This story is part of “Night Shift,” a feature on nighttime adventures in Texas.
Night kayaking has been a trend in Texas since Paddle SMTX launched in 2015. The practice of paddling around a lake, river, or bay at night, in a transparent two-seat watercraft with rows of flashing lights embedded in the boat bottom, has grown in popularity ever since, with numerous companies now offering kayaking expeditions. Just keep an eye out for dive-bombing nighthawks: They’re drawn to the lights.
PADDLE SMTX
Fed by the Edwards Aquifer, the exceptional clarity of the San Marcos River is ideal for night kayaking. The 1.6-mile round trip from Lions Park to Rio Vista Dam includes a guide who spotlights herons and egrets resting in trees, beavers and raccoons on the banks, and Mexican free-tailed bats under a railroad bridge. Ages 7 and up; $55/person. paddlesmtx.com/glow-tours
PADDLE TX
Paddle TX offers 90-minute night kayaking trips on the Comal River from Landa Falls to the Tube Chute and back. When the Comal gets too low, they move to the Guadalupe River. Ages 6 and up; $60/person. paddletx.fun/crystal-kayak-night-trips
get up and go kayaking
This outfit stages clear kayak sunset and glow tours at three Texas locations: San Marcos, Austin, and Grapevine Lake. Depending on the selected tour, kayakers can expect to see fish, osprey and other raptors, and Mexican free-tailed bats. Groups max out at 10 paddlers. Tours start at $59 for kids 6-12 and $64 for 13 and up. getupandgokayaking.com
Glow Row
Based in Port O’Connor, Glow Row operates five fleets serving 14 locations, including North Padre and Galveston. Owner Zack Jurasek grew up in the tiny town of Lolita near the coast, spending many nights gigging flounder. These days, he’s helping people touch harmless species including butterfly rays and stone crabs. Jurasek has proprietary right on the 20,000-lumen lighting system in each boat that casts light 40 feet in circumference and a patent on his lighted paddles. Tours start at $50/person; must be 18. glowrow.com
From the Texas Highway April 2026 issue