boat tour rio

• San Antonio Resorts
• San Antonio Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals

Riverwalk Dining Cruises

• Sightseeing Tours
• San Antonio Attractions

Riverwalk Boat Cruises

• Kayaking The Riverwalk
• The Shops at Rivercenter
• Carriage Rides
• Calendar Of Events
• Bars on the Riverwalk
• San Antonio Golf Courses
• The Alamo in San Antonio
• Theme Parks in San Antonio
• Fiesta Texas Discount Coupon
• Arts and Culture in San Antonio
• Event Calendar
• Disability Access on the Riverwalk
• Frequently Asked Questions About The Riverwalk
• Photo Gallery
• Discount Coupons
• History of the Riverwalk
• San Antonio Tourism Information

Boat cruises on the Riverwalk are an amazing way to see the river and downtown San Antonio.  The tours are operated by Go Rio Cruises and take place from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.  The tour of the main Downtown area lasts about 35 to 40 minutes and is a wonderful way to learn about the origins of the river and our downtown history.  Go Rio offers 3 convenient ticket and boarding locations at various positions on the River Walk. You can also pre-purchase your boat tour tickets on their website at www.GoRioCruises.co m .

Don’t miss out on taking a boat cruise on the Riverwalk on your next visit!

Go Rio Cruises Riverwalk Tours

Go Rio Cruises narrated river tours can be accessed from several different locations along the Riverwalk.  The costs of the tours are below.

• Adults: $14.50
• Children (ages 1-5): $8.50
• Local Residents of Bexar County Texas: $12.50
• Senior Citizen (65 & older) and Military: $11.50
• All prices include tax

Hours of operation:

• Daily: 10am to to 10pm.

Spanish language tours are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30, 11:30am and 12:30pm at their Historia ticket and boarding location across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel.

Ticket Purchase Locations For Go Rio Cruises Narrated Tours

• Under the Market Street Bridge and Alamo Street (across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio)
• The Shops at Rivercenter – Rivercenter Mall (Commerce Street and Bowie)
• Aztec Theatre (St. Mary’s and College Streets)

Go Rio Cruises River Shuttle Services

Riding the River Shuttle

Just trying to get from place to place as you explore San Antonio attractions? Look for the GO RIO Shuttle signs that are located along the River Walk downtown and on the Museum Reach. Boats are labeled with GO RIO Shuttle signs. Shuttles run approximately every 60 minutes. Shuttle service begins at 12 noon. Tickets also available for purchase on the boat or at any GO RIO Ticket booth.

Go Rio Cruises Shuttle Passes One Day Shuttle Pass $20.50 3 Day Shuttle Pass $29.50

Monthly Pass Local Bexar Residents $28.50

Lunch and Dinner Cruises Lunch and dinner cruises are done on a charter basis. There are currently no Riverwalk restaurants that offer reservation based “community” type lunch or dinner cruises where you can join others on a boat for a meal.  To book a charter lunch or dinner cruise, you first contact a Riverwalk restaurant and they will assist you in chartering the boat and cater the meal for you. Chartered dinner and lunch cruises seat a maximum of 20 guests but most recommend 16 to 18 people for comfort.  It is a wonderful and charming way to see the Riverwalk. If you would like more information about a private, chartered dinner, lunch or cocktail cruise, email us here .

Cocktail Cruises Cocktail cruises are also done on a charter basis and catered by any number of Riverwalk restaurants. They can seat a maximum of 30 to 40 guests and can be configured for drinks and appetizers.

For more information on dining and cocktail cruises click here .

Chartered Narrated Tours If you are part of a group coming to San Antonio, there is no better way to see the Riverwalk than with a private, chartered narrated tour. These private narrated tours can seat up to 40 people.

Looking for a great restaurant or bar on the River Walk? Visit our restaurant page!

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

E-News Sign Up

Visitor guide.

© 2024 Visit San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.

