san antonio riverboat dinner cruise

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Riverwalk Dining Cruises

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There is no better way to see and enjoy the Riverwalk than by having a dining experience while aboard a river boat. You will marvel at the splendor of the Riverwalk while enjoying the excitement of dining while cruising. River boat dining is perfect for family, groups, entertaining customers, birthdays or any special event. And enjoying the Riverwalk is not just restricted to dining cruises. You can do lunch cruises, cocktail cruises and other themed events. Not all restaurants on the river do dining cruises. Boat availability is at the discretion of the river boat company, Go Rio Cruises. To contact Go Rio Cruises, visit their website at www.goriocruises.com . River boats for dining cruises need to be booked well in advance of the event.

Dining Cruises on the San Antonio Riverwalk

To dine on a river boat you first contact a Riverwalk restaurant and then they assist you in chartering the boat and cater the event for you.  A river boat/barge configured for dining holds a maximum of 20 people, but most recommend 16 to 18 people for comfort.  If you have questions about doing a dining or cocktail cruise, just send us an email by clicking here .

Community Dining Cruises On The Riverwalk

A “Community” dining cruise is one where small groups, couples and individuals can join others on a boat for a dining cruise.

April & May 2024 Dining Cruises from Paesanos

Great news! Our friends at Paesanos have announced their community dining cruise schedule for Spring 2024.

• Friday April 5, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday April 12, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday April 13, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday April 19, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday April 20, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday April 26, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday April 27, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday May 3, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday May 4, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday May 11, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday May 17, 2024: 7-9pm
• Saturday May 18, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday May 24, 2023: 7-9pm
• Saturday May 25, 2024: 7-9pm
• Friday May 31, 2024: 7-9pm

$75.00 per person plus 8.25% sales tax and 20% service charge.  Reservations are required and no walk ups are taken.

Private Dining Cruises by Paesanos

A private dining cruise is the perfect event for groups of all kinds. Cruise the river and enjoy an amazing meal from Paesanos Riverwalk. Great for corporate groups, convention attendees, military reunion groups and more. You will love it!

For more information on doing a private, chartered dining cruise contact Mike DeLuna at the Paesanos Group. You can email him at [email protected] or call at 210-598-5189.

Are you bringing a group to San Antonio and looking for private space for an event? We can help with that too! Just send us an email at: [email protected]

Do you have questions about doing a dining cruise on the Riverwalk? Email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist!

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River Cruises

Please check back for future cruises..., dinner cruises on the san antonio river walk.

Enjoy a dinner aboard a river boat, whilst floating and dining on the towering cypress-lined San Antonio River Walk. We’ve created an Italian experience, full of fresh ingredients, bold flavors and legendary dishes like our famous Shrimp Paesano.

Cocktail Cruises on the San Antonio River Walk

Grab your friends, co-workers, or just the two of you, and join us for a great  evening of floating and refreshing cocktails on the San Antonio River Walk. Begin your 30-minute excursion at Paesanos Riverwalk, and we’ll take care of the rest – enjoy a guided tour and unlimited house margaritas, beer, and house wines.

Dinner Cruises in Downtown San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk Boat Tours

River Boat Tours San Antonio

If you’re looking for a great way to spend your day in San Antonio, then why not try out a River Walk boat tour? Taking a leisurely cruise along the San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most popular activities in the city, offering spectacular views and plenty of entertainment.

The best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk is arguably its lush scenery and vibrant atmosphere. The walkway itself passes by popular sights such as historic buildings and waterfront shopping centers, giving visitors plenty to do. It’s also been featured in several movies and TV shows, making it a memorable destination for many people.

Discover the River Walk firsthand on this one-of-a-kind tour of “The American Venice”. The River Walk Barges provide several different options for you to enjoy the River Walk on a boat. Below is all you need to know about the River Boats in San Antonio.

Narrated River Walk Tours

Step aboard a River Walk barge for an exciting and entertaining narrative of the rich history of the San Antonio River Walk . The cruises are about 35 minutes long and cover one and a half miles of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk boat tour connects you to the city’s timeless charm! Our enthusiastic, knowledgeable boat captains will share fascinating stories about the city’s culture, history, and architecture during your 35-minute tour along the San Antonio River .

• Tour Duration: 35 minutes
• Departures daily from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., every 15 minutes (During peak season, wait times will be longer)
• Seating: Approximately 40 passengers

Community River Walk Dining Boats

Want to enjoy a River Boat while you are eating an amazing River Walk meal? Community Dining Boats are a great affordable way to make new friends and experience the River Walk in style. Simply contact one of the following River Walk Restaurants below for more information about community River Walk boat dining. These restaurants are the only restaurants on the River Walk that offer community dining boats.

