San Antonio River Walk Boat Tours
River Boat Tours San Antonio
If you’re looking for a great way to spend your day in San Antonio, then why not try out a River Walk boat tour? Taking a leisurely cruise along the San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most popular activities in the city, offering spectacular views and plenty of entertainment.
The best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk is arguably its lush scenery and vibrant atmosphere. The walkway itself passes by popular sights such as historic buildings and waterfront shopping centers, giving visitors plenty to do. It’s also been featured in several movies and TV shows, making it a memorable destination for many people.
Discover the River Walk firsthand on this one-of-a-kind tour of “The American Venice”. The River Walk Barges provide several different options for you to enjoy the River Walk on a boat. Below is all you need to know about the River Boats in San Antonio.
Narrated River Walk Tours
Step aboard a River Walk barge for an exciting and entertaining narrative of the rich history of the San Antonio River Walk . The cruises are about 35 minutes long and cover one and a half miles of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk boat tour connects you to the city’s timeless charm! Our enthusiastic, knowledgeable boat captains will share fascinating stories about the city’s culture, history, and architecture during your 35-minute tour along the San Antonio River .
- Tour Duration: 35 minutes
- Departures daily from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., every 15 minutes (During peak season, wait times will be longer)
- Seating: Approximately 40 passengers
Community River Walk Dining Boats
Want to enjoy a River Boat while you are eating an amazing River Walk meal? Community Dining Boats are a great affordable way to make new friends and experience the River Walk in style. Simply contact one of the following River Walk Restaurants below for more information about community River Walk boat dining. These restaurants are the only restaurants on the River Walk that offer community dining boats.
Boudro’s (210) 224-8484 Boudro’s is an experience to savor, embracing all the flavor of our regional heritage with a distinctive menu of Texas and southwestern specialties.
Lone Star Café (210) 223-9374 A Texas-style steakhouse on the River Walk. Take a bite of a 12 oz. Abilene T-Bone and wash it down with buckets of your favorite beer.
Café Ole (210) 223-2939 The Place to come to satisfy your cravings for delicious Mexican cuisine, the home of the Ultimate Fajita and the 60 oz Margarita.
Michelino’s Ristorante Italiano (210) 223-2939 Try our fabulous Italian specialties, you’ll swear you are back in the old country!
Range @ Embassy Suites Riverwalk Hotel (210)227-4455 Range, a modern American chophouse, created by famed local chef and restaurateur Jason Dady is the new jewel on the San Antonio Riverwalk located in the Embassy Suites River Walk.
Private San Antonio Boat Rides
Dinner cruises seat 20 guests and offer the unique experience of dining on our boats with a wonderful meal catered by one of the many great restaurants along the river. If you have up to 30 guests, cocktail cruises are also available. Cocktail cruises are designed for appetizers and drinks catered by one of the River Walk Restaurants.
River Boat Taxis
Just trying to get from place to place as you explore San Antonio attractions? Look for the River Walk Taxi Boat signs that are located along the River Walk downtown and on the Museum Reach.
River Walk Taxi Boats are labeled with GO RIO Shuttle signs . The River Walk Taxi Boats run approximately every 60 minutes. Shuttle service begins at 10 am . Tickets also available for purchase on the boat or at any GO RIO Ticket booth.
The Monthly Pass is $25 for Bexar County residents, allowing locals to get on and off the GO RIO Shuttle, throughout both the Downtown and Museum Reaches, for an entire month!
The drivers do their best to accommodate most scooters. At times larger scooters are not able to load due to the size of the ADA area designated on the boat. Wheelchairs and strollers are always allowed though guests are asked to fold their strollers and place them in the back.
River Shuttle Options For Your Trip To San Antonio
River Walk Attractions: The Downtown Reach encompasses the center of San Antonio (downtown) with a wide variety of restaurants, theaters, and the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The Downtown Reach is from Lexington to Nueva St.
Museum Reach The Museum Reach is north of downtown, pedestrian-friendly, and a great way to explore a quieter side of the river. The Museum Reach begins at Lexington and runs all the way up to The Pearl.
Where can I purchase River Walk boat tickets?
