour in Austin! We have taken friends and family there 2 times now and love it! we are planning to go back again in September. Casey gives a great tour and interesting facts about the bats and Austin. His whole team does a super job getting everyone ready to kayak. The kayak trip from the dock to Congress Bridge is close enough that our younger grand kids could do it and some older friends. Very relaxing and fun!! Edie H. read more

Ming Y.

3 months ago

Highly recommend! My daughter and I tried kayaking for the first time and loved it. The helpful parking video made arrival completely stress-free. Our guide was amazing--he took great photos of us by the skyline and shared some fascinating local history. The staff was friendly, and having lockers on-site for our bags was a huge plus. A seamless, fun, and easy experience from start to finish! read more

Debi M.

10 years ago

We had an amazing paddle in Austin, Texas ~ loved the bats ~ our guide was very informative. And, it was my daughter's birthday, so as our guide, Tolly, and I sang happy birthday to her - in our boats by the bridge ~ his dog Oliver joined in by howling. It made an already wonderful tour, extra special. I tried to photograph the bats but it was a blur ~ I should have set it on video! read more

Monroe M.

2 months ago

We had a great time kayaking down Lady Bird Johnson Lake! Our tour guides provided a safe and informative experience to go and watch the bats come out under the Congress Street Bridge. It was a warm night and we worked up a sweat. However, the trip was enjoyable and we were all pleased with how comfortable the weather was for a June night in Texas. I would definately do it again! read more

Chele G.

3 years ago

Easy parking & check-in Friendly & knowledgeable staff Excellent location; brief walk to dock Beautiful lake to kayak on Evening bat watching was amazingly awesome View of city skyline in sunlight on paddle to bridge and in moonlight on paddle back to dock were stellar Guide was super energetic, friendly, funny, engaging & knowledgeable I'd highly recommend Live, Love, Paddle read more

Megan A.

16 years ago

This is a great adventure for the whole family! Fun and educational. It is a great price for the family to get to see something amazing, the largest bat colony in civilization... AMAZING! I would love to do this again and see the bats. I for sure will let everyone I know to go and get a Kayak and paddle down to the bridge with Live Love Paddle Tours! :) read more

Kameron B.

4 years ago

We really liked this kayak tour. The guide, Dan, was very entertaining and we loved the stories he has to share regarding Bats and the shenanigans that happen with kayak tours. The price was reasonable for 2 hours+ and we liked that we were the last group to paddle back in the evening, with no other traffic on the waterway. read more

Tom S.

4 years ago

Great way to see a bit of Austin, get some exercise, and learn lots about bats. Our guide, Dan the Man, knows his stuff and clearly enjoys sharing his knowledge and anecdotes with folks. We really enjoyed kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and we were even treated to a spectacular sunset! We definitely recommend this activity. read more

Brian M.

1 year ago

John and the dock crew provided excellent service. I anticipated enjoying the adventure, but it far exceeded my expectations. My companion and I, both in our mid-60s with average fitness levels, found the pace to be comfortable and entirely manageable. This experience is truly a must-do. Brian from Philadelphia read more

Ess V.

4 years ago

i had no expectations and was still overly delighted. It was an easy paddle,lead guide , Dan, had a lot of entertaining banter, a thorough but quick paddlin' primer, information about the bats, and got the large group to the best viewing spot at the perfect time. Hard recommend as an unusual way to see Austin. read more

Kevin H.

1 year ago

We visited Austin to drop-off our son at UT. We signed up for the bat tour based on TripAdvisor reviews and it did not disappoint. Parking & check-in was easy. Our guide John was great, filling the tour with fun facts. The paddling itself on the lake was fun and relaxing. All in all, it was a great experience. read more

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals - rafting - Updated August 2026

