SUP Wildlife Tours in Austin
Over the last few years Austin has exploded into a space for young and old to become more active and enjoy the outdoors.
This means more companies are currently being created in order to accommodate this growing thirst for time outside. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding have all become a staple activity.
Anyone who has spent even a short amount of time in Austin will tell you, most people living there are extremely active.
However, one of these activities has particularly taken off over the last few years- that being SUP.
With the creation and proliferation of the brand SUP ATX, citizens of this booming city began to purchase boards for their own. While others have seized the opportunity to draw tourists into the fun activity by opening shops and outfitters.
And with these outfitters came tours of the Austin’s river systems pertaining to the wildlife found within these ecosystems. They quickly became incredibly popular, having thousands of people a year try out the fun activity for the very first time.
If you are traveling to Austin or currently live there or in a neighboring city, Perfect Paddles recommends checking out this Top 4 list of Wildlife Tours in the area. Get out on the water and feel the pleasant glide of a board underneath your feet as you experience a SUP Wildlife Tour in Austin!
Lone Star Kayak Tours (Austin)
Why does a company located in the heart of Austin only register at number four on the list?
Well, that’s a very good question.
The only tours they offer take place in a different vessel - namely kayaks.
At Perfect Paddles, we specialize in SUP. But we do not want to discriminate against other paddling methods. Which means, Lone Star Kayak makes our list despite only offering tours of the sitting-down variety.
But that just means their tours are not to be missed!
SUP activities include participating in a beginner lesson on Lady Bird Lake. Here participants are encouraged to ask questions and get the feel for the board for 30 mins with an instructor. After they can paddle around the lake while taking in the wonderful views of the city.
This is a great way to spend an afternoon!
But regarding a Wildlife Tour, we recommend hopping into a kayak and participating in their Serenity Tour.
Taking place over the span of two hours, this guided tour takes groups through wider ranges of the lake where they will be shown the variety of species living within it. Namely their enormous snapping turtles, and a variety of birds.
For those looking to only experience a SUP Wildlife Tour in Austin, Perfect Paddles recommends this outfitter for lessons. But if you really want a deep dive into the wildlife surrounding Austin, a guided kayak tour would be the way to go!
Check out their page on Perfect Paddles here to receive discounts through our Buddy Deal!
Austin Kayak Tours (Austin)
Offering both kayak and SUP tours, this outfitter provides options for adventurers setting their sights to the water.
Where they really shine is in their SUP Wildlife Tour in Austin called the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Tour.
This relaxing paddle culminates in the group being able to witness one of the world’s largest bat colonies fly overhead while crowds gather on the bridge to see the sights.
This tour can be a great way to both get on the water and immerse yourself in one of the world’s wonders.
It’s both a thrilling and awe-inspiring event!
And of course, we at Perfect Paddles highly recommends renting or taking a tour with Austin Kayak Tours. But also be sure to check out their Perfect Paddles page here for discounts on their services!
Lonestar Adventure Sports (Grapevine)
Lonestar Adventure Sports makes it on our list due to their unique tours which include options in both SUP and hiking.
While paddling the Lake Grapevine, water seekers will be able to experience the natural beauty and immense wildlife found on its shores.
Paddlers can expect to see various species of fish. These include spotted bass, blue catfish and fresh shad - all native to its waters.
And on land it is often not unusual to spot the famous Texas armadillo. As well as coyotes and foxes roaming the shores.
And as stated before, Lonestar Adventure Sports also includes an option for a hiking tour.
Groups are taken through the Northshore Trail, enjoying a guided hiking adventure, spotting various bird species and land animals.
The options provided by Lonestar Adventure Sports lands this outfitter on our list!
And be sure to check out their Buddy Deal here for discounts on their services!
Bayou City Adventures (Houston)
Bayou City Adventures is a company who serves all your paddling needs in Houston, Texas.
From kayaking to SUP to surfing both prone boards and paddle boards, Bayou City Adventures is your go-to outfitter for aquatic adventures outdoors!
They offer beginner lessons and advanced courses. And go all the way up to surfing adventures in the Gulf of Mexico. Their expert instructors and guides of this outfitter will serve your every need in order to get you on the water.
As your experience grows, so do your opportunities to explore the area they are located in.
Paddle down Buffalo Bayou, a slow-moving river which runs right through Houston. And get the chance to spot red-shouldered hawks, Carolina wrens, and other bird species.
This best of both worlds’ outfitter lands on our list for good reason! For those traveling to Houston and want to experience something like a SUP Wildlife Tour in Austin, don’t miss an opportunity to paddle right through the heart of the city.
Conclusion
While Austin’s active lifestyle spreads to all parts of the city, most citizens are looking for new and interesting ways of spending time outdoors.
Because of this incessant need, SUP has exploded over the last few years. It has resulted in a growing sector of tourism and guided adventures.
Most people may not put the idea of wildlife thriving in the middle of a city. However, Austin is home to a wide range of species living in and around the outskirts.
By spending time on a SUP, paddlers can spot both land animals and aquatic creatures. This effectively doubles their chances of connecting to the outside world.
If you are a traveler, avid outdoorsman, adventurer, or just want to find different ways of spending time in nature, Perfect Paddles highly recommends seeking out these shops and outfitters for their SUP Wildlife Tours in Austin and beyond. We promise you, you will not regret it!
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