San Antonio’s boat tours center on the River Walk, offering practical ways to see the city’s main attractions from the water. These 35-minute guided rides, running daily from morning to night, give visitors a relaxing introduction to downtown’s history and architecture.
I’m especially fond of the standard river cruises – they’re efficient, affordable ($13.50), and the local guides share interesting stories without overwhelming you with details. For evening charm, the dinner cruises deserve attention, combining good food with twinkling riverside lights.
The specialty history tours stand out for travelers wanting more depth, particularly when combined with Alamo visits. Small-group options (maximum 15 people) provide better personal attention and photo opportunities.
These are the most worthwhile boat excursions we found in San Antonio…
Key Points
- San Antonio offers highly-rated tours with small group sizes, personalized experiences, and a combination of driving tours, river cruises, and historical visits.
- Key attractions include the Alamo, River Walk cruises, the Tower of the Americas, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage San Antonio Missions.
- Night tours showcase illuminated city landscapes, and wine tasting experiences are available in Casablanca Valley.
- Private tours and transfers are offered for post-cruise exploration, with personalized pickup, guided city exploration, and optional vineyard tours.
- Comprehensive private tours include Santiago city highlights and visits to the Undurraga Winery, with hotel/port pickup and drop-off.
Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour With Boat + Tower + Alamo
The “Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour With Boat + Tower + Alamo” offers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the city’s top attractions. This highly-rated tour (4.7 from 483 reviews) packs a punch, including a driving tour, River Cruise, Alamo visit, and admission to the Tower of the Americas and San Antonio Missions.
With a maximum group size of 7 guests, the intimate setting enhances the experience as knowledgeable, personable guides share historical insights and local recommendations. Travelers consistently praise the tour’s relaxed pace and the guides’ ability to create a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.
At $169 per person with free cancellation, this small-group tour provides excellent value for those seeking to discover the best of San Antonio.
Read our full review: Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour With Boat + Tower + Alamo Review
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San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour With River Walk Cruise
Travelers seeking an immersive nighttime exploration of San Antonio can embark on the captivating “San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour with River Walk Cruise.”
This 3-hour experience transports participants through the city’s illuminated landscape, offering a unique perspective on its iconic landmarks and vibrant nightlife. The tour includes a scenic cruise along the River Walk, a visit to the towering 190-meter-high Tower of the Americas, and a narrated driving tour highlighting the city’s nightlife.
With a small group size limited to 7 participants, the tour provides a personalized and enriching experience. Featuring convenient pickup, free cancellation, and excellent customer reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those eager to discover San Antonio after dark.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Small Group Night Tour With River Walk Cruise Review
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Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour W/Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Enjoy the captivating nighttime ambiance of San Antonio on this small group tour that combines a scenic River Walk cruise and a visit to the iconic Tower of the Americas.
With a rating of 4.6 out of 199 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide historical insights and personal stories.
Explore the city’s illuminated sights, including La Villita and Alamo Square, and enjoy the convenience of pickup and drop-off at downtown locations.
Though not wheelchair accessible, this tour allows strollers and service animals, making it accessible to most travelers.
Read our full review: Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour W/Riverwalk Boat Cruise Review
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San Antonio: Guided Walking Tour With Boat Cruise
Exploration of San Antonio’s rich history and picturesque landmarks awaits adventurous travelers on this guided walking tour and boat cruise. Priced from $139 per person, the 4-hour experience is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.
Visitors will explore the iconic Alamo, glide along the River Walk, and marvel at the Spanish Colonial architecture of the San Fernando Cathedral. With a 4.5/5 rating from previous travelers, the tour offers excellent value, capturing the essence of San Antonio through engaging storytelling and stunning vistas from the Tower of the Americas.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this approximately 2-mile journey through the city’s historic districts.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Guided Walking Tour With Boat Cruise Review
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San Antonio After Cruise Tour to Valparaiso and Casablanca Drop off in Santiago
After disembarking from their cruise, travelers can embark on an enriching tour that showcases the vibrant coastal cities of Valparaiso and Casablanca.
For $129 per person, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a wine tasting, vintage funicular ride, and lunch. Boasting a 97% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, the tour provides hassle-free transportation and luggage handling, with a knowledgeable guide who brings the destinations to life.
Highlights include exploring Valparaiso’s colorful murals and gardens, as well as the Casablanca wine valley.
The tour culminates with a convenient drop-off at the traveler’s hotel or the airport in Santiago, making it an excellent choice for extending a post-cruise adventure.
Read our full review: San Antonio After Cruise Tour to Valparaiso and Casablanca Drop off in Santiago Review
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San Antonio: Small Group Tour W/ Alamo, Tower & River Cruise
For an unforgettable immersion into San Antonio’s rich history and vibrant culture, the “San Antonio: Small Group Tour w/ Alamo, Tower & River Cruise” offers an excellent four-hour experience.
Explore iconic sights like the Alamo, Spanish missions, and the Tower of the Americas. Enjoy a guided tour of the Alamo, learn about the 1836 Battle, and take an elevator ride to the top of the tower for panoramic city views.
The tour also includes a 35-minute river cruise, showcasing La Villita, Old Mill Crossing, and Selena’s Bridge. With a maximum of 7 participants, this small-group tour provides personalized attention and engaging storytelling from the knowledgeable guides.
