San Antonio’s waterways and scenic cityscapes make it a perfect place for cruises and boat tours. The city’s famous River Walk, with its lively restaurants and boutique shops, is best explored from the water, giving you a different perspective on its vibrant neighborhoods. Plus, the stunning views from the Tower of the Americas add a memorable touch to any sightseeing plan. Whether you’re after a relaxing daytime cruise, a sparkling night tour, or a combination that hits all the highlights, San Antonio offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and schedules.
These tours aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about experiencing the city’s culture, history, and architecture in an intimate, often small-group setting. From guided walks that combine history with boat rides to comprehensive packages including the Alamo and missions, you’ll find plenty of choices to make your visit memorable. Below is a carefully curated list of the best cruises and boat tours in San Antonio, each with its own unique appeal.
Quick Overview
This list presents seven top tours, each offering a different way to explore San Antonio from the water or with boat-based experiences. From small-group daytime adventures that include visits to the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, and Missions, to nighttime cruises highlighting the city’s illuminated skyline, there’s something for every traveler. For example, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo combines multiple attractions into a 4-hour journey, while the San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise offers a shorter, more intimate evening experience. Read on to see what each tour includes and which might suit your style.
1. Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo
Starting with this tour, you get a well-rounded 4-hour experience that hits all the main highlights. The tour is designed to combine transportation, walking, and cruising, making it easy to see the city without the hassle of planning individual tickets or routes. Your small group of just 7 people or fewer ensures personalized attention, especially when exploring sites like the Alamo and San Jose Mission. The tour includes a guided tour of the Alamo, a visit to the Tower of the Americas with elevator access to the observation deck, and a River Walk cruise—all included in the $169 fee.
What makes this tour stand out is the comprehensive itinerary. At the Tower of the Americas, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of San Antonio from 623 feet up. The river cruise offers a relaxing 35-minute ride through the city’s most famous waterway, providing a different perspective on the city’s architecture and history. Visitors frequently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer noting, “Our guide, Dylan, was very personable, fun, and knowledgeable.” This tour suits those who want a balanced mix of walking, sightseeing, and cruising in a small group for maximum comfort and engagement.
Bottom line: A great choice for first-timers who want an efficient, all-in-one overview of San Antonio’s top sights.
2. San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise
At number two, the Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise is perfect for those who want to see San Antonio’s illuminated skyline and enjoy a more intimate evening experience. For around $124, this 3-hour tour combines a narrated drive through the city’s historic streets with a nighttime cruise along the River Walk. The tour includes a stop at the Tower of the Americas for sweeping city views, making it ideal for sunset or after-dark sightseeing.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its personalized approach—many reviews mention guides like Rene and Dylan, who “felt like a walking encyclopedia,” and the tour felt tailored, even for solo travelers. Guests love the night photography opportunities, with one reviewer sharing, “We grabbed our tripod and had such a fun night.” The tour skips the long lines at the Tower and river cruise sometimes, offering flexibility. It’s best suited for travelers eager to experience San Antonio’s vibrant night scene while enjoying relaxed, small-group ambiance.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a cozy, night-time introduction to the city’s lights and landmarks.
3. Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise
This Small Group Night Tour offers a 3-hour window into San Antonio’s night-time charm, emphasizing illumination and city views. Starting with stunning vistas from the Tower of the Americas, you’ll ascend the tallest observation deck in Texas, then glide along the River Walk on a night cruise—passing lit-up landmarks like La Villita and Old Mill Crossing. The tour wraps up with a driving tour of the illuminated streets, including the Alamo, all narrated by your guide.
The appeal lies in its intimate size (just seven people), making it easy to ask questions and take photos without crowds. Reviewers call their guides “very knowledgeable,” and many mention how the night lights made the city look magical. The combination of scenic views, river cruise, and city illumination makes it a great choice for those wanting a romantic or visually stunning experience.
Bottom line: An ideal tour for travelers wanting a relaxed, visually rich experience that captures San Antonio’s nighttime atmosphere.