• Destinations
• Travel Videos
• Around Houston
• Historic Forts in Texas
• Historic Sites on the Texas Gulf Coast
• Historic Homes in Texas You Must Visit
• Where to Go Stargazing in Texas
• Texas Revolution Historic Sites
• Texas State Parks in South Texas
• Texas State Parks near Abilene, Amarillo & Midland
• Texas State Parks near Austin
• Texas State Parks near Dallas
• Texas State Parks near El Paso & Big Bend
• Texas State Parks near Houston
• Texas State Parks near San Antonio
• Texas State Parks near Tyler
• Beaches of Texas
• Things to Do in Texas
• Attractions
• Featured Events
• Texas Road Trips
• Places to Stay
• Browse Free Brochures
• Shopping Cart
• Texas State Historical Sites
• Texas State Parks

GO RIO River Cruises

Winding through downtown San Antonio, the world-famous River Walk is one of the most famous attractions in Texas. Rock walkways and bridges lead to an abundance of bustling restaurants, picturesque structures, and historic sites. While you can walk through much of it, why not see it all in style on a River Walk boat tour with GO RIO River Cruises ?

Available throughout the year, these excursions take you to some of the most interesting places in the River Walk area. Along the way, you’ll learn a thing or two about San Antonio’s culture and history. Find out more about the GO RIO River Cruises’ tours below, and plan your next adventure in downtown San Antonio today.

Narrated Tours

GO RIO’s narrated tours take you to some of the most significant historical sites in downtown San Antonio, including the city’s first neighborhood (La Villita), Old Mill Crossing, and past many architectural wonders. Throughout the 35-minute journey, you’ll also learn about the American, German, and Mexican cultures that helped transform the Alamo City into what it is today. Tickets for the narrated tours are available on GO RIO’s website. 

Adults: $14.50 Local Bexar County Resident: $12.50 Military: $11.50 Seniors (65+): $11.50 Children (1 – 5): $8.50

Shuttle Service

Get around the San Antonio River Walk in style when you catch a GO RIO shuttle . These boats circulate throughout the area, picking riders up and dropping them off wherever there is a GO RIO Shuttle sign. Go from one attraction to another, then hop on the boat for a relaxing ride to your next destination on the River Walk. Tickets are available on the boat or at any GO RIO ticket booth.

Non-Tour Shuttle Ticket 1-day and 3-day Pass: $20.50

Ticket prices are subject to change. Please check GO RIO River Cruises’ website for up-to-date prices and to book your next tour.

GO RIO River Walk Cruises in San Antonio

Go Rio Cruises Slideshow

View Go Rio Cruises Slideshow

Go Rio Cruises Social

Share This Page with Someone

Our message to your friend.

I thought you might be interested in this story from the Tour Texas web site:

Go Rio Cruises

(Your comments will appear here)

Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises : Boat Rides San Antonio Riverwalk

• San Antonio Aquarium Tickets
• Valid For Adult Cruise Ticket for River Walk Cruise

Uncover the marvels of picturesque and historical  San Antonio, TX , like never before aboard an amazing sightseeing cruise with this Narrated River Cruise. These vibrant, lively and eco-friendly cruises provide visitors a one-of-a-kind experience .

2024 Season

Book your river walk boat ride today to have an amazing san antonio boat ride experience and see the beautiful san antonio riverwalk..

Along your sparkling San Antonio River Walk boat tour route are various restaurants, attractions, and historic buildings that have made the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk draws millions of visitors each year, and the ideal choice for seeing this significant piece of local history is Go Rio Narrated River Cruises. Throughout these San Antonio Riverwalk Boat Tours, your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating info and stories about the city.

Each boat tour San Antonio lasts approximately 35 minutes, making this a coveted tour to plan as part of your getaway. Take a river boat cruise any time during your stay, since cruises head out approximately every 15 minutes from 10 AM until 10 PM. Your cruise will provide you with tons of information and sightseeing opportunities while granting you utter enjoyment and the relaxation of cruising itself. There are several different boarding points and your ticket allows you to take your cruise at any point, so you can totally customize your experience on the boats. 