Boudro’s (210) 224-8484 Boudro’s is an experience to savor, embracing all the flavor of our regional heritage with a distinctive menu of Texas and southwestern specialties.

Lone Star Café (210) 223-9374 A Texas-style steakhouse on the River Walk. Take a bite of a 12 oz. Abilene T-Bone and wash it down with buckets of your favorite beer.

Café Ole (210) 223-2939 The Place to come to satisfy your cravings for delicious Mexican cuisine, the home of the Ultimate Fajita and the 60 oz Margarita.

Michelino’s Ristorante Italiano (210) 223-2939 Try our fabulous Italian specialties, you’ll swear you are back in the old country!

Range @ Embassy Suites Riverwalk Hotel (210)227-4455 Range, a modern American chophouse, created by famed local chef and restaurateur Jason Dady is the new jewel on the San Antonio Riverwalk located in the Embassy Suites River Walk.

Private San Antonio Boat Rides

Dinner cruises seat 20 guests and offer the unique experience of dining on our boats with a wonderful meal catered by one of the many great restaurants along the river. If you have up to 30 guests, cocktail cruises are also available. Cocktail cruises are designed for appetizers and drinks catered by one of the River Walk Restaurants.

River Boat Taxis

Just trying to get from place to place as you explore San Antonio attractions? Look for the River Walk Taxi Boat signs that are located along the River Walk downtown and on the Museum Reach.

River Walk Taxi Boats are labeled with GO RIO Shuttle signs . The River Walk Taxi Boats run approximately every 60 minutes. Shuttle service begins at 10 am . Tickets also available for purchase on the boat or at any GO RIO Ticket booth.

The Monthly Pass is $25 for Bexar County residents, allowing locals to get on and off the GO RIO Shuttle, throughout both the Downtown and Museum Reaches, for an entire month!

The drivers do their best to accommodate most scooters. At times larger scooters are not able to load due to the size of the ADA area designated on the boat. Wheelchairs and strollers are always allowed though guests are asked to fold their strollers and place them in the back.

River Shuttle Options For Your Trip To San Antonio

River Walk Attractions: The Downtown Reach encompasses the center of San Antonio (downtown) with a wide variety of restaurants, theaters, and the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The Downtown Reach is from Lexington to Nueva St.

Museum Reach The Museum Reach is north of downtown, pedestrian-friendly, and a great way to explore a quieter side of the river. The Museum Reach begins at Lexington and runs all the way up to The Pearl.

Where can I purchase River Walk boat tickets?

There are 3 ways you can purchase tickets:

1.  Online: Purchase tickets online.  Please note that purchasing tickets online ensures you a ticket, however, passenger boarding is first come, first served.  Also, keep in mind that your ticket is mailed to you after your purchase online.

2. In-Person: If you are already in San Antonio, head on down to one of the three kiosks located along the River Walk. So where are the kiosks located?  We went ahead and created this cool map so you can easily locate the nearest River Boat ticket booth to you.

Private River Boat Reservations

The easiest way to reserve your own river barge is to fill out our private riverboat reservation form. We take the information and send it to all the operators on the River Walk.

It is highly recommended that you plan at least 3 weeks in advance before your event. More time may be needed during the busy season.

The best time to for a boat to is usually from sunrise to mid-morning, but you’ll need to check the weather conditions to make sure that it’s safe. Swimming is not allowed in the San Antonio River Walk due to safety regulations – so stick to walking and boat rides for your explorations! Beer is allowed in certain parts of the River Walk, but it’s important to be mindful of local laws and regulations.

Unfortunately, swimming in the River Walk is not allowed. Although the water is relatively shallow and safe, it is full of plants and debris which can make swimming dangerous. Additionally, many of the pathways around the River Walk are filled with people and can be too crowded for swimming.

Drinking alcohol while walking around the Riverwalk is also not allowed, however, some restaurants and bars will provide special plastic cups that allow you to enjoy your beverage while you explore the area. It’s important to follow the laws though – drinking alcohol openly on the Riverwalk can lead to serious fines or even jail time.

The River Walk is open from 8 am until midnight, with certain areas staying open until 2 am at certain times of the year. The depth of the water varies along the length of the River Walk but generally ranges from about 2 feet to 6 feet deep.

It is generally safe to visit the River Walk at night, as there is a strong police presence in the area and it is well lit. However, visitors should always keep an eye out for their personal safety and belongings, even during daylight hours.