4. San Antonio: Small Group Tour w/ Alamo, Tower & River Cruise
This half-day tour offers a 4-hour dive into San Antonio’s historic and scenic highlights. The tour begins with a visit to the Alamo (45 minutes), then moves to the Mission San José for a guided walk (30 minutes). After a quick van transfer, you’ll enjoy a River Walk sightseeing cruise (about an hour), passing landmarks like La Villita and Selena’s Bridge, followed by a final ride to the Tower of the Americas for panoramic city views.
What elevates this tour is its focus on history and architecture, combined with scenic boat rides and elevated views. The reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, like Nancy and David, who make history accessible and engaging. For $169, the price includes all entrance fees, making it a straightforward package. It’s best suited for history lovers and first-time visitors who want an immersive experience without sacrificing scenic moments.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a rundown with a historical twist.
5. San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour with Riverwalk Boat Cruise
This walking tour offers a 4-hour exploration of San Antonio’s core attractions. You’ll start outside the Alamo, then walk through historic districts like La Villita and visit the San Fernando Cathedral. The guided walk is complemented by a 35-minute River Walk cruise, providing scenic views of the city’s waterways. The tour ends with an elevator ride to the Tower of the Americas for a panoramic view.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized attention—noting guides like Victor and Jason, who share detailed history and local insights. The tour is especially suited for those who prefer walking and small groups over large bus tours, and it’s ideal for seeing architecture, culture, and history up close. The price is $139, which includes the boat cruise and entrance fees, offering good value for a comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a balanced mix of walking, cruising, and sightseeing with an engaging guide.
6. San Antonio: Guided Walking Tour with Boat Cruise
This guided walking tour promises a half-day of exploring the Alamo, River Walk, La Villita, and San Fernando Cathedral, along with a 35-40 minute boat cruise. Starting with the Alamo, the tour then moves to the historic district, with a scenic ride on the river and visits to key landmarks. The tour concludes with an elevator trip to the Tower of the Americas for stunning city views.
Reviewers, like Victor and Alfred, commend their guides’ deep knowledge of San Antonio’s history and local lore. Many find this tour a smooth way to cover the essentials in just a few hours, especially if time is limited. The $139 price includes all the main attractions, making it a practical choice. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy walking and guided storytelling.
Bottom line: An efficient, all-in-one tour for history and culture enthusiasts.
7. San Antonio Night Sightseeing Tour + Riverwalk Boat Cruise & Tower
Rounding out the list is this night tour with a combination of sightseeing, boat cruise, and Tower visit. For around $159, the 3-hour tour includes a visit to the Tower of the Americas, access to the Observation Deck, Flags Over Texas, and a 4D Theater Ride. You’ll explore downtown San Antonio, seeing illuminated landmarks like The Alamo, the Pearl District, and Southtown on eco-friendly shuttles.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of modern transportation with historical sites, providing a comprehensive night experience. Reviewers mention Javier’s exceptional service and the tour’s efficient route, making it suitable for travelers short on time but eager to see the city lit up. The tour is ideal for those wanting a nighttime overview with a mix of attractions.
Bottom line: Perfect for visitors wanting a night view of San Antonio’s highlights with added convenience.
How to Choose the Best Cruise or Boat Tour in San Antonio
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want an all-in-one experience with historical sites and scenic views, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo is hard to beat, especially at $169. For travelers seeking a more intimate evening cruise, the Night Tour with River Walk offers excellent value at $124.
If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience at night, the small-group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise is a top choice. Those interested in history and architecture might lean toward the small-group walking and sightseeing tours, which combine walking with boat rides and panoramic views. To maximize your evening experience, the Night Sightseeing Tour + Riverwalk Cruise & Tower offers a well-rounded package for about $159.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure spots on these popular tours. Check availability and start times to match your itinerary, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes—San Antonio’s streets and attractions are best enjoyed on foot.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio’s diverse range of cruises and boat tours lets you see the city from many angles—whether it’s from the river, the tower, or on foot. From the comprehensive Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo to the intimate Small Group Night Tour, there’s a perfect experience for every type of traveler. Pair one with a visit to the Alamo or San Fernando Cathedral for a full immersion in San Antonio’s charm.
Remember to consider your interests—whether you want history, scenic views, or a relaxed evening—and plan ahead to enjoy the best possible experience. These tours often sell out early, so booking in advance can help you secure the time and date that works best for you.