Aquarena Center in San Marcos
The Aquarena Center in San Marcos is a unique resource in central Texas. Taken over by Texas State University in 2004, the center offers ways for visitors of all ages to view the ecosystem found in and around Spring Lake. The San Marcos Springs emerge from the Edwards Aquifer, filling Spring Lake and forming the San Marcos River. From the archaeological findings, researchers understand that the area surrounding the springs has been inhabited for 12,000 years!
“The heart of the site is Spring Lake, which runs clear above the approximately 200 springs that lie below and provides a stable environment for eight federally listed endangered or threatened species: the San Marcos salamander, the Texas blind salamander, the fountain darter, the San Marcos Gambusia, the Comal Springs riffle beetle, Comal Springs dyopid beetle, Peck’s cave amphipod, and the threatened San Marcos salamander.”
The Aquarena Center offers many opportunities to enjoy and learn from this diverse ecosystem…
Glass Bottom Boats Tours
These fun tours run daily rain or shine unless there is severe weather such as lightening or strong winds
Private Group Tours and Birthday Parties
Perfect for any group of 15 or more People: Adult and Senior Citizen Groups, Summer Camps, Church Groups, Family Reunions, and Birthday Parties.
Private Group Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Have a glass bottom boat all to yourselves for this 30-minute tour.
Fully Guided Private Group Tour
Perfect for Senior Citizen Centers, Businesses, Company Picnics, and Family Gatherings.
Children’s Private Group Tours
A Great Field Trip for your Summer Camp or Daycare Group!
Birthday Party Package
Treat your Child to a Fun and Educational Aquarena Center Birthday Party Tour. While you sit back, our tour guide will lead this 2 hour tour filled with games, activities, and a Glass Bottom Boat Ride.
Diving for Science
For good reason, Diving for Science is the most popular program at Aquarena Center.
Some of the other classes offered by the Aquarina Center
Underwater Naturalist
Underwater Archaeology
Understanding Photography & Videography
Documentary Film Making
Adaptive Scuba Instructor Training Course
Public Safety Diver
Aquarina Center
167 Spring Lake
San Marcos, TX 78666
Driving Directions – From I-35 take exit 206 and head west towards Texas State University-San Marcos. After Post Road there is a railroad crossing. Just after the track turn right onto West Laurel Street. There is a large sign above the road that says Aquarena Center. The entrance is across from Bobcat Stadium on the East side of Aquarena Springs Drive. Continue over the low water bridge until reaching a Y in the road. Turn left and then take the first drive on your right into the parking lot. There is a sign at the corner of the building that says “Ticket Kiosk”. To purchase Glass Bottom Boat tickets and to get information about the park follow the walkway until you reach the Ticket Kiosk Window on your left at the end of the first building.
Park Hours
November-February, 10am – 4pm
March-May, 9:30am – 5pm
June-Aug 24, 9:30am – 6pm
August 25-Aug 31, 9:30 am – 5pm
Labor Day Weekend, 9:30am – 6pm
September 4 -October 31, 10am – 5pm
Please call ahead if you have questions about our being open: 512-245-7570
For maps, pricing, and more information visit http://www.aquarena.txstate.edu/.
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