When it comes to finding the best part of the San Antonio Riverwalk, everyone has their own opinion! Many enjoy visiting the historical sites within walking distance such as the Alamo and other nearby attractions, while others love simply taking in all of the incredible sights along the walk itself.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is famous because of its beauty and charm. This two-mile stretch of winding pathways offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore natural scenery while enjoying access to some of the best shopping and dining in the city.

People very rarely fall into the River Walk – however, it does happen occasionally! Most likely this happens due to someone tripping over something or not paying attention to where they were going.

The main thing that makes the San Antonio Riverwalk special is its combination of natural beauty and bustling city life. You can experience both at any time of day or night and get a sense of why San Antonio is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The Alamo is located approximately one mile from River Walk and can easily be reached by foot if you choose to do so. San Antonio is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, delicious food, and unique architectural design.

The River Walk typically shuts down around midnight each night. During peak holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day weekend this could extend later into the night. It’s best to check ahead when possible.

When choosing what to wear to the San Antonio Riverwalk, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes that will keep you cool in the heat. Lightweight shorts and t-shirts are usually best. Additionally, you should bring a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from too much sun exposure.

Floats down the river tend to cost around $20 per person for trips lasting around an hour. Prices may vary depending on your location.

The San Antonio Riverwalk occasionally gets drained for cleaning or repairs. This typically happens once every three years and allows workers to assess any potential problems more closely.

River Walk Bars & Nightlife

Restaurants on the san antonio riverwalk, leave a comment cancel reply.

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BEST Riverwalk Dinner Cruise - Boudro's Texas Bistro

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“BEST Riverwalk Dinner Cruise” Review of Boudro's Texas Bistro

I saw that this was one of the highest rated restaurants in San Antonio and made dinner reservations with them from their website (no opentable.com on this one) The restaurant is located in the midst of other restaurants and bars along the riverwalk but stands out for its ambiance, food and service. It wasn't very clear from their website, but they offer a dinner cruise for $40 per person. This was only $10 more than other restaurants like Casa Rio that have horrible ratings on their food. The boat leaves from right out front and takes you on a round trip of downtown each time you're served a dinner course. The Salmon was delicious and the steak melts in your mouth. My one disappointment was the margaritas. They were low quality (no choice of tequilas) and they were served in tiny wine glasses. The margaritas are also NOT part of the dinner price. I would either skip them next time or see if I could bring one from the bar next door. We returned for dinner a couple nights later and ate inside. (too much of a zoo outside on the walkway). The service was impeccable, the guacamole was the best the riverwalk has to offer and the food was wonderful. We'll be back on our next trip to San Antonio

• Excellent 2,863
• Very good 1,312
• Average 491
• Terrible 105
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4,707 - 4,711 of 4,919 reviews

We had an excellent meal here. I will admit that the wait is rather long and the atmosphere is loud, but it was worth it. I highly recommend having a meal here!

Rather disappointing for the cost. We ate at several restaurants on the Riverwalk and this one was our least favorite. I made a special request to eat there as I had researched, looking for some unique and memorable.

We visit San Antonio every year and for the past several years have stopped to have guacamole for two, made table side, along with their really fabulous Margareta’s. This year we brought my parents, son and daughter and decided to eat lunch. We sat in the back so it was not noisy. Everyone was impressed with the guacamole and Margareta’s but my son and dad were disappointed with the enchilada. I had a side of black beans and they were yummy and everyone else enjoyed their meal. The chicken enchiladas were dry and they did not come with any sauce so the top was a bit hard. Our waiter was excellent and was very attentive to our every request. I suggested they send them back and I’m sure they would have served them something else, but they were full from the guacamole so we let it slide. My husband and I will continue to visit Boudro’s yearly for the guacamole and Margareta’s.

Requested an outdoor table during the reservation, when we arrived we were told our table was inside. This turned out to be perfect, the tables outside are very close together and can get noisy. We had a quiet romantic table to celebrate our anniversary. We were given complimentary champagne after dinner when they found out it was our anniversary. The food was excellent especially the Quail.

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River Barge Dining

Want to Wow your guests? Enjoy your dinner, lunch, or cocktails as you cruise down the beautiful San Antonio River Walk! Dinner Cruises seat up to 20 guests and Cocktail Cruises seat up to 25 guests.

Private boats can only be chartered through Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises. You can reach them at 210-227-4746. Secure your boat today and we will be happy to assist you with the catering.

To start planning today, please fill out the reservation request form and our events team will contact you. You can also contact us directly at Call for river barge events info at (210) 223-2930 or via email [email protected] .

