RATED THE WORLD’S #1 TOUR COMPANY BY TRIPADVISOR,
AND THE BEST IN THE USA BY USA TODAY!
GET UP AND GO KAYAKING – SAN MARCOS IS THE TOP-RANKED ACTIVITY IN THE AREA!
BEST GUIDES
Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife, and more from our awesome local guides.
SMALL GROUPS
Our max group size is 12 paddlers – the perfect size to hear our guides and enjoy conversations along the way. (Larger private parties may be available upon request. Group size may vary slightly by location.)
GREAT VIEWS
Don’t let a normal kayak hinder your view! Our clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the surroundings, and there’s plenty of opportunities to snag some Reels or videos for TikTok!
↠ OUR SAN MARCOS STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive San Marcos sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program
↠ THE EXPERIENCE ↞
WHERE WE ARE LOCATED:
San Marcos is a great trip for those looking for crystal clear water in our crystal clear kayaks only a short distance from Austin and San Antonio, Texas! This adventure on the San Marcos River is beginner friendly including a relaxing drift downstream, with a slightly more challenging paddle back upstream to the launch site for intermediate enthusiasts.
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE:
Whether you join us during the day to experience the river’s beauty in the sunlight or embark on an enchanting adventure with glow lights illuminating your kayak and the waters below, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories! The first half of the paddle offers a relaxing downstream float, while the return trip provides a rewarding workout as you paddle upstream to finish strong. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops to give your arms a break and allow you to fully appreciate the stunning surroundings, wildlife, and limestone.
Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will lead you on a journey through one of the most picturesque locations in the state, while providing information about the local flora, fauna and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. You will have a chance to be up close and personal with the Endangered Wild Rice, only found on the San Marcos River, as you glide under bridges and disconnect from the daily grind.
POTENTIAL WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:
Our tour will take you through the protected waters of the San Marcos River, where you’ll have the opportunity to see:
- beavers
- bats
- fish
- turtles
- birds
- deer
- racoons
Whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned pro, our clear kayak tour is suitable for all skill levels and provides an unforgettable adventure. Our kayaks are designed for stability and safety, and our guides are trained to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Reserve your spot now and book today to experience the beauty of San Marcos like never before! Not only will you enjoy a unique adventure, but also you’ll be contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem by supporting a sustainable tour that promotes conservation awareness.
↠ AS FEATURED ON ↞
Partnership with Visit San Marcos
Partnership with @atasteoftexas_
Partnership with @travelwithcielo
↠ Frequently Asked Questions ↞
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- 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.
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- A positive attitude ready for adventure!
- Shoes you don’t mind getting wet; please note shoes are not permitted to be worn in the kayak, but will sit beside or behind you.
- Non-disposable water bottle to stay hydrated
- A phone to capture those candid shots!
- Wear clothes/swim suit you don’t mind getting wet
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Yes, but 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!
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Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
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Yes! 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. Both criteria must be met:
– Maximum individual weight: 250 lbs
– Combined weight of both guests: Cannot exceed 425 lbsFor Example:
– 250 lbs and 160 lbs = 410 lbs ✅
– 260 lbs and 120 lbs = 380 lbs ❌
– 230 lbs and 220 lbs = 450 lbs. ❌ In this case, please contact us before booking to check if we can accommodate you with individual kayaks -
Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a solo. Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single. All prices are per person, not per kayak.
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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.
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Trips that are canceled by Get Up And Go Kayaking due to inclement weather, will be rescheduled or refunded.
Reservations that are cancelled 72 hours or more before a scheduled trip will not be charged. Those that are cancelled or in need of rescheduling within the 72 hour window of departure time will not be refunded.
Trip Protection can be purchased, which allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour at any time for any reason up to 12 hours prior to your scheduled tour time. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees. This policy does not apply to bookings made less than 12 hours in advance.
No-show participants will not be refunded. This includes showing up with less paddlers than the original amount booked for.
Get Up And Go Kayaking will not launch in unsafe weather conditions. Because of this, trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety issues. If this is the case, your reservation will be refunded in full. We will not be held responsible for any reservation that you fail to keep due to an unforeseen circumstances. We also reserve the right to change or cancel any tours due to circumstances beyond our control. In this instance, Get Up And Go Kayaking can refund the tour price, not any other expenses that may have been incurred.
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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.
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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.
↠ SAN MARCOS ↞
Situated in the heart of Texas, the San Marcos River, the Mermaid Capital of the World, captivates adventure seekers with its crystal-clear waters. Originating from the Edwards Aquifer, the river’s constant 72-degree Fahrenheit temperature creates an ideal haven for diverse aquatic life. Renowned as one of Texas’ cleanest rivers, it’s home to endangered species like the Texas Wild Rice.
Get Up And Go Kayaking – San Marcos, a Texan Women-Owned & Operated Small Business, stands out as the sole watercraft operation open year-round. This ensures adventurers can immerse themselves in this enchanting experience at any time.
↠ MEET THE FOUNDERS ↞
Brooke
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Brooke, an avid adventurer, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation. She possesses a profound passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, fishing, photography, art, and traveling. You might find her on the water during a tour, capturing content and educating others about the ecosystems of the San Marcos River.
Star
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Born and raised in the heart of Texas, Star is a passionate psychology student with an insatiable curiosity about the human mind. When she’s not immersed in her studies, you can find her amid a sea of lush plants, nurturing her own little green oasis or trekking through the woods on adventurous hikes. Star is a dedicated plant enthusiast, finding solace and wonder in the world of flora whether inside or amidst the great outdoors. Her unwavering curiosity and zest for life drive her to continually learn and grow. Beyond her academic and outdoor pursuits, she enjoys losing herself in the pages of a captivating book, weaving wonders with her crochet hook, and strumming melodies on her ukulele – Star infuses every facet of her life with unparalleled creativity and adventurous spirit.
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Send Us a Message
Call or Text Us
(737) 258-2879
(Available from 1:00pm – 9:00pm)