A Complete Guide to the San Antonio Riverwalk Boats: Are Go Rio River Cruises Worth It?

By Sara Branstetter | September 24, 2024

Second only to the Alamo, a Go Rio River Cruise down the famed San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most popular tourist attractions (and one of the best things to do) in San Antonio. These brightly colored barges provide a great way to experience the river and see quite a bit of the downtown area of San Antonio at the same time, which is why they appeal to tourists.

But just because they hold tourist appeal doesn’t mean they are total tourist traps. If you are interested in taking a Go Rio River Cruise but want to know if it is worth your time, read on!

I have all the information and details you need to know to make your river cruise more than just an activity, but a great memory of your time in the Alamo city.

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What are my options for taking a Go Rio River Cruise on the San Antonio river?

You have two options for taking a river barge through downtown San Antonio – a narrated river cruise or a river shuttle. Both are operated by Go Rio but serve different purposes.

Go Rio narrated river cruises are 35-40 minute long boat tours of the downtown part of the San Antonio Riverwalk. You and a number of other guests will be ferried throughout downtown while your boat captain shares information about San Antonio, its history, and the buildings you are seeing. Rides begin and end at the same point of departure.

River shuttles, on the other hand, function more like taxis on the river. There are 15 stops between downtown and the Museum Reach part of the river, and you can get on and off to explore, as you please. Just look for Go Rio shuttle stop signs along the river level of the Riverwalk.

Shuttles run both northbound and southbound on a set schedule from 12pm to 8pm daily. A one day unlimited ticket runs $20.50/person, and a three day ticket is $29.50. Go Rio also offers a monthly pass for local residents for $27.50.

When do the river boats operate?

Narrated cruises run daily between 10am and 10pm and river shuttles operate between 12pm and 8pm.

Boat operations are suspended any time there is a major downtown event (like a river parade) or inclement weather, so keep an eye on Go Rio’s website and Instagram for info on closures or service suspensions.

When is the best time to take a Go Rio narrated river cruise?

The absolute best time to take a narrated river cruise is between Thanksgiving and New Years when the Riverwalk holiday lights are lit. Cruise guides will also decorate their boats with holiday lights, and it is an absolutely magical experience to float down the SA river underneath thousands of twinkling lights. This is far and away my most favorite thing to do in San Antonio!

But if you cannot come during Christmas, you will still be able to enjoy your river cruise during other times of the year. That said, given the punishing heat of San Antonio summers and the fact that cruises are often in direct sunlight with little to no breeze, I recommend avoiding a river cruise between the months of June and September. You will be way more comfortable once temps dip below 90°.

If you have to make your visit during the summer, try to take your Go Rio River Cruise during the coolest hours of the day between 10am and noon, or 7pm and 10pm. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen.

How much does a narrated river cruise cost?

Narrated river cruises (which are available in both English and Spanish), run $14.50/adults and $8.50/kids. Senior and military discounted tickets are available for $11.50, and local SA residents can ride for $12.50/person with an ID.

Go Rio River Cruise tickets can also be purchased as a combo with the Tower of the Americas (you must purchase these in person at a Go Rio Ticket Booth), or as part of the San Antonio Citypass.

Where can I buy tickets for a Go Rio River Cruises?

Tickets can be purchased online, or in person at a Go Rio ticket booth.

Where can I a board narrated river cruises?

There are three river-level departure points for narrated river cruises. The first, and busiest, departs from the Rivercenter Mall at 809 E. River Walk. The second busiest departure point is the Historia Ticket Booth, located at 706 River Walk. And the third location is the Aztec Ticket Booth, located at 731 River Walk.

To board, head to the river-level for one of the three departure points, and look for the Go Rio sign and boarding line. Boats run continuously throughout the day.

What to expect on a Go Rio River Cruise?

First, expect there to be a line to board. Tickets are neither date nor time stamped and there aren’t reserved time slots. You simply buy your tickets and get in line to board. Typically, the lines move very quickly and if you avoid riding during weekends (which are crazy busy – even more so if they conflict with school holidays), you are unlikely to wait more than 15-20 minutes. (Protip – board from the Aztec ticket booth to further mitigate lines).

The San Antonio river is all of about 3 feet deep and doesn’t particularly flow, so don’t anticipate a wild boat ride. It’s exceedingly smooth and even the people most prone to motion sickness are unlikely to have any trouble with the motion of the boat.

Upon departure, your boat ride will take you through the busiest part of the Riverwalk’s downtown loop. You’ll run by a number of prominent buildings and hotels including the Rivercenter Mall, Hilton Palacio del Rio, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and more.

Just don’t plan on being able to see the Alamo from your Go Rio River Cruise. The Alamo isn’t on the Riverwalk, nor is it visible from any part of the river, so you’ll have to make your way there at a later time. (But if you choose to depart from the Rivercenter Mall, just head outside the back part of the mall, and you’ll walk right out onto Alamo Plaza.)

Are there any special cruise options or events?

Yes! Go Rio offers both seasonal cruise events and special cruise options. These include sunset cocktail cruises, Oktoberfest beer tasting cruises, ghost tours, and holiday river parade viewing parties.

You can also rent a Go Rio river barge and driver for dinner cruises, Christmas caroling cruises, or other private charters. Private rental is limited by date/time and can be requested online.

Are Go Rio River Cruises Worth It?

Absolutely! I’ve lived in SA for the last 21 years and still enjoy taking the occasional cruise. It is a great way to see the city’s architecture, learn about San Antonio’s history, and to just get the lay of the land as you begin your vacation.

And given how short the narrated cruises are, they don’t take a ton of time away from anything else you may want to do while you are here. I highly encourage all visitors to SA, or locals who have just been too cool for school and avoided it, to give it a go and take a Go Rio River Cruise.