Things are getting lit in Texas. With the spring weather here, and the summer sunshine on its way, Texans are eager to get back into the water. With limited options here in the city, Dallasites must go beyond city limits to live the life aquatic at the greatest lakes, coves, and swimming holes, the state has to offer.
One of the most unique aquatic experiences in Texas is located in the town of San Marcos. Here, you can cruise down a glow-in-the-dark river on paddle boards and translucent kayaks for the ultimate night-time float!
San Marcos, located half-an-hour or so south of Austin, is home to an abundance of natural beauty. Surrounding green spaces, wooded areas, and swimming holes, make the town an oasis for outdoors types. Added to that, anyone attended college in the area, is well aware that the spring-fed San Marcos River is a go-to for summertime tubing.
A company by the name of Paddle SMTX offers a slightly different way of navigating the river. Using LED lights fixed to the translucent kayaks, patrons can glide through the San Marcos River under the stars and watch as the river comes to life:
“The crystal kayaks are like a magnifying glass into the amazing aquatic underworld beneath you and are lit up by the LED lights, which have 7 different colors and settings to choose from.”
The experience in total last approximately 75 minutes. Beginning with a guided paddle instruction, the glow tour takes riders up the river past gorgeous natural scenery before allowing guests to paddle freely for the last 20 minutes.
Tickets are priced at $39.95 per person; for groups of 6 – 12, tickets go for $34.95 per. The Crystal Kayak Glow Tour is also BYOB for 21+ guests, though no styrofoam or glass bottles are allowed. The company encourages guests to arrive 15 minutes prior to start time at 170 Charles Austin Dr. (look for the blue van).
All participants must sign a waiver beforehand. Those under the age of 18 must have their guardians sign for them. For the tour to take place, there must be a minimum of three people signed up. If in a company of two, you can still make a reservation and will be notified day-of if other participants have signed up to meet the minimum. The company provides refunds in full if the participants cancel with at least 24 hours in advance. In case of inclement weather, participants can opt for a full refund or choose to reschedule.