San Antonio’s charm isn’t just about the historic Alamo or the vibrant River Walk—its waterways and city vistas offer some of the most memorable boat experiences in Texas. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing daytime cruise past historic sites, an evening tour with stunning skyline views, or a small-group adventure with personalized touches, this city has plenty to offer on the water. You might spend your morning exploring the San Antonio Missions and then glide along the river in the afternoon, or take an illuminated night tour to see the city lit up from a different perspective.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the seven best cruises and boat tours in San Antonio. You’ll find options that range from half-day sightseeing with visits to iconic landmarks like the Alamo and Tower of the Americas, to intimate small-group night tours that include panoramic city views. We’ll compare prices, tour duration, group size, and what makes each experience unique, helping you pick the perfect cruise for your trip. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just relaxing on water, there’s something here for every traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of daytime sightseeing tours, small-group night cruises, and walking tours combined with river cruises. Expect to see options like the 4-hour “Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo,” which offers a well-rounded experience with transportation, walking, and a river cruise. For evening adventures, the “San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise” stands out for its intimate setting and skyline views. Other tours combine walking with boat rides, allowing a more immersive look at San Antonio’s history and architecture.
1. Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo
This tour offers a comprehensive look at San Antonio’s highlights in just four hours. It begins with a visit to The Alamo—the city’s most famous site—plus a guided tour that makes history come alive. Next, you’ll visit the San Jose Mission, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to get a deeper sense of the region’s colonial past. The tour also includes a trip up the Tower of the Americas, where you get sweeping views of the city from 750 feet above ground.
The highlight for many is the River Walk cruise, a relaxing 35-minute ride through the city’s iconic waterway. All transportation and admission tickets are included, making this a hassle-free way to see San Antonio. The small group size (max 7) ensures personalized attention and a more engaging experience. The guide’s local knowledge shines, with reviews praising the personable guides and seamless coordination.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and city views in a compact package. At $169, it offers good value considering all the sights covered and the personalized service.
2. San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise
This evening tour immerses you in San Antonio’s lively nighttime atmosphere. For $124, you’ll enjoy an intimate small-group experience (typically fewer than 10 people) that includes a scenic drive, a visit to the Tower of the Americas with stunning skyline views, and a nighttime River Walk cruise.
The best part is how the city transforms at night—lights reflect off the water, and the illuminated architecture adds a romantic glow. The narrated drive provides historical insights and local stories, making the experience both relaxing and educational. One guest noted, “The tour was tailored to my photography interests, and I was able to capture the city’s beauty after dark.”
This tour is perfect if you want a combination of city vistas, historic storytelling, and a peaceful river cruise, all in just a few hours. It’s especially suited for couples or solo travelers who enjoy a personal touch and a bit of nightlife flair.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for those seeking a relaxed, intimate evening with excellent city views and a friendly guide. The price reflects the personalized experience and scenic highlights.
3. Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise
For a nighttime adventure that combines city lights with scenic views, this tour offers a memorable three-hour experience. With $129, it includes a small-group setting, a visit to the Tower of the Americas observation deck, and a river cruise along the illuminated San Antonio River.
What sets this option apart is the combination of driving, walking, and water—giving you a comprehensive look at the city’s night scene. The tour’s commentary brings to life San Antonio’s history and architecture, while the river cruise offers stunning views of the city’s lit-up landmarks. Tour participants praise the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, saying, “Our guide went above and beyond to make the night special.”
Best suited for those who enjoy night photography, city lights, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and ambiance.
Bottom line: If you want to see San Antonio’s skyline aglow and learn about its history at night, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience in a cozy setting.
4. San Antonio: Small Group Tour w/ Alamo, Tower & River Cruise
At $169, this tour offers an excellent mid-length option for seeing San Antonio’s most famous sights. It combines a guided visit to The Alamo, a trip to the San Antonio Missions National Park to explore colonial architecture, and a scenic ride up the Tower of the Americas.
The highlight is the River Walk cruise, passing landmarks like La Villita and Selena’s Bridge, giving you a relaxed view of downtown. The driver provides engaging stories about the city’s history, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. Previous travelers appreciate how informative and lively the guide is, with one saying, “Nancy made history fun for everyone.”