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Family Fun on San Antonio’s Expanded River Walk

Visitors to San Antonio have enjoyed the downtown River Walk for decades, but a recent reboot breathed new life into the popular waterway, which now boasts 15 miles of trails that can be accessed by foot, bicycle, and (in some places) river barge. Since I'm a San Antonio native, I prefer the newly expanded (and much quieter) northern reach, but the new-and-improved River Walk has something for everyone, with each reach conveying its own identity.

When I was little, my family took strolls along the River Walk just before Christmas. I remember crossing over on a bridge and wandering down the steps to enter the River Walk. The glassy river reflected lights strung through trees, creating a vivid visual that still wows me today. Equally colorful is the city's River Parade, an annual event kicking off Fiesta, the city's unique homage to Texas independence.

Of course, the San Antonio River Walk charms people of all ages and locales—365 days a year. Although the Alamo brings in some 26 million travelers to San Antonio every year, a recent expansion of the River Walk allows for easy navigation and enjoyment. Whether cycling along the Mission Reach, taking a river barge from downtown to the San Antonio Museum of Art , or eating outside on the banks of the river, I can't help but feel the city's undeniable legacy—and energy.

Downtown River Walk

Because of its proximity to the Alamo and the rest of downtown, the original, historic River Walk remains the ideal jumping-off point for travelers hoping to see the best of the city.

If visiting the Alamo seems daunting, take the kiddos to the RiverCenter Mall IMAX to see Alamo: The Price of Freedom , a big-screen version of the city's proudest moment in history. The mega-theater also screens blockbusters and documentaries, some of which air in IMAX 3D. If comedic entertainment is what you're after, check out the River Center Comedy Club for a good laugh. They have a lineup of comedians almost every night and even host a contest to find the funniest person in South Texas.

When lunchtime rolls around, I always make the short walk to Casa Rio. This Tex-Mex establishment—the first River Walk restaurant—got its start in the 1940s. Snag a table under an umbrella on the river's banks so you can watch barges float by as you dig into chips and salsa. Or if you're traveling with a large group or celebrating a special occasion, consider dining on board a private river barge. Growing up, Casa Rio boats hosted my favorite birthday dinners!

No birthday to warrant a private dinner cruise? No problem. The city's vibrant boats operate tours, river taxis, and private charters. I recommend the 35-minute River Tour, which is a fantastic way to see downtown and the San Antonio River's core. As you pass landmarks and attractions, your captain/guide will provide interesting snippets about the city's architecture, culture, and history that you wouldn't learn flying solo. But when I'm just trying to get from one part of downtown to another, I hail a river taxi from one of the barges' many pick-up points.

The Museum Reach

For a mellow River Walk experience, I head north to the Museum Reach. Some barges make the trip, but they're less frequent than what you'll find downtown, so consider hopping in the car, making the half-hour walk, or (my personal favorite) renting bicycles from B-cycle—the city's bike-sharing company.

The Museum Reach offers a brand-new River Walk experience. Between quiet, undeveloped stretches that are perfect for bike rides and relaxed strolls, you'll find the oldest VFW post in Texas, the San Antonio Museum of Art—whose collection spans 5,000 years of history—and the Pearl Brewery Complex. There, shops, bars, and restaurants encircle the Culinary Institute of America's San Antonio campus. With new establishments constantly popping up, I like to grab a latte from Local Coffee and pick up a snack at Saturday's farmers' market before exploring the Pearl on foot.

Whenever I meet friends for lunch, we head to La Gloria, a casual eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine. It has prime riverfront real estate, with lovely views of the water below and an outdoor patio that spills onto a lush green lawn. With kids in tow, I also enjoy Green—a family-friendly (and surprisingly delicious) vegetarian eatery. If you aren't tuckered out after lunch, take your kids to the children's section of the Twig Bookstore, which periodically hosts readings and other special events. Need a sugar boost? Discover organic ice cream with unique flavors (Horchata and Cilantro Lime, to name just a couple) at Lick.

Work off that ice cream with a stroll to the riverside Pearl Park Amphitheater. Depending on the night, you and the kids might be lucky enough to catch one of their free concerts or movie screenings.

FUN FACT The San Antonio River Improvements Project that led to the River Walk's expansion is helping animals, in addition to people, by restoring the river to its intended state. Ecological restoration involves straightening the river's path, but the city is also boosting wildlife by planting more than 20,000 young trees.

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Adventure on the San Antonio River Walk

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Millie kerr.