About the Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises Boats: Experience some of the best boat rides San Antonio offers with a trip on these Go Rio Cruises! Board your San Antonio river boat and experience a fun San Antonio Riverwalk Cruise the next time you visit Alamo City. A San Antonio Riverwalk Boat Ride is sure to be an amazing time! 

Rio San Antonio Cruises only electric riverboats so they don't pollute the pristine river water for which the city is known on the River Boat Tours San Antonio, and they provide quiet, relaxing cruises. The brightly-colored boats accommodate up to 40 passengers at a time, and each boat is headed by a knowledgeable and fun captain. Fully-certified under San Antonio licensing laws, the operations run smoothly and have provided fun for thousands. 

About the GO RIO Beverage Bar and Retail Location Since alcohol and drinks are allowed on the boats, be sure to purchase a delicious margarita, beer, soda, or water to sip on as you cruise along the gorgeous sparkling waters. The gift shop onsite also features some awesome souvenirs and items like sunscreen should you need to purchase anything for your riverwalk boat tours San Antonio adventures.

About the san antonio riverwalk with 15 miles of attractions, restaurants, shopping opportunities, and historic landmarks, the riverrwalk is san antonio's most iconic place to visit. as well as being home to the alamo, the riverwalk features some other amazing places. whether you want to spend the day exploring the colorful mexican-influenced culture of the city or want to get in some shopping, there's something for everyone, and the san antonio riverwalk boat tour allows you to explore the area. , san fernando cathedral, restaurants on the riverwalk, shopping at the riverwalk.

Rio San Antonio Riverwalk Boat Tours San Antonio offer a family-friendly San Antonio River walk boat tour, and allows visitors to learn about the city of San Antonio and the River Walk, so be sure to get out on the water and see the sights from "the soul of San Antonio." Enjoy a fully-narrated cruise while seeing incredible architectural feats, fun things to do, and historic sites, and enjoying cultural music aboard this unforgettable adventure. Enjoy an extremely unforgettable vacation to San Antonio by booking a Go Rio San Antonio Cruise ticket today. 

• What type of seating does it have? It has chair seating.
• What type of parking do you have? Paid city parking is available nearby.
• Approximately how long is the cruise? The narrated cruise is approximately 35 minutes.
• How many decks or levels are there aboard the Go Rio San Antonio Riverwalk Cruises? There is one deck on the boat.
• What lake or river does it cruise on? San Antonio River, which goes through the heart of the city and along the River Walk.
• How many passengers does the boat hold? Approximately 40 passengers
• What is the dress code? The dress code is casual.
• Is Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises : Boat Rides San Antonio Riverwalk handicap accessible? Yes. All barges are ADA accessible. Daily shuttle can accommodate 2 wheelchairs per barge. Boarding ramps are available. Reasonable accommodations are always provided.
• For what ages is Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises : Boat Rides San Antonio Riverwalk appropriate? All ages, even infants, are allowed on the cruise.

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.

Go Rio Cruises

As we reopen our cruises, we will continue to practice and take part preventative measures to ensure the safety of you and your family. We look forward to cruising with you again! 

View COVID-19 updates  here

With a fleet of eco-friendly electric river boats in vibrant colors inspired by Mexican folk art, GO RIO offers an unforgettable experience of the San Antonio River Walk that reflects the sights, wonders and culture of a unique American city.

Guests can take narrated or specialty river cruises, chartered excursions or catch a ride on our  GO RIO river shuttle  from downtown to the Museum Reach to experience the Soul of San Antonio.  (Specialty Cruises and River Shuttles are temporarily closed)

Guests may visit our GO RIO Beverage Bar and Retail location near the Rivercenter Ticket Booth for frozen margaritas, piña coladas, beer, sodas or water to sip on while they enjoy a GO RIO Cruise or during their visit to the River Walk. Guests can also stock up on souvenirs or other necessities like sunblock. 

Rivercenter Ticket Booth 849 E. River Walk San Antonio, TX 78205

Historia Ticket Booth 706 River Walk San Antonio, TX 78205

Aztec Theater Ticket Booth 731 River Walk San Antonio, TX 78205

Beverage Bar  and Retail Location  809 E. River Walk  San Antonio, TX 78205

Boat tours Pula and Fažana

Rio boat tours, tours everyday.

