Look, I'm not sure if I got a lemon but I decided to try the peddle oat swan boat. I mean an idyllic float on the water with some exercise mixed in is nearly what Austin is all about. Turns out that this nightmare of an idea is no where amazing let alone fun.
First things first. These trash bins were probably manufactured in the 90s. While not the fault of the company, they certainly don't try to remedy that every teenage heathen has carved the worst graffiti you've seen with their empty pen tubes through the white gel coat. I mean why try to repair them right? I loved the idea of staring at that for the hour I rented them because it was either stare at that or try to look past the giant swan head that's designed to literally block any and all navigation view ever thought to be necessary to a boat.
Turns out that you don't need to navigate when you get a boat that has bearings crumbling out of the pillow blocks holding the peddle shaft in the boat. Yes, as we crushed the paddles like a recently drugged up Lance Armstrong on a warm up race, every circular thrust met us with the uncertainty of a Boeing 737 about to lose it's door mid-flight. This isn't the end of the dream, it's just beginning because as we peddled like there was free cake at the end of this journey I noticed a octogenarian using her walker to navigate down the path faster than we could paddle this faux swan in calm water. I would suspect that most of the paddles were busted out of this disheveled cobbling of parts called a peddle boat. We worked for an hour to go 1/8th mile up and back.
Normally I'd avoid being a Karen and blustering away about this nonsense but it was too much. They hire 15 year old kids to take your cash and send you out on the rejected boats from the movie castaway so the point is moot if you try to give your dissatisfaction to one of them. Such is life I suppose, and for that I decided that this review would be given for all the world to see so that that could keep their hard earned Jacksons in their electronic wallet and find something way better to do with their money.... Like buy a Starbucks coffee. I hate Starbucks but the price is nearly equal.
Capital Cruises, your fleet sucks. Thank you for making my peddle boat fantasy a nightmare. There will be no "notebook" moments for me. From now on, I'm renting boats...
Read moreEmbarking on the Capital Cruise Bat Tour in Austin, Texas, is an experience that promises both education and excitement against the backdrop of the city's vibrant skyline. The tour, known for its punctuality, sets off at 7:15 PM, ensuring that guests are well-informed to purchase their refreshments and attend to comfort needs before departure—a thoughtful reminder that enhances the overall experience.
The captain, a fount of knowledge, navigates not only the waters but also the rich history of Austin and its wildlife. This expertise transforms the journey into a floating classroom, where learning is as delightful as the sightseeing. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the bat tour itself. Austin's bats are somewhat of a natural spectacle, and while their appearance is not guaranteed on every tour, fortune favored us with a perfect April evening. The weather and temperature were ideal, setting the stage for the bats' punctual 7:50 PM flight from beneath the bridge.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the skyline morphed into a canvas of oranges and purples, then transitioned to an illuminated masterpiece as night fell. The view from the boat offered a unique perspective of the city—one that is both serene and breathtaking.
However, it's wise to note the challenges faced before embarking on this nocturnal adventure. Austin's traffic can be formidable, and parking fees near the tour's docking area are steep, particularly by the hotels. Prospective visitors would benefit from researching more affordable parking options to avoid any undue stress.
The Capital Cruise Bat Tour is a must-do for locals and tourists alike. It's a perfect blend of natural wonder, historical insights, and urban beauty—all wrapped up in an evening that's as educational as it is enchanting. Just remember to plan ahead for the logistical aspects, and you're set for an unforgettable...
Read moreI booked a private electric boat(Duffy) through Capital cruises for a Birthday surprise for my husband. It was quiet easy to call in and make a reservation and the person on the phone was very helpful. They gave me all the basic information and answered all my queries as well.
Since It was a surprise, I got there earlier and my boat was ready. They helped me get onto the boat and allowed me to do some decor for b'day that I had brought along. The Girl who assisted me in Filling the paper work and gave all the required information to operate the boat, was super sweet as well. The location is perfect, back side of Hyatt, so either you can use the hotel parking or you can park under the first street bridge. Once my husband arrived he was guided on how to use the boat along with the map of the lake and safety instruction.
It was a fun ride and the boat was roomy, comfortable, had a nice long table so we were able to easily enjoy a meal on board. There are speakers in the boat and has AUX so we plugged in our phone and played our favorite music as well.
The prices are reasonable as well. Their website offers almost all the information you want and even they offer a lot of add-on's for the boat. Though the quote generator on the website adds taxes over the per hour rate(which they don't charge).
It would be good if they could have more flexible timings as the website offered all the time slots, but when I called to book they said they it would be tough to do it post 5:00 pm.(I wanted it from 4:00- 6:00 pm or 3:30 - 5:30 pm so that we could enjoy a bit of dusk as well)
Anyways, would like to be back with some group of friends and would like to...
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