San Antonio is a city where history and lively street life collide, and what better way to experience its charm than from the water? Whether you’re cruising along the famous River Walk, gazing at the city skyline at night, or exploring the historic missions, boat tours and cruises offer a unique perspective and a relaxed way to see the sights. Our favorites include the River Walk Cruise for a quick, scenic introduction, and the Small Group Night Tour with River Cruise for a more intimate look at the city’s illuminated landmarks. These tours provide more than just sights—they offer a chance to learn about San Antonio’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides in a setting that’s both relaxing and memorable.
If you’re after a comprehensive day, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour combines a river cruise with visits to the Alamo and Tower of the Americas, making it a top choice for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning each step. For evening adventures, the Premium Night Driving Tour with River Cruise and Night Sightseeing Tour with Tower bring the city alive after dark, with illuminated landmarks and a chance to see San Antonio in its nighttime glow. No matter your pace or interest, there’s a boat tour or cruise to match your mood.
1. San Antonio: River Walk Cruise Ticket
At number 1 on our list, the San Antonio: River Walk Cruise Ticket offers a perfect quick peek of the city’s most iconic waterway. For just $17 per person, you get a 35-minute glide through downtown that’s both relaxing and informative. The cruise is led by a knowledgeable guide who shares tales of San Antonio’s past, architecture, and local lore, making it a great introduction for first-timers or those with limited time. The River Walk itself is the heart of the city, lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings—seeing it from the water adds a different dimension to your visit. Reviews praise the cruise for its value and engaging commentary, with many mentioning how it’s a carefree way to get oriented.
What makes this tour stand out is its affordability and simplicity—perfect for a quick break or a family outing. The tranquil waters and scenic views make it a lovely way to unwind after exploring the city on foot. Keep in mind, this isn’t a long tour, but it packs a lot into a short ride.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a relaxing, informative introduction to San Antonio’s River Walk.
2. Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo
For those wanting a comprehensive San Antonio experience in about four hours, this Small Group Tour with Boat, Tower, and Alamo hits the mark. Costing $169 per person, it includes all the major sights—the Alamo, San Jose Mission, Tower of the Americas, and a river cruise. What sets this tour apart is that your transportation, entry tickets, and guide are all taken care of, making it a hassle-free way to see the city.
The tour combines a 35-minute River Walk cruise with a trip to the Tower of the Americas, where you’ll ascend 190 meters for sweeping panoramic views. The guided walk through the Alamo immerses you in Texas history, and the visit to San Jose Mission rounds out the cultural experience. Guests consistently praise guides like Dylan and Nancy for their knowledge and personable approach, making the stops lively and engaging.
This tour is perfect if you want a bit of everything, especially for history and architecture lovers who appreciate the convenience of a guided experience. The inclusion of the river cruise adds a relaxing element to the busy sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a curated, all-in-one day with expert guides and seamless logistics.
3. San Antonio: Premium Night Driving Tour with River Cruise
At number 3, this Night Driving Tour offers a different perspective of San Antonio when the city lights up after sunset. For around $124, you get a 3-hour guided drive, hotel pick-up, and a River Walk cruise—all with admission to the Tower of the Americas included. The tour combines a narrated drive past landmarks like The Alamo, La Villita, and King William District, with the peaceful serenity of a nighttime river cruise.
Guests rave about the guide, such as Nancy, who is praised for her knowledge and friendly attitude. The highlight is the view from the Tower of the Americas, where you can see the city glow from 750 feet above. The cruise provides a relaxed way to view illuminated landmarks, and the combination of driving and floating offers variety.
This tour is best suited for those who want to experience San Antonio’s charm after dark—when the city’s architecture and landmarks take on a magical quality. It’s a good pick for couples or small groups who enjoy evening cityscapes.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded evening tour that combines city lights, history, and panoramic views, perfect for a special night out.
4. Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Number 4 on our list is the Scenic Night Tour with Riverwalk Cruise, priced at $129 per person. This small-group experience (max 7 people) focuses on the illuminated beauty of San Antonio at night. Starting with the Tower of the Americas observation deck, you’ll enjoy stunning city views, then glide on a River Walk Night Cruise that passes landmarks like the Old Mill Crossing and La Villita. The tour wraps with a narrated drive through the city’s illuminated streets, exploring sights like Alamo Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral.
Guests consistently praise the personalized attention and knowledgeable guides like Alfred, who are attentive to guest needs and make the experience lively. The small group size keeps the atmosphere intimate, enhancing the enjoyment of the city’s nighttime ambiance. Many comment that the river cruise at night is a must-do, with lights reflecting beautifully on the water.
This tour suits those who prefer smaller groups and a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to ask questions and soak in the sights. It’s perfect for couples or travelers wanting a more personal, less rushed experience of San Antonio’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: An excellent nighttime option for those who value intimacy and a peaceful way to enjoy the city’s evening glow.
