Meadows Center reintroduces Snorkel and Kayak Tours at Spring Lake

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS– The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University is offering visitors unprecedented access to explore the crystal-clear waters of Spring Lake through guided snorkel and kayak tours.

While thousands of visitors explore the lake each year on the famous glass-bottom boats, the guided snorkel and kayak tours provide a new perspective and a more intimate way to explore the headwaters of the San Marcos River.

“The guided snorkel and kayak tours provide an immersive experience to enrich visitors’ understanding of the natural environment, and to encourage them to actively protect it,” said Miranda Wait, deputy director of Spring Lake education. “We know how eager our park visitors may be to dip their toes in the lake, and these popular tours are a great option.”

Kayakers and snorkelers will experience the more than 200 artesian springs and can expect to see native fish, turtles, aquatic plants and migratory birds up close and in their natural habitat. While gliding over the second largest cluster of natural springs in Texas, participants will learn about the unique history of Spring Lake and the protection of its critical habitat, which supports eight endangered and threatened species.

During the tour, the Meadows Center’s friendly guides will also discuss a wide range of topics from biology and geology to environmental law and water resource management, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions and take pictures.

Pricing for the kayak and snorkel tours are as follows:

• 1.5 Hour Kayak Tour:
  Adults: $40 per person

Military: $30 per person

Texas State students, faculty and staff: $30 per person

• 2 Hour Snorkel Tour:
  Adults: $45 per person

Military: $35 per person

Texas State students, faculty and staff: $35 per person

Pre-registration is required for both kayak and snorkel tours. Participants must be 12 years or older to register and experience is recommended. To learn more about participant requirements and to register for a snorkel tour, visit snorkel.meadowswater.org. To learn more about participant requirements and to register for a kayak tour, visit kayak.meadowswater.org.

Military and Texas State staff, faculty, and students that would like to book the tour at the discounted rate should reach out to the Spring Lake Tours Office at springlaketours@txstate.edu for details.