Conveniently, pickup and drop-off are provided in downtown San Antonio.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Small Group Tour W/ Alamo, Tower & River Cruise Review
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San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour With Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Enjoy the vibrant heart of San Antonio on this small group walking tour that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and a serene Riverwalk cruise.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the iconic Alamo, the historic La Villita district, and the majestic San Fernando Cathedral, all while learning about the city’s rich heritage.
The highlight of the tour is the 35-40 minute Riverwalk boat cruise, offering a unique perspective of this picturesque waterway.
With admission to the Tower of the Americas also included, this comprehensive experience provides an excellent overview of San Antonio’s top attractions, perfect for both first-time visitors and those seeking to delve deeper into the city’s culture.
Read our full review: San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour With Riverwalk Boat Cruise Review
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Transfer to San Antonio Port Prior Cruise With Tour in Valparaiso and Casablanca
This tour provides a seamless transfer from Santiago to the San Antonio cruise port, allowing travelers to make the most of their time in Chile before embarking on their maritime adventure.
The full-day small-group tour includes a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Valparaiso and a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour features an efficient, air-conditioned minivan transport and knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Luggage transportation is included, and travelers can opt for an on-site lunch. The tour receives positive reviews for its scenic stops and expert commentary, though some suggest extending the Valparaiso walking portion.
Read our full review: Transfer to San Antonio Port Prior Cruise With Tour in Valparaiso and Casablanca Review
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Small Group Pre-Post Cruise Viña Del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive pre- or post-cruise experience in Chile can opt for the Small Group Pre-Post Cruise Viña Del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery Tour.
This tour offers a glimpse of UNESCO-listed Valparaiso, the coastal city of Viña del Mar, and the renowned Casablanca Valley wineries. The tour is limited to 8 people, providing a personalized experience with informative commentary from a professional guide.
Inclusions like wine tasting, transportation, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off make the tour convenient. However, some past travelers have reported larger group sizes than promised, so it’s essential to verify the group size before booking.
Read our full review: Small Group Pre-Post Cruise Viña Del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery Tour Review
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Pre or Post San Antonio Cruise With Santiago City Tour and Optional Vineyard
For travelers seeking a comprehensive pre- or post-cruise experience in San Antonio, Chile, the “Pre or Post San Antonio Cruise with Santiago City Tour and Optional Vineyard” tour provides an efficient way to explore the highlights of the region.
The small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, offers a mix of city sightseeing in Santiago and an optional wine tasting at a local vineyard. Pickup and drop-off services are available from various locations, including ports and airports.
While reviews are mixed, with some complaints about logistics, the tour still provides an opportunity to see the scenic landscapes and take in the local culture before or after a cruise.
Read our full review: Pre or Post San Antonio Cruise With Santiago City Tour and Optional Vineyard Review
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Transfer and Santiago City Tour: Cruise Port to Vibrant Capital
A transfer and city tour await travelers seeking an efficient way to explore Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital, after disembarking from their cruise in San Antonio or Valparaíso.
Offered by ChileViveTours, this tour provides personalized pickup, transportation, and a guided exploration of the city’s highlights, including Mount of St. Louise.
With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour offers ample space for luggage, bottled water, and a included lunch. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and describe the experience as worth the time and money.
Wheelchair accessibility and infant seats are available, making this tour suitable for most travelers. Guests can conveniently book this tour and receive confirmation at the time of booking.
Read our full review: Transfer and Santiago City Tour: Cruise Port to Vibrant Capital Review
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Private Pre/Post Cruise Tour Valparaiso & Casablanca Wine Valley
Chile Shore Tours offers a private pre/post cruise tour that explores the vibrant port city of Valparaiso and the renowned Casablanca Wine Valley.
The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup from the San Antonio cruise port and drop-off in Santiago. Guests can choose to add an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting for around $50.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation.
With a 5-star rating based on one review, the tour seems to provide a great day exploring Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, led by the informative guide Lorena.
Booking is available with free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Private Pre/Post Cruise Tour Valparaiso & Casablanca Wine Valley Review
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Private Transfer From San Antonio Cruise Port to Santiago City
Upon disembarking your San Antonio cruise, a private transfer whisks travelers directly to the vibrant city of Santiago. This air-conditioned, private transportation service includes all fees and taxes.
Drivers will hold signs with the lead traveler’s name, and it’s important to provide the number of luggage, cruise vessel name, and terminal number in advance.
The journey from the Puerto San Antonio cruise port to Santiago is seamless, with stroller-accessible vehicles and infant seats available. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are welcome.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this private transfer offers a convenient and hassle-free start or end to your Santiago adventure.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From San Antonio Cruise Port to Santiago City Review
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Private San Antonio Port Pre-Post Cruise Santiago City Tour and Undurraga Winery
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Santiago’s vibrant culture and the picturesque Undurraga Winery can opt for this private tour. Priced from €241.60 per person, the 3-hour experience includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and wine tasting.
Cruise passengers can conveniently join the tour from San Antonio Port. While the tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users, children can participate when sharing with two paying adults.
Feedback is mixed, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and stunning sights, but also reports of last-minute cancellations by the tour operator. This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Santiago and the acclaimed Undurraga Winery.
Read our full review: Private San Antonio Port Pre-Post Cruise Santiago City Tour and Undurraga Winery Review
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Recap
San Antonio offers a variety of cruises and boat tours for visitors to explore the city’s attractions. From small group tours with a river cruise to private transfers and city tours, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re interested in the historic Alamo or the vibrant Riverwalk, these cruises and tours provide a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the best of San Antonio.