What to do and see in San Marcos, Texas (TX): The Best Outdoor Activities

We offer Canoe/Kayak Instruction, guided tours and rentals by reservation.

Texas Canoes & Kayaks focuses on rentals and guided trips down the San Marcos river and surrounding areas.

We run a small mom and pop hot air balloon company. We specialize in the personal touch, giving passengers the adventure of their dreams.

Run by Texas State University, The Meadows Center (formerly Aquarena) introduces visitors to the lush diversity of the San Marcos Springs and intricate system of waterways. We are open daily to the public and offer glass-bottom boat tours (by reservation), paddling and snorkel tours (by reservation), a Wetlands Boardwalk and a Discovery Hall with interactive exhibits and aquaria.

Texas State Tubes is a family owned, student operated, premier floating service provider along the San Marcos River in Martindale, Texas. We provide all of your tubing needs i.e. shuttle services, rider and cooler tube rentals, waterproof merchandise, air pumps, and coolers. Our employees will assist you from the moment you arrive to ensure a memorable floating experience! No glass or styrofoam allowed on the river

PaddleSMTX is the go-to outfitter for Kayak and Paddle Board rentals, along with nightly glow kayaking tours on the San Marcos river. Experience the Ultimate Glowing paddle adventure with our Crystal Kayak Glow Night tours. This is our most popular tour that is truly an experience you shouldn’t miss. Each kayak is equipped with waterproof LED lighting that makes for a glowing spectacle of awesomeness.

Let us show you the underwater world, filled with a variety of fish turtles, and exotic wild rice that lies right under our noses in the San Marcos River. Bring your family, your date, or your friends and let us take you on a guided tour of our routes that can last up to 2 hours. Just bring yourself, we have the necessary gear, along with options for wetsuit rentals, and gopro rentals.