There are 3 ways you can purchase tickets:
1. Online: Purchase tickets online. Please note that purchasing tickets online ensures you a ticket, however, passenger boarding is first come, first served. Also, keep in mind that your ticket is mailed to you after your purchase online.
2. In-Person: If you are already in San Antonio, head on down to one of the three kiosks located along the River Walk. So where are the kiosks located? We went ahead and created this cool map so you can easily locate the nearest River Boat ticket booth to you.
Private River Boat Reservations
The easiest way to reserve your own river barge is to fill out our private riverboat reservation form. We take the information and send it to all the operators on the River Walk.
It is highly recommended that you plan at least 3 weeks in advance before your event. More time may be needed during the busy season.
The best time to for a boat to is usually from sunrise to mid-morning, but you’ll need to check the weather conditions to make sure that it’s safe. Swimming is not allowed in the San Antonio River Walk due to safety regulations – so stick to walking and boat rides for your explorations! Beer is allowed in certain parts of the River Walk, but it’s important to be mindful of local laws and regulations.
Unfortunately, swimming in the River Walk is not allowed. Although the water is relatively shallow and safe, it is full of plants and debris which can make swimming dangerous. Additionally, many of the pathways around the River Walk are filled with people and can be too crowded for swimming.
Drinking alcohol while walking around the Riverwalk is also not allowed, however, some restaurants and bars will provide special plastic cups that allow you to enjoy your beverage while you explore the area. It’s important to follow the laws though – drinking alcohol openly on the Riverwalk can lead to serious fines or even jail time.
The River Walk is open from 8 am until midnight, with certain areas staying open until 2 am at certain times of the year. The depth of the water varies along the length of the River Walk but generally ranges from about 2 feet to 6 feet deep.
It is generally safe to visit the River Walk at night, as there is a strong police presence in the area and it is well lit. However, visitors should always keep an eye out for their personal safety and belongings, even during daylight hours.
When it comes to finding the best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk, everyone has their own opinion! Many enjoy visiting the historical sites within walking distance such as the Alamo and other nearby attractions, while others love simply taking in all of the incredible sights along the walk itself.
The San Antonio Riverwalk is famous because of its beauty and charm. This two-mile stretch of winding pathways offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore natural scenery while enjoying access to some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
People very rarely fall into the River Walk – however, it does happen occasionally! Most likely this happens due to someone tripping over something or not paying attention to where they were going.
The main thing that makes the San Antonio Riverwalk special is its combination of natural beauty and bustling city life. You can experience both at any time of day or night and get a sense of why San Antonio is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The Alamo is located approximately one mile from River Walk and can easily be reached by foot if you choose to do so. San Antonio is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, delicious food, and unique architectural design.
The River Walk typically shuts down around midnight each night. During peak holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day weekend this could extend later into the night. It’s best to check ahead when possible.
When choosing what to wear to the San Antonio Riverwalk, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes that will keep you cool in the heat. Lightweight shorts and t-shirts are usually best. Additionally, you should bring a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from too much sun exposure.
Floats down the river tend to cost around $20 per person for trips lasting around an hour. Prices may vary depending on your location.
The San Antonio Riverwalk occasionally gets drained for cleaning or repairs. This typically happens once every three years and allows workers to assess any potential problems more closely.
River Walk Bars & Nightlife
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Narrated Cruises
Tour duration: 35 minutes.
Hours: Operating Daily 10 am - 10 pm
GO RIO's 35-minute San Antonio River Walk boat tour connects you to the city's culture, history, architecture, and timeless charm.
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Unique Cruises
GO RIO Cruises offers a unique San Antonio River Walk experience for every occasion.
We’re adding new cruises throughout the year – follow us @GoRioCruises for the latest!
Dinner Cruises
Tour Duration: 2 Hours Minimum
Seating: 2-20 Passengers
Take in the sights and sounds along the iconic San Antonio River Walk while enjoying food and drinks from your favorite River Walk restaurant.
Private Charters
Tour Duration: Approximately one hour
Seating: Approximately 40 passengers
Want to create an unforgettable experience? Charter any GO RIO boat and customize your special event.
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