5. San Antonio Premium City Tour with Alamo & River Walk Cruise
Tour number five is a half-day city tour priced at $169 per person, designed for travelers who want highlights without a full-day commitment. It includes a guided drive past The Alamo, Mission San José, and the Tower of the Americas, plus a narrated River Walk cruise—tickets included. The logistics are handled for you with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it straightforward for visitors with limited time.
Guests mention the knowledgeable local guides, like Victor, who provide insights into San Antonio’s history and culture. The River Walk cruise is a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle, and the visit to Mission San José adds depth for history lovers. The tour balances driving, walking, and boat time effectively, offering a solid overview in just four hours.
This tour is suited for those short on time but eager to see key attractions with the comfort of guided commentary. It’s also good for families or groups who want a manageable, well-organized experience. The main drawback could be the shorter duration, which leaves little time at each stop.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a compact, guided introduction to San Antonio’s main sights.
6. San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour with Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Number 6 offers a walking tour combining city sights and a river cruise for $139 per person. Limited to 10 people, this tour explores historic neighborhoods, La Villita, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Alamo. The walk is leisurely, with plenty of stops to absorb the architecture and stories behind each site.
The highlight is the 35-minute river cruise, which complements the walking section. Guests praise guides like David for their deep knowledge and personable style, making history come alive. The tour covers 1836 Battle of the Alamo, Old Mill Crossing, and other key points, providing a well-rounded experience.
Good shoes are recommended, but the pace is manageable. The combination of walking and cruising suits travelers who want a more in-depth, ground-level understanding of San Antonio’s history and architecture. The small group size means everyone can ask questions and get personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and those who enjoy walking, with the added bonus of a scenic river cruise.
7. San Antonio Walking Tour with Cruise and Tower of Americas
Number 7 is a guided walking tour priced at $139, focused on San Antonio’s rich historic and visual attractions. It features everything from the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral to La Villita and the Tower of the Americas. The tour includes a River Walk cruise, providing a well-balanced exploration of the city’s streets and waterways.
Guests praise the narrated walk and the insights from guides who bring San Antonio’s stories to life. The combined experience offers a deeper understanding of the city’s architecture and history, suitable for those who enjoy a walking pace and want to see the city from multiple angles.
This tour is great for travelers who want to explore San Antonio’s history while enjoying some leisurely sightseeing. It’s perfect for those who prefer guided walks over bus tours but still want the convenience of multiple sites in one day.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for history lovers and those who prefer walking with added water views.
8. San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise
Number 8 combines sightseeing, dining, and cruising for $159 per person. This tour offers hotel pickup, a river cruise, a visit to the Alamo, and a dinner from a local restaurant. The 5-hour experience is perfect for travelers wanting a full evening out.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable guides like Javier, who create an engaging atmosphere, and the chance to enjoy dinner while sightseeing. The tour hits major highlights—The Alamo, Missions, and the Tower of the Americas—and combines them with a relaxing river cruise.
Ideal for those who want a dinner experience combined with sightseeing—especially couples or groups celebrating a special occasion. The all-inclusive approach makes planning easy, but the longer duration may not suit travelers on tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Great for a full evening of sightseeing, dining, and relaxed cruising with seamless logistics.
$159 per person
9. San Antonio Night Sightseeing Tour+Riverwalk Boat Cruise & Tower
Closing out our list, this 3-hour night tour offers a quick, illuminated tour of San Antonio for $159. It features a Tower of the Americas visit, a Riverwalk cruise, and a drive through the city’s most famous landmarks. The electric micro shuttles are eco-friendly and efficient, letting you see the city’s glowing architecture in comfort.
Reviews note the engaging guides like Javier, and the tour is praised for its convenience and coverage—seeing the Alamo, La Villita, and downtown lit up at night. The combination of land and water offers great visual variety, and the small group size ensures a personal experience.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but wanting a taste of San Antonio’s nighttime sparkle. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize sights without an overly long outing.
Bottom Line: A quick, enjoyable way to see San Antonio at night, combining key landmarks and scenic river views.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour or Cruise in San Antonio
When selecting your ideal journey, consider your budget, how much time you have, and your interests. For a quick overview, the River Walk Cruise is perfect. If you want a full day with multiple sights and guided commentary, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour or Premium City Tour are great choices.
For evening and night tours, the Night Tour with River Cruise and the Night Sightseeing Tour provide romantic and scenic views when the city is lit up. Budget travelers might prefer the River Walk Cruise or the Small Group Walking Tour, which focus on a more intimate experience without a hefty price tag.
Booking early is key, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall. Also, check what’s included—some tours combine dining, entry tickets, and hotel pickup, offering more value.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio offers a rich variety of boat tours and cruises that suit different tastes and schedules. From the quick, scenic River Walk cruise to full-day guided adventures with visits to the Alamo and Tower of the Americas, there’s something for all. If you prefer a romantic night cruise, options like the Scenic Night Tour deliver unforgettable views. For a more comprehensive exploration, the Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour combines history, culture, and scenic cruising efficiently.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead ensures you secure a spot as these tours often fill quickly during busy travel periods. Each provides a different way to appreciate San Antonio’s charm—so pick one that fits your style and enjoy the ride.