An attorney-turned-journalist, Millie Kerr has traveled the globe chasing her love of adventure, but she'll always consider San Antonio home. Although Millie primarily writes about travel and wildlife, she's a generalist eager to tackle new terrain.

Published By: Texas Monthly  Texas Monthly is an authority on the Texas scene, covering music, the arts, travel, restaurants, museums, and cultural events since 1973.

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Flotilla Fiesta kayaking event returns to San Antonio River

Event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on sunday, april 21, at acequia park.

Mason Hickok , Digital Producer Trainee

SAN ANTONIO – Fiesta festivities on the San Antonio River kick off later this month with the eighth annual Flotilla Fiesta event.

The San Antonio River Authority and River Foundation are hosting the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at Acequia Park.

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Flotilla Fiesta is the only official free kayaking event in the yearly festival.

Participants can take part in a kayak decoration contest with three design categories: Viva Fiesta, Nature & Sustainability and Decorator’s Choice.

The top three scores in each category will receive a cash prize and trophy.

Other family-friendly activities include arts and crafts, Folklorico dancers and music from the band Volcán. A vendor market will also host local food and shopping options.

Several booths will sell Fiesta medals. The River Authority’s official medal will be free and available while supplies last.

“Fiesta is such a special time for the River Authority and the River Foundation because it celebrates our rich cultural history and promotes community engagement around our historical and natural resources,” said Kristen Hansen, deputy director of parks and recreation for the River Authority. “Flotilla Fiesta brings a party with a purpose to the Mission Reach and invites the community to enjoy the beauty of our river.”

The Texas River Co. will provide free kayaks to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Fin Addict Fishing Clinic will be on-site for a free fishing clinic.

Alongside Flotilla Fiesta is the Race the River paddling competition, which starts at 9 a.m. along the Mission Reach portion of the river.

For a map, registration and event details, click here .

For more of KSAT’s Fiesta coverage, click here .

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About the Author

Mason hickok.

Mason Hickok is a digital producer trainee at KSAT. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a communication degree and a minor in film studies. He also spent two years working at The Paisano, the independent student newspaper at UTSA. Outside of the newsroom, he enjoys the outdoors, walking his dogs and listening to podcasts.

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Craft Scenic Riverboat Cruise Sets Sail On New Dining Option

Craft, Tampa’s first dining river cruise, officially launched on March 8 to much celebratory fanfare including a ribbon-cutting with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Locals and visitors are invited to indulge in a one-of-a-kind culinary and cocktail river journey on this low-profile vessel resembling a European riverboat. At less than 11 feet in vertical height, the boat passes beneath the several low bridges in downtown Tampa. The two-hour cruises will feature an elevated dining and cocktail experience while letting guests enjoy Tampa’s most scenic waterways, including the Hillsborough River and downtown channels.

Craft is a multimillion-dollar investment and features many firsts for Tampa and the passenger vessel industry. Craft is the first dining cruise in the United States with an open kitchen and cook-to-order galley using gas cooking equipment. In addition, Craft is the first low-profile river dining cruise vessel in Florida and features a boat on a boat with a 1914 vintage wood cruiser reclaimed as the Bow & Stern Bar.

“The river cruiser far exceeds our expectations and vision,” said Troy Manthey, president and CEO. “I am confident locals and visitors will be equally as impressed with the culinary and cocktail river journey we’ll take them on.”

Craft is 130 feet in length with a capacity of 150 passengers featuring three dining options: indoor, outdoor or bar dining. Executive chef Allison Beasman, formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab, has created an incredible three-course menu for dinner, brunch, lunch and special occasions.

“Tampa is a food-forward destination,” said Beasman. “I’m inspired by the concept of Craft: craft of culinary arts, craft of elevated cocktails and spirits, craft of a vessel that takes you on an explorative journey. I look forward to welcoming guests on the Craft journey.”

Craft is part of the Manthey Hospitality portfolio that owns and operates a unique collection of brands, including Yacht StarShip, Florida’s largest fleet of dining yachts. Since 2001, the company has called Tampa home. In addition, the group owns and operates Pirate Water Taxi, launched in 2016; the Lost Pearl pirate adventure cruise, launched in 2020; the Bay Rocket speed boat thrill ride, launched in 2022; Tampa Riverwalk Rentals, launched in 2023; and, of course, the newest addition to the fleet — Craft.

Craft is located at 603 Channelside Dr. in Tampa at the StarShip dock adjacent to Sparkman Wharf.

Reservations are now open. For more information, please visit https://crafttampa.com/ or follow Craft on Facebook and Instagram.