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Spring Lake Eco Adventures

Snorkeler at Spring Lake

Welcome to Spring Lake Eco Adventures, where education is the cornerstone of environmental stewardship!

Whether you join us for a kayak, paddle board, or snorkel tour, our immersive nature-based Eco Adventures are designed to leave you with a deep-rooted connection to the San Marcos River ecosystem. 

Floating on top of the crystal-clear waters of the Edwards Aquifer, our expert guides will introduce you to the history of Spring Lake, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in North America. Guests will learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region and the importance of protecting our waterways. With hands-on learning opportunities and breathtaking scenery, Spring Lake Eco Adventures will inspire and empower you to embrace your role as a steward of the great outdoors!

For more information, email springlaketours@txstate.edu or call the Education Office at 512.245.7540.

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Spring Lake is an environmentally sensitive area protected by local, state, and federal laws. Access is limited to approved activities, such as Meadows Center tours. Public swimming, fishing, and unauthorized watercraft are not permitted.

Courses Offered

Splash into Science Snorkel Tour

snorkelers in Spring Lake

The snorkel tour includes an introduction to the unique history and habitat of Spring Lake and an on-water tour of the San Marcos Springs, including Deep Hole, Cream of Wheat Springs, and the Ossified Forest. All related equipment will be provided. The on-water time for the tour is up to 50 minutes. View participant requirements below.

Cost: $45/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)

  • 2024 Snorkel Tour Dates (8 people max @$45/ea)

      • Saturday, July 6 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, July 13 — 5:30-7:00 p.m. 
      • Thursday, July 18 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, July 20 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Thursday, July 25 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Sunday, July 28 — 8:30-10:00 a.m.
      • Saturday, August 3 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Thursday, August 8 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Sunday, August 11 — 8:30-10:00 a.m.
      • Saturday, August 17 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, August 24 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Thursday, September 5 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, September 7 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Sunday, September 15 — 8:30-10:00 a.m.
      • Sunday, September 22 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Thursday, September 26 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Sunday, September 29 — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
      • Saturday, October 19 — 5:00-6:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, October 26 — 5:00-6:30 p.m.
      • Sunday, October 27 — 8:30-10:00 a.m.
      • Saturday, November 2 — 4:30-6:00 p.m.
      • Sunday, November 3 — 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Guided Kayak Tour

kayaks aerial

This kayak tour includes an introduction to the unique history and habitat of Spring Lake and a guided paddling tour of Spring Lake. All related equipment will be provided. The on-water time for the tour is up to 1 hour. View participant requirements below.

Cost: $35/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)


Guided SUP Tour

kayaks aerial

The SUP tour includes an introduction to the unique history and habitat of Spring Lake and a guided paddling tour of Spring Lake. All related equipment will be provided. The on-water time for the tour is up to 1 hour. View participant requirements below.

Cost: $35/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)


Guided Light-Up Kayak Tour

kayaks aerial

Our light-up kayak tour features a 100% clear kayak equipped with specialized underwater LED lights that offer an uninterrupted view of the wildlife and iconic San Marcos Springs below. All related equipment will be provided. The on-water time for the tour is up to 1 hour. View participant requirements below.

Cost: $45/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)


  • Participant Requirements

    • All participants should be in good mental and physical fitness to participate in the Spring Lake Eco Adventures Tours. A signed waiver is required for all participants stating that they will not hold Texas State University or the Meadows Center liable for any injury that may occur. 

      Snorkel tours are limited to swimmers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to swim, comfortable around deep water, and have experience snorkeling. Participants must arrive in a clean, washed swimsuit to prevent the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels. 

      Life jackets are required for all participants. We have life jackets that will accommodate snorkelers with a maximum chest size of 58 inches and a weight of approximately 250 pounds. These measurements represent the limit of what we can accommodate for our snorkeling program. 