Perfect for families, couples, and groups.

Private Tours Options

Perfect for privacy and special treatment.

Relax and Enjoy

Relaxed atmosphere and complete enjoyment.

Join our best rated boat tours from Pula or Fažana. Discover Brijuni National Park, Pula’s stunning beaches, Cape Kamenjak, and countless hidden gems. Our glass-bottom boats unveil an underwater marine life, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Boat tour from Pula, all-inclusive

Boat tour to Brijuni with sunset & dolphin safari from Fažana

Glass boat tour from Fažana with swimming and snorkeling

Glass boat tour from Pula with swimming and snorkeling

Glass boat tour to Brijuni from Fažana

Private boat tour from Pula

Unveil istria's secrets, glass-bottom boat tours from pula & fažana, need more info, send us free enquiry or call as via phone or whatsapp.

We grew up with boats and on the sea!

We want to give our guests the same experience.

Rio Boat Tours Pula

Rio Boat @ 2022  |  Developed by: Markething

AGENDE O SEU PASSEIO DE BARCO

(21) 96741-1069

CONHEÇA NOSSOS PASSEIOS

ESCOLHA SEU ROTEIRO

PARA AGENDAR O SEU PASSEIO DE BARCO, DEFINA:

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Cano Negro: A Wildlife Boat Tour on the Rio Frio

• Jenn and Matt
• Activities , National Parks & Reserves

11 Comments

Last Updated: April 30, 2024

Costa Rica is well known for its impressive wildlife, but some places offer notably better viewing than others. One such spot is the Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge near the country’s northern border with Nicaragua. This remote wildlife refuge is best accessed from La Fortuna or Bijagua. We recently took a boat tour along the river. In this post, we’ll share some of the amazing animals and birds we saw and how you can plan a visit.

About Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge

Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge ( Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Caño Negro ) is a large river and wetland ecosystem near the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border.

With an impressive 9,969 hectares (24,634 acres) of protected habitat, this national park hosts around 160 species of mammals, including monkeys, sloths, and even jaguars. There are 90 species of bats alone!

Birds are also abundant. The wetlands are an important stop for North American migrants that overwinter in the tropics. More than 300 different bird species have been identified at Cano Negro. 

Our Tour Experience

Driving to cano negro.

Our tour began in the town of La Fortuna near the base of Arenal Volcano. Here, we hopped into a small van with our tour guide, Alvaro, and a few other tourists. Alvaro explained that the drive to Cano Negro and the Rio Frio (Cold River) would take about 1.25 hours.

It was a long drive but far from boring. As we passed farm fields, small rivers, and patches of forest, Alvaro explained all about the area.

The farms, he told us, were growing yucca, cassava, and taro root vegetables. He explained more about each one, how they are planted and harvested, and what they are used for.

As we got closer to Cano Negro, Alvaro turned down a bumpy side road. We drove more slowly now, around the ruts and big bumps, and started to see some wildlife. There were wading birds and even small caiman (crocodiles) in the wet drainage basins along the road.

The Rio Frio

We soon made it to the tour operator’s base camp next to the Rio Frio. Outside, a few large pontoon boats were docked.

The Rio Frio, we learned, runs through the Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge and eventually flows into Nicaragua. Shortly after crossing the border, it connects with the enormous Lake Nicaragua.

The wide river was brown and murky from silt, with grand trees and thick shrubs along the edges. Oversized iguanas sunned themselves on the grassy bank by the boats.

Stepping out of the van, our group was led into a big building with some other small tour groups. There was fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and cold water waiting for us. We also met the other guides who would be with us that day. Along with Alvaro, there were two guides, both named Jason, and the boat captain, Max.

Cano Negro Boat Tour

First sightings.

Without even pushing off from the dock, our guides started to point out the wildlife around us.

On the left side of the boat, a big caiman was partially submerged, keeping a close eye on us.

