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167 Spring Lake
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-7570

aquarena.txstate.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Aquarena Kayak Tours

 

How do I book a tour?


You may book a tour online here.  If you have questions please call 512-245-7560. Our office hours are Monday-Friday but will vary depending on park traffic, so please leave a message if no one answers your call so we an call you back.

How far in advance should I book my tour?


We require an advance reservation for kayak tours due to staffing of these tours. Please remember the days during March through August can fill up several months in advance, so please book your tour as soon as possible.

Do you have a maximum number of students that can go on tour?


Maximum capacity is 6. We have 6 glass bottom kayaks so can only take out 6 at a time.

What age groups are your tours appropriate for?

Minors should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  The kayaks are very stable but because of liability we will not take minors on the tours with out supervision or consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Please call 512-245-7560 to discuss tour options.

I would like to do something different than listed on your website, can you accommodate my group?


We try our best to accommodate special requests, please call 512-245-7560 to discuss options for your group.

Do I need to indicate a specific time for my tour?


Yes, you will need to request a specific date and time for your tour. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time of your tour. We apologize that we are unable to push back the start times of tours. If your group is late we may need to cut a portion of your tour time. Please call 512-245-7570 to notify a gift shop staff member that you will be late.

What if it rains?


If it rains on your tour date you will have the option to reschedule. Please call 512-245-7560  on the day of your tour to contact kayak staff and let us know know that your group will not be coming.

Where are you located?


For directions please click here.

Please allow extra time for traffic and bus speeds when calculating your travel time.

Will my class have a tour guide?

Because of the critical habitat status and restricted access to Spring Lake you must have an Aquarena Kayak Staff person lead your tour.

Where should we park?


Please see the locations marked on the map above. You can park in the parking lot at the Texas Rivers Center.

Where should we check in for our tour?


Please check in at the TICKET BOOTH across the lawn from the Texas Rivers Center.  Your tour guide will be expecting you there.

Is there a place where we change clothes?


Yes, there are rest rooms next to the Ticket Booth.

Is the park handicapped accessible?


The Wetlands Walk (currently closed due to Restoration project) and Texas Rivers Center Exhibit are handicapped accessible. Our staff will help to lift a wheelchair visitor onto the regular Glass Bottom Boats (wheelchairs must be left on the docks.)The kayak boats do not have handicap access and must be paddled by the person sitting in the boat. Please contact us to discuss this on and individual basis. 

What do I need to bring?

Please bring or wear clothing that can get wet, water shoes, water bottle or hydrating beverage and a change of dry clothing and a towel if you want.

 

Can I bring my own kayak and paddle?

No, the only boats that are approved for this tour are Aquarena's own kayaks.  These boats remain here and are only used on Spring Lake.

Do you still have the Ralph the Swimming Pig Show or the Mermaid Show?


We no longer offer the Ralph the Swimming Pig Show or Mermaid Show, but there are still lots of fun things to do at Aquarena Center. The Glass-Bottom Boat Tours remain along with many new exhibits such as the Wetlands Walk , and the Texas Rivers Center. We hope that you enjoy our new environmental education focus.

 

Do you have a Tour Feedback Form for participants to complete after the tour?

 

Yes!  We will include this in your training manual and you can leave it with your tour guide at the end of the tour or take it with you and return it to us. 

Mail to:

Aquarena Kayak Tours

Aquarena Center

601 University Drive.

San Marcos, TX  78666