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I booked a Retro Boat ATX for my milestone birthday after riding one during a community event and…read moreknowing I wanted to share the experience with my family. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the celebration. Booking online was easy, the cancellation policy was clear, and the communication leading up to our reservation was excellent. We received reminders, waivers, and safety information ahead of time, so there were no surprises. The forecast called for a high chance of rain, but we decided to take the chance and hoped the weather would cooperate. It did! We arrived around 10:45 a.m., and our boat was ready to go after a quick orientation and safety briefing. We immediately connected our phone to the Bluetooth speaker, picked the perfect playlist, and spent the next 90 minutes cruising Town Lake. We made it all the way east to the dam and west to First Street, with plenty of stops for sightseeing, people watching, snacks, and soaking in the views. I even packed Bomb Pops in a Yeti, which were the perfect way to cool off on a hot July morning. The wildlife was incredible. We saw turtles, great blue herons, egrets, hawks, bats, and fish jumping all around us. As we headed back west, the skies grew dark and the clouds rolled in. We made it back to the dock and reached our car just as a torrential downpour started around 1:00 p.m. on July 11. Talk about perfect timing! The staff was friendly, welcoming, and patient from start to finish. They made the entire experience feel effortless and stress-free. Insider tip: Park at the Mexican American Cultural Center (600 River St.) for the closest access to the trailhead. Pay for parking using the ParkATX app. Whether you're visiting Austin or you're a local looking for something different, Retro Boat ATX is a fantastic experience. It's perfect for visitors, date nights, birthdays, proposals, anniversaries, family outings, or simply spending a relaxing day on the water. Core memories were definitely made, and this was one birthday celebration we'll never forget. I wouldn't hesitate to book again.

What a very unique, relaxing experience cruising around Lady Bird Lake in an electric retro boat…read more Our grandson loved seeing the Austin skyline from a different perspective, fish jumping, and a few snakes swimming by. We had a blast, and during our 90-minute cruise, we were able to travel to both the Longhorn dam and the 1st street bridge. The electric boats are quiet and very easy to drive. Each boat also has Bluetooth connectivity and speakers if you want to play the theme from Gilligan's Island. Google it. The staff is great! We had a self-inflicted scheduling snafu, and they were able to, thankfully, accommodate us. Before we shoved off, we were provided with a safety and operating briefing. Needs to know: Parking is limited. There is a covered garage by the entrance on Trinity St, and it's $25 for two hours. Only bathrooms are located by the side of the Austin Rowing Club; you can go inside to get the access code. The retro speed boats have no shade, but they will provide umbrellas. Bring beverages and snacks.

Lone Star Riverboat

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This was a great thing to do and learn about while in Austin! The tour was very educational about…read morethe bats and how they established residence under this bridge. With about 750,000 pregnant females in a few days they'll be over 1,000,000+ bats. That's soooo crazy, but and absolutely great experience. Shout out to the staff for a great tour! Mahalo from Hawaii

My family of 3 did the sunset bat tour. It was a fun experience, but be prepared for a lot of…read moresitting on a crowded boat in the heat and humidity. We got there about 45 minutes before 8pm to get a good seat. The chairs are plastic lawn chairs and there is no restroom onboard. You can leave the boat if you need one at a nearby Hyatt hotel. There is also a restroom near Auditorium Shores, but it's kinda gross. It's also a good opportunity to walk and stretch your legs instead of waiting on the boat but leave something in your chairs to save your seat. They let you bring snacks and drinks and they also sell cold beverages. The first part of the tour involves cruising around the lake with the tour guide cracking jokes and giving some history about the structures nearby and bat facts before heading to congress bridge to wait for the bats to fly out. Seeing THOUSANDS of bats was definitely the highlight of the tour. They also used a bat safe red light, which allowed us to see them better in the dark. It wasn't a perfect experience, but the fair price, knowledgeable tour guides, and seeing the bats made it worthwhile. Definitely a good option for something to do if you're looking for something to entertain the kids or friends /family visiting from out of town.

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We had an amazing river float! I have been wanting to book with ATXcursions since 2017 and we…read morefinally pulled the plug and booked for my wife and my 1 year anniversary excursion. Our experience was more enjoyable than expected. This company literally things of everything. Big plus was that our tour guide went with us so we never felt along. We were educated before the float and had great vibes durning the float. I will recommend ATXcursions for anyone interested in an Austin river float.

Sean & Nate were GREAT! Awesome, easy transportation to and from the location. They fill your…read morecoolers with whatever you bring to drink and ice they provide, load them on the bus and you're off! Then arrival and ending super easy. Great few hours of floating and drinking with great tour guides that boost you when the river is slow or just hang and chill. Bus can be a party if you make it that way - bring speakers!

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