Most Common Questions About San Marcos Clear Kayaking, Answered in 5 Minutes!

If you are thinking about kayaking on the San Marcos River but have questions, you are not alone. We get a lot of the same questions from new paddlers, visitors, and locals alike about what to expect, what you need, and how our clear kayak tours work. Below are the most common questions about clear kayaking in San Marcos with quick, straightforward answers.

What Makes San Marcos Clear Kayaking Special?

The San Marcos River is famous for its crystal-clear water. It is fed by the Edwards Aquifer and stays around 72 degrees year-round, making it ideal for paddling and wildlife viewing any time of year. Get Up And Go Kayaking – San Marcos offers guided clear kayak tours that let you see beneath the water as you paddle and learn about the unique river ecosystem.

How Long Are the Tours?

Our clear kayak tours typically last about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on conditions and group pace. Daytime tours focus on the beauty of the river and wildlife, while sunset and glow tours add LED lights to highlight the water at night.

What Should I Bring?

For every tour, bring comfortable clothes that can get wet, water to drink in non-disposable bottles, and shoes that can get wet if you want to hop in. All safety gear, sunscreen, bug spray and paddles are provided as part of your tour.

Is This Appropriate for Beginners?

Yes. Our clear kayak tours are beginner friendly. The river has a gentle current and our guides make sure everyone feels safe and confident on the water.

Are Children Allowed?

Children ages 6 and up can join our tours and must have an adult in the kayak.

Are the Kayaks Solo or Tandem?

Our kayaks in San Marcos are tandem kayaks, which means two paddlers per boat. This setup gives stability and makes the trip more fun and social. If you come solo or in an odd-numbered group, we can set up the kayak to accommodate.

Is There a Weight Limit?

Yes. The standard weight limit for our tandem kayaks is up to 425 pounds total per kayak, with no more than 250 pounds per seat. This ensures stability and safety on the water.

Yes. All tours require reservations in advance so we can prepare your kayak and guide. Spots can fill up especially on weekends and peak seasons.

Can I Swim on the Tour?

Swimming is generally not part of the guided tour. The focus is on paddling and viewing the river from the kayak. If you want to swim before or after your tour near public access points, many areas along the San Marcos River are suitable for swimming outside of the guided experience.

Are Dogs Allowed?

We allow fur-babies! Just please bring them on a leash and bring a towel to put down for them.

What Wildlife Might I See?

The San Marcos River supports a diverse range of wildlife. On our clear kayak tours you can often see turtles, fish, raccoons, birds, beavers, and sometimes deer near the riverbanks. The river is also home to endangered Texas Wild Rice and other unique plants.

How Hard Is It to Paddle?

The tour route usually floats downstream first and then paddles back upstream. The downstream portion is easy, with little effort, and the upstream part gives a nice light paddle back to the start. That pattern makes the trip enjoyable for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike.

Glow tours are a favorite experience where LED lights illuminate the water under your clear kayak at dusk or night. It gives the river a magical atmosphere and lets you see underwater life in a new way.

If you want more details or help picking the right tour for your group, send us a message. We are here to make your San Marcos kayaking experience unforgettable.

Ready to get on the water? Book your clear kayak adventure today!