Easy Kayaking in San Antonio: The Best Kayaking in Texas
Many people know San Antonio is famous for the restaurants, hotels, and shops that line the Riverwalk, but did you know you can go kayaking in San Antonio along the Riverwalk?
Here is everything you need to know to plan your San Antonio river kayaking trip.
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When tourism came to a standstill due to COVID-19, the City of San Antonio began to think of new ways to attract locals downtown.
The San Antonio River Walk was underutilized until the city partnered with Mission Kayak (now Mission Adventure Tours) and Go Rio Cruises to offer kayaking in its River Walk business district.
Kayaking along the San Antonio Riverwalk allowed visitors to practice social distancing while bringing people back downtown.
When restrictions began to lift and tourism began to thrive again, kayaking at the San Antonio River Walk was discontinued.
But fortunately, due to its popularity and easy paddling trail for beginners, the most scenic kayaking in Texas is back!
Meeting Points for Kayaking in San Antonio
Mission Adventure Tours has two locations to go kayaking in San Antonio along the Riverwalk.
You can choose between the Museum Reach and Downtown or the King William District locations.
Kayaking from the Museum Reach
The Museum Reach location is in the Pearl District at the corner of Camden St. and Newell Ave.
There are two parking places, the lot near IH-35 or along the street in the Pearl District.
If you arrive early enough on the weekends, you should have no trouble finding a free spot to park on the street.
Look for a blue Go RIO tent set up near the river.
Kayaking from the Tobin Center
The Downtown location is located at 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205.
You will park in nearby parking garages.
If you kayak from this location, you should make reservations to eat breakfast at one of the many San Antonio Riverwalk restaurants.
What to Expect When Kayaking in San Antonio
Kayaking is relatively easy, especially in the still waters along the Riverwalk.
Mission Adventure Tours provides flat-bottom kayaks that are almost impossible to tip over. They are perfect for first-time kayakers.
After reading and signing a waiver, you are fitted with a life jacket which must be worn the entire trip. You will also be given an introductory lesson on how to use the paddle.
The kayak trip is unguided, which means you are on your own once you launch. Don’t let that worry you, though. The river is not wide at all, and you will see people walking along the Riverwalk path the entire trip.
Finally, you step into the kayaks perched on a cement ramp with the front end in the water. Once your foot pedals are adjusted, the employees push you fully into the water, and off you go.
It is simple to get in and requires very little balance to stay upright.
Kayak the San Antonio River
Your kayak trip will begin and end in the exact location.
Once you leave the launch area, you can choose to paddle in one of two directions. Both ways are equally beautiful places to kayak.
One direction leads to the beautiful and Historic Pearl District.
On this path, you will see a grotto, many waterfalls, and a glimpse of the popular Pearl area in San Antonio.
You will know it’s time to turn around when you enter the waterfall section and the trail ends.
The opposite trail leads you to the museum reach.
In this direction, you will see the San Antonio Museum of Art, the giant fish art installation, and the oldest VFW post in Texas.
Clearly posted signs will let you know when it is time to turn around.
Book a Kayaking San Antonio Trip
To go kayaking along the Riverwalk in San Antonio, you do need to make a reservation at least a day in advance with Mission Adventure Tours.
Kayaking is available from March to November on most Saturdays and Sundays.
The Kayaking Paddling Trail
Kayaking occurs along the Riverwalk and in the Museum Reach of the river.
The City of San Antonio allows kayakers to paddle along the banks of the Riverwalk in the business district (the area where all the restaurants and bars are located) on a few select days. You must book in advance if you want to kayak here.
You can also kayak from San Antonio’s Pearl Brewery District.
This trendy area was once Pearl Beer’s canning company but has now transformed into the ultimate dining, shopping, and hang-out spot along the Riverwalk.
In addition to kayaking from The Pearl, you can extend your day by visiting the weekend farmer’s market and vendors when your kayaking trip ends.
The Pearl District has many breakfast options for a peaceful place to relax after kayaking.
If you are visiting San Antonio, Hotel Emma at the Pearl is a boutique hotel located right in the middle of the Pearl Brewery District.
This popular hotel is the perfect location to stay for a San Antonio visit.
RELATED POSTS: For other fun places to visit in San Antonio, check out the Sunken Gardens: A Beautiful Japanese Tea Garden and the Witte Museum.
Cost to Kayak in San Antonio
Kayaking along the San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the many affordable things to do in San Antonio, with prices starting at $35 per person.
This price includes a one-hour kayak rental, the paddle, and a life jacket.
Age to Kayak San Antonio River
Mission Adventure Tours allows children as young as two to go kayaking with an adult in a tandem kayak.
Children eight and older can have a single kayak.
This would definitely be a fun outing for the entire family. Afterward, you can check out one of the great kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio.
What to Wear Kayaking
One thing that makes kayaking in San Antonio one of the best kayaking trips in Texas is that it is a come-as-you-are experience.
You don’t need anything fancy or expensive to have a good time.
I do recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wet, even though there is little chance of that happening.
I also recommend these water shoes with a slip-resistant outsole. They are inexpensive, quick drying, and highly rated as the best shoes to wear kayaking.
San Antonio has mild weather, so these lightweight waterproof pants from Amazon that I took on our summer trip to Alaska would be perfect.
Other Tips for Kayaking in San Antonio
You will be outside on the water, so applying insect repellant and sunscreen before your trip is a good idea.
I also recommend carrying your keys and wallet in a dry bag.
If you don’t have one or don’t want to buy one, you can rent a dry bag from the tour company for $5.
SAN ANTONIO KAYAKING ESSENTIALS
Finally, if you plan on taking photos with your phone, a waterproof phone pouch worn around your neck will allow easy access for photos, without fear of dropping it or getting it wet.
Plus, all the pictures in this post were taken while my phone was in a pouch, and the pouch didn’t affect the clarity.
Book the Best Kayaking Trip in Texas
Booking a kayaking trip in San Antonio is easy and can be made through the Mission Adventure Tours website.
Kayaks rented through this site are the only kayaks allowed on the River Walk.
Personal kayaks, including inflatable kayaks, cannot be launched here.
Make plans now to get out and explore the scenic San Antonio downtown area from the water.
