Glass-Bottom Boats

Exploring Spring Lake (the headwaters of the San Marcos River) via a glass-bottom boat is a classic SMTXperience. The boats have shown visitors the view from above since the early 1950s, when the site was Aquarena Springs, a popular amusement park. Spring Lake is considered one of the longest continuously inhabited sites in North America, with artifacts having been discovered from every era of human inhabitation for the past 12,000 years. You'll learn all about the history of Spring Lake and the flora and fauna that call the crystal-clear water home.

Fish, turtles, prawns, and species that can be found only in Spring Lake or the San Marcos River, like the endangered Texas Blind Salamander, can be viewed up close in Discovery Hall. Discovery Hall also houses some of the historical artifacts discovered in the lake and interactive exhibits about the Edwards Aquifer and the Water Systems of Texas. 

The Wetlands Boardwalk is a self-guided trail that winds over the shallows and shows off the abundant plant and animal life that thrives there. 

Ticket Prices

30-Minute Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Children 3–12: $8
2 & Under: Free

Looking for a little more time on Spring Lake?

• Extended Glass-Bottom Boat Tour (45 min, weekends only)
Adults $15 | Seniors $13 | Children 3–12 $10 | 2 & Under Free
• Private Boat Tour (up to 20 guests, 30 min)
Flat rate $180 – advance reservation required

Guided Wetlands Boardwalk Add-On

(30 min, weekends)
Adults $3.50 | Seniors $3 | Children 3–12 $2 | 2 & Under Free
Join a naturalist to explore the fragile wetland ecosystem before or after your boat ride.

Annual Passes are available for $35

The annual pass covers 12 months of unlimited access to the standard 25-minute glass-bottom boat tour, 15 percent off gift-shop purchases, and 15 percent off extended, wetlands, and specialty tours for up to six people. Guests of annual-pass cardholders also receive $2 off their boat ticket (up to six people).

Other Meadows Center Adventures

Did you know you can explore Spring Lake via kayak, snorkel, or SUP? The Meadows Center offers several cool eco-tours that allow you to see the lake in a new way while also learning more about environmental stewardship and what makes this area so biodiverse.

🛟 Safety & Comfort • Life jackets provided and required on specialty paddle/snorkel tours; optional on boat tours.
• Boats operate unless lightning or high winds are present – call ahead for weather updates.
• Service animals only; strollers & wheelchairs may be left dockside (two steps to board).

No charge to explore the grounds of The Meadows Center
Parking Lot Fee: $3.00 paid on-site at kiosk
Park Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last tour departs 30 minutes before closing (4:30 p.m.)
Questions? Call the Ticket Booth at (512) 245-7590 during park hours.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27), Winter Break (Dec 22-26), New Year’s holiday (Dec 31–Jan 1), and for annual maintenance Jan 5-9 and Aug 19.