Overview

~1.25 hours • Ages 6+ | Sold out? More tour times available for Day Tours!

Duration: 1- 1.5 hours
Cancellation Summary: 72 hour cancellation need for a refund, unless you purchased Trip Protection
Meeting Point: 170 Charles Austin Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Min Age: 6
Max Age: 100
Group Size: 8
Description: Experience the enchantment of illuminated night paddling in the pristine, crystal-clear waters of San Marcos, Texas. Glide alongside the endangered Texas Wild Rice, and watch in awe as beavers, fish, deer, bats, and a vibrant array of birds inhabit this picturesque river, creating an unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty as the sun sets, casting hues of pink and orange that dance upon the tranquil river. As twilight gives way to the stars, we’ll enhance the experience by illuminating the water with enchanting LED lights, creating a truly magical and unforgettable ambiance. Guided by our experts, who are well-versed in the river’s secrets, we’ll document the journey with captivating photos to ensure this adventure stays etched in your memory.
What is Included: - Clear kayak
- Dry bag
- Paddles
- Safety equipment
- Bug spray and sunscreen
What is not Included: - Bottled Water (no disposables are allowed on the water)
- Parking (Starting 7/1, paid parking is required for all non-San Marcos residents. Rates vary by day and duration, typically between $10 and $25. Payment can be paid through app or kiosk.)
Itinerary: 1. Arrive at the site and check in.
2. Meet your friendly and knowledgeable guide.
3. Embark on a tandem kayak to begin your adventure.
4. Paddle downstream, take in scenic views, and paddle back upstream—keep an eye out for wildlife!
5. Enjoy the unique experience of viewing the surroundings through the bottom and sides of the kayak.
6. Capture plenty of photos to remember the moment.
7. Relive the excitement and memories of your adventure!
Highlights: At Get Up And Go Kayaking, we’re renowned for our exceptional service, intimate tour settings, and spirit of adventure! Embark on a unique journey with our clear kayak tours on the captivating San Marcos River, Texas. This adventure offers a beginner friendly experience, with a few sections that provide a slightly more challenging paddle for intermediate enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in nature during our enchanting sunset and mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark tours. Prepare to be captivated by our LED-lit clear kayaks, gliding effortlessly through the tranquil waters of the San Marcos Springs.
As the sun sets below the horizon, experience the magic of the moment on our sunset kayak tours.
The vibrant shades of the Texas sunset adorn the sky with a breathtaking array of colors, mirrored perfectly on the serene surface of the San Marcos River. Our sunset kayak tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts, romantics, and anyone seeking a serene and soothing way to conclude their day.
With the arrival of night, the San Marcos River transforms into an enchanting realm. You will pass under bridges and learn about the endangered wild rice that is only found on the San Marcos River, as you clearly view the aquatic grass, fish, and limestone through your kayak!
Beyond offering stunning views, our clear kayak tours on the San Marcos River provide an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. Our skilled guides ensure a secure and unforgettable experience, regardless of your kayaking expertise.
Whether you’re a Texan or a visitor to the Lone Star State, a clear kayak tour on the San Marcos River is a must-do bucket list experience!
Reserve your spot for a sunset and glow kayak tour today, and witness the enchantment of the San Marcos River like never before!
Check in Details: To ensure a smooth experience, please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. If you arrive after your tour has started, we won't be able to accommodate you, and refunds or rescheduling will not be possible. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your visit!
What to Bring: - Charged phone to capture memories
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Cash to tip your guide! 
If you enjoy your ride, tip your guide!
- Extra change of clothes and a towel (optional)
Special Requirements: Due to the experience level of the paddle being intermediate, we welcome children 6 years old and up to join. Each person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older in a kayak. Due to the level of experience needed for this adventure we cannot accommodate groups that have more children than adults in their party on the tour. We love having the entire family out and kids love this tour!

Our tours are made for any skill levels to participate, we will have basic tips and tricks to help you maneuver the waterways. Some paddling may be considered intermediate as we paddle against a 3mph current and some mild rapids, but we try our best to paddle at a pace that is convenient for every paddler! We do require all guests to stay with the group.
Restrictions: For your safety and to ensure the best experience, our weight limit is strictly 250 pounds per person, with a total limit of 425 pounds per kayak. These limits are set by the manufacturer to prevent any risk of the kayak sinking, which could lead to injury and damage to our equipment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Disclaimers: We paddle rain or shine, but for your safety, we will cancel tours if there is heavy rain or lightning within 5 miles of the route. Extreme cold and high winds may also lead to cancellations. If we need to cancel your tour due to inclement weather, you will be fully refunded.

Faqs: Why Choose Us?
- We specialize in clear kayak eco tours and are the best experience on the water.
- Tours cap out at 10 participants, which is the perfect size to hear your guide and have conversations along the way. If even 10 is too many for you, we also offer private tours for a tailored experience.
- Our kayak care and cleaning methods ensure your kayak is clear so you can have unmatched visibility into the water. San Marcos has clear water, so you might as well be in the clearest boat!
- We only hire the best guides who are personable, knowledgeable, and help you find unique wildlife.

Are the Kayaks Tandem or Solo?
Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers) however, if you have an odd number of guests in your party we can easily reconfigure the kayak to accommodate solos.

Is the price per kayak or per person?
This premium experience is per person for the tour. We don’t rent out the kayaks or charge one fee for our kayaks. Doing so would make it unfair for solo kayakers or groups with uneven party numbers.

How far in advance should we book?
We highly recommend booking as far in advance as possible. We allow cancellations with full refunds up until 72 hours prior to the tour time. This allows you to book far in advance and cancel up until 3 days prior to the tour with no risk at all.

Is it appropriate to tip your guide?
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!

Can you swim?
Yes! We invite you to swim before or after your tour near our launch spot. The water depth typically ranges between 4-5 feet, though variations may occur based on the specific section of the river and recent weather conditions.

Are pets allowed?
Yes! We love our furry friends! Please bring a towel for your pet to sit on during the tour to prevent any scratching of the kayak by their nails.

Is parking available?
Yes! Parking is available at the lot we use, but please note that it is managed by a third party and starting July 1st, requires payment for all non-San Marcos residents. We recommend arriving 15-30 minutes prior to tour time to park, pay (through app or kiosk), and find your guides!

Parking is $10 for up to 2 hours and $15 for over 2 hours. On Texas State event days and holiday weekends (Friday through Monday for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day), a $25 flat fee applies.
All parking details can be found here.