      We have wetsuits and wetsuit jackets to accommodate snorkelers in sizes up to 235 pounds, but we have limited availability in these larger sizes. You are not required to wear a wetsuit or wetsuit jacket on the snorkeling tours, and anyone can certainly participate without one—although they are helpful with insulation. If you have concerns about fitting into a wet suit, please note it on your online reservation form or email us at springlaketours@txstate.edu.  You can also check out the wet suit size sheet.

    • All participants should be in good mental and physical fitness to participate in the Spring Lake Eco Adventures Tours. A signed waiver is required for all participants stating that they will not hold Texas State University or the Meadows Center liable for any injury that may occur. 

      Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to prove that they can paddle their own boat. Comfort around deep water and experience with kayaking is required. The weight limits are as follows:

      • Stand-up Paddleboard: 250 pounds
         
      • Standard Kayaks (used during guided kayak tours) 
        • Solo Paddler: 250 pounds
        • Tandem (two paddlers): N/A
           
      • Clear Kayaks (used during nighttime light-up kayak tours) 
        • Solo Paddler: 225 pounds
        • Tandem (two paddlers): 400 pounds combined weight
           
      Life jackets are required for all participants. We have life jackets that will accommodate snorkelers with a maximum chest size of 58 inches and a weight of approximately 250 pounds. These measurements represent the limit of what we can accommodate for our snorkeling program. 
  • We require five business days' notice if you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour for a refund. If for any reason we must cancel the tour (bad weather, etc.), you will be given an opportunity to reschedule for a new date or receive a full refund. Refunds will be applied to the credit card that was used for payment. If you cannot attend your tour due to an extenuating circumstance, each case will be evaluated by Meadows Center staff for an opportunity to reschedule your tour.

  • All visitors are required to display a parking permit Monday at 8am through Friday at 5pm to park in the Meadows Center parking lot.  One day temporary permits are available for purchase at the kiosk in the parking lot for $3.  The kiosk takes credit cards only.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • For our snorkel tours, you only need to bring a swimsuit, towel, and shoes that can get a little wet. For our kayak and SUP tours, you only need to bring clothes that can potentially get wet, a towel, and shoes that can get a little wet. The Meadows Center will provide all other gear. Make sure that any clothing or personal items that may get in the lake are washed to help us prevent the introduction of zebra mussels. And, please use eco-friendly sunscreens to help us protect the fragile habitat at Spring Lake.

    • If you have prescription goggles, bring those and make sure you are at least 15 minutes early so we can dip them in our gear wash. If you don’t have special goggles, make sure you wear contacts. Glasses do not fit under the masks.

    • Yes, but please arrive 15 minutes early to make sure you have time to clean it.

    • It depends on how much.  There may be some issues with the mask letting in water due to the facial hair preventing the mask from sealing.  We do have a limited number of masks that go over the nose instead of under which will work and one full face mask.  We also suggest using Vaseline or something similar to help with the seal. 

    • We have wetsuits and wetsuit jackets to accommodate snorkelers in sizes up to 235 pounds, but we have limited availability in these larger sizes. You are not required to wear a wetsuit or wetsuit jacket on the snorkeling tours, and anyone can certainly participate without one—although they are helpful with insulation. 

      If you have concerns about fitting into a wet suit, please note it on your online reservation form or email us at springlaketours@txstate.edu.  You can also check out the wet suit size sheet. You are not required to wear a wetsuit or wetsuit jacket on the snorkeling tours, and anyone can certainly participate without one—although they are helpful with insulation. Please keep in mind that the water is a cool 72° year-round.

    • Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students who would like to book the tour at a $5 discounted rate should contact the Spring Lake Tours Office at springlaketours@txstate.edu for details.

    • No, we do not.  Due to the limited space on our tours, we require booking your tour in advance.

    • Give us a call at (512)245-7590 or shoot us an email at springlaketours@txstate.edu.

For more information, email springlaketours@txstate.edu or call the Education Office at 512.245.7540.