This tour suits travelers who want to cover a lot in half a day, with a mix of walking, driving, and boat cruising. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but want a full flavor of San Antonio’s highlights.
Bottom line: An engaging, well-rounded tour perfect for history buffs and first-timers who want a swift yet thorough experience.
5. San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour with Riverwalk Boat Cruise
This walking tour costs $139 and takes about four hours. It’s ideal if you prefer exploring on foot, with only 10 people maximum. The tour kicks off outside The Alamo, with guided walks through La Villita, San Fernando Cathedral, and along the River Walk itself. It includes a relaxing river cruise that offers a different perspective on the city’s architecture and history.
The guide’s storytelling makes the experience lively, and previous guests rave about the knowledgeable guide David, who “took us to extra stops and made the history come alive.” The climb to the top of the Tower of the Americas adds an unforgettable panoramic view.
This option is perfect for active travelers who want a blend of walking, sightseeing, and boat cruising. It’s also suited for those who value small groups and personalized guides.
Bottom line: Best for history lovers who enjoy walking and want a comprehensive, detailed look at San Antonio’s highlights with a personal touch.
6. San Antonio: Guided Walking Tour with Boat Cruise
This tour, priced at $139, offers a well-rounded half-day experience combining a guided walk through historic sites like The Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral, with a river cruise. It emphasizes learning about the legends and heroes that shaped the city, along with taking in the views from the Tower of the Americas.
Guided by Victor, known for his knowledge and enthusiasm, you’ll visit La Villita, cross the lock bridge, and enjoy a relaxing river cruise that showcases the city’s beauty from a water perspective. The tour is praised for being informative yet leisurely, with a good balance of walking and relaxing.
This tour is tailored for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to San Antonio, with enough time to appreciate each site without rushing.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a friendly guide, historical insights, and a scenic river cruise in a manageable four-hour itinerary.
7. San Antonio Night Sightseeing Tour+Riverwalk Boat Cruise & Tower
For a nighttime splurge, this tour provides a three-hour evening adventure at $159. It combines a guided city tour in eco-friendly micro shuttles, a visit to the Tower of the Americas with panoramic views, and a river cruise through the illuminated city.
The highlight is the view from 750 feet atop the Tower of the Americas, where interactive exhibits add a cultural touch. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the city’s history come alive after dark. One reviewer noted, “Javier made the experience special with his friendliness and storytelling.”
Ideal for night owls or those wanting to see San Antonio’s lit-up skyline, this tour balances scenery and storytelling in a shorter, efficient format.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking an evening filled with city views, cultural insights, and a fun, eco-conscious ride through San Antonio’s illuminated sights.
How to Choose the Right San Antonio Boat Tour
When selecting the best boat or cruise tour, consider your main interest—do you want a comprehensive daytime tour, or are you more interested in evening city views? Budget can also help narrow options: tours range from about $124 to $169, with some including more experiences like visits to the Tower or additional walking.
Think about your group size—small-group tours (max 7 or 10) tend to be more personal and flexible, while larger groups are less intimate but more affordable. If you love history, look for tours that focus on landmarks like the Alamo and missions. For scenic views and photography, the night tours at sunset or after dark might be more appealing.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours, and check their availability during your travel dates. Most tours operate year-round, but evenings and weekends can be busier.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio offers a wonderful variety of water-based experiences that complement its historic charm. For a full day, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour provides a thorough overview, while the night tours reveal the city’s illuminated beauty. If you prefer walking and exploring at a relaxed pace, the guided walking options with river cruises are ideal.
For couples, photography enthusiasts, or those wanting an intimate experience, the small-group options shine. Budget travelers might prefer the more straightforward, shorter tours, but all deliver a meaningful glimpse into San Antonio’s water and skyline.
No matter which experience you choose, booking in advance and planning your visit around the tour times will ensure you make the most of your water adventures in this historic Texas city. San Antonio’s waterways and city views are a highlight that will stay with you long after the boat has docked.