Giant paddleboarding on Austin’s Springs and Party Island provides a unique and thrilling way to explore the city’s picturesque waterways. Guided tours depart from Lady Bird Lake, where participants navigate serene waters while spotting diverse wildlife like turtles and great blue herons. The adventure culminates at the refreshing, spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, offering a chance to cool off after an exhilarating journey. With all necessary equipment provided and experienced guides leading the way, this outing appeals to both seasoned paddlers and newcomers alike. But what makes this excursion truly remarkable is the opportunity to…

Key Points

  • Set out on a guided group experience on giant paddleboards to explore Lady Bird Lake and cruise to the refreshing Barton Springs Pool.
  • Spot diverse wildlife, including birds, turtles, and fish, during the scenic glide across the serene waters.
  • Dive into the crystal-clear, chilly waters of Barton Springs Pool, with a constant temperature of 68-70°F.
  • Observe the natural limestone formations and explore the spring-fed waters sourced from the Edwards Aquifer.
  • Enjoy the provided equipment, including giant paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets, for a worry-free and easy-to-use experience.

Tour Overview

The Giant Paddleboarding Tour offers a guided group experience on gigantic paddleboards, making it an ideal activity for social interaction.

The tour starts from Austin’s Lady Bird Lake, cruising towards the renowned Barton Springs Pool. Along the way, participants have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including birds, turtles, and fish.

The tour culminates with a stop at the refreshing Barton Springs Pool, where travelers can take a dip and enjoy the natural spring waters.

With a maximum of 112 travelers per tour, this experience provides an intimate and engaging way to explore Austin’s waterways and scenic landmarks.

Cruise to Barton Springs

Departing from Lady Bird Lake, the group sets off on their giant paddleboards, cruising towards the renowned Barton Springs Pool.

As they glide across the serene waters, they’re treated to sights of local wildlife, including:

  1. Majestic great blue herons taking flight.
  2. Curious turtles basking on fallen logs.
  3. Vibrant schools of fish darting beneath the surface.
  4. Soaring birds of prey scanning the surroundings.

The anticipation builds as the iconic Barton Springs Pool comes into view, a natural oasis fed by crystal-clear, chilly springs.

The paddlers eagerly await the opportunity to dive in and cool off, fully seeing the beauty of this unique Austin destination.

Swim at the Springs

Giant Paddleboarding Austins Springs and Party Island - Swim at the Springs

Upon reaching Barton Springs Pool, the paddlers eagerly disembark from their giant boards and dive into the refreshing, spring-fed waters.

The pool maintains a constant temperature of 68-70°F, providing a welcome respite from the Texas heat. Swimmers can explore the natural limestone formations, spot indigenous wildlife, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

The crystal-clear waters originate from the Edwards Aquifer, ensuring the pool’s purity and cleanliness.

After their swim, the paddlers have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and socialize on the grassy banks before continuing their adventure to Party Island.

Wildlife Sightings

Paddlers frequently spot diverse wildlife as they glide across the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake.

The tranquil setting and slow pace of the paddleboarding tour offer ample opportunities to observe the area’s natural inhabitants.

Some of the common sightings include:

  1. Turtles basking on logs or swimming gracefully beneath the boards
  2. Great blue herons and egrets hunting for fish and frogs along the shoreline
  3. Schools of small fish darting through the clear waters below the paddlers’ feet
  4. Occasionally, visitors may spot the elusive river otter or a majestic hawk soaring overhead.

These glimpses of Austin’s vibrant wildlife add an extra layer of wonder and appreciation to the already enjoyable paddleboarding experience.

Provided Equipment

With the Giant Paddleboarding tour, participants don’t need to worry about bringing any specialized equipment. The tour provides everything needed for the excursion, including giant paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets.

These oversized boards are perfect for social groups, allowing multiple people to share a single platform as they cruise along Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool. The paddleboards are stable and easy to use, even for first-time paddlers.

All safety gear is included, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable experience on the water. Guests can simply show up, hop on the boards, and let the experienced guides lead the way through the scenic waterways.

Meeting Details

The meeting point for the Giant Paddleboarding tour is located at 2100 Stephen F Austin Dr, Austin, TX 78703, USA.

The tour starts at 11:30 am and ends back at the meeting point. Participants will receive a video tour of the meeting location upon booking.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals, though infants must sit on laps.

Key details about the meeting include:

  1. Location: 2100 Stephen F Austin Dr, Austin, TX 78703, USA
  2. Start Time: 11:30 am
  3. Tour Duration: Ends back at the meeting point
  4. Video Tour: Sent upon booking

Accessibility and Cancellation

The Giant Paddleboarding tour is wheelchair accessible, and participants can bring strollers and service animals.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for participants.

Plus, they offer a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, making it convenient for customers to book the tour.

This accessibility and cancellation policy ensures that the Giant Paddleboarding experience is inclusive and accommodating for all interested parties.

Recap

Giant paddleboarding at Austin’s Springs and Party Island is a unique adventure that allows participants to explore the city’s scenic waterways. Guided tours take paddlers from Lady Bird Lake to Barton Springs Pool, where they can dive into refreshing spring-fed waters and spot diverse wildlife along the way. With all necessary equipment provided, it’s an accessible experience for both seasoned paddlers and newcomers.