In the nearby tree was a camouflaged bird called a potoo. Our guide Alvaro zoomed in with his scope. Potoos are some of the most interesting birds in Costa Rica. Their plumage looks exactly like tree bark, making them blend in perfectly.  

As we began motoring down the slow-moving river, Max, the captain, steered us closer to the forest. Our guides pointed out iguanas and river turtles sunning themselves on logs.

We also saw monkeys. First, there was a troop of howler monkeys. These bigger blackish monkeys moved slowly through the trees. As the boat went under them, they let out loud bellows. Our guides told us these monkeys could be heard as far as 2 miles (3.2 km) away.

A larger male, the alpha, snapped branches and tossed them into the water below at us.

The Golden Monkey

Upon closer look, we noticed something strange about one of the monkeys. One of them looked different. Instead of a blackish brown, it had much lighter fur that was a gold/orange color.

Our guides explained that we were indeed seeing something special.

This monkey was a young female that they had seen before. She was born with a genetic mutation (recessive genes) that causes less fur pigmentation. So instead of having dark fur like the rest of the troop, she has a golden hue.

Jason explained that this is the only one they know of in the area but that there have been three or four reported in Costa Rica. In the whole world, there are only around nine monkeys like this. Other than the color, they are completely normal and accepted by the group.

After a long pause trying to get good photos of the golden monkey, Max throttled the boat slowly against the current. We saw more howler monkeys and many caimans but also a lot of birds.

Some that we identified were the Great Egret, Ringed kingfisher, Amazon kingfisher, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Montezuma Oropendola, Collared Aracari, Sungreb, Wood Stork, and Anhinga. The Anhingas are interesting birds that have a bill that can spear fish. They are most often seen drying their wings on logs.

Our guides told us that birds congregate year-round in the wetlands but especially during dry periods.

Other Wildlife

During the approximately two hours that we spent on the river, we saw some other interesting wildlife as well.

On the underside of a tree branch we saw a family of long-nosed bats. They were sleeping together in a curved line. Jason told us that they position themselves this way to look like a snake. This keeps away predators. Each bat, we learned, can eat up to 2,000 mosquitoes per night!

We also saw many medium sized green basilisk lizards. These are sometimes called Jesus Christ lizards because they can walk on top of water. Alvaro explained that their webbed feet create tiny air bubbles that help keep them on the surface of the water. With some speed, they can travel over the water for up to 6-8 meters (20-26 feet)!

There was also another type of monkey we encountered, the spider monkey. The troop of spider monkeys were much more shy than the howlers. As we watched them swinging through the branches with their long arms, our guides explained that these monkeys only have four fingers and that the fifth one was eliminated through evolution. Spider monkeys are harder to see in Costa Rica so it was really nice to be able to see a group of them.

After returning back to the base camp, everyone was excited for lunch. The staff had been busy preparing traditional casados (plates with rice, beans, chicken or vegetables, salad, and plantain chips). For the kids, there were either chicken or fish fingers.

Trapiche Demonstration

After a hearty lunch, we all loaded into the vans. But there was one more surprise. Just down the road, we stopped at a small farm.

As we shuffled through an old wooden corral, the guides showed how they traditionally grind sugar cane to make juice and molasses (called tapa de dulce ). We then got to try some of the agua dulce (cold sugar cane drink).

On the other side of the corral, we took seats on simple wooden stools. The guides served us raw cacao beans alongside some freshly brewed coffee. For those willing to try it, a shot of local guaro (liquor made from sugar cane) was also offered up.

This farm stop was just what we needed for the long van ride back to La Fortuna and the perfect way to end our tour.  

Booking a Tour to Cano Negro

If you’d like to book the Cano Negro wildlife boat tour through the same company we used and often send clients to, use the booking link below. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website!

Cano Negro Wildlife Boat Tour – From La Fortuna

Tour cost (2024).

$76 per person adults, $53 per person children ages 4-11. Rates plus 13% tax. Children 3 and under are free.

Time Offered

7 :30 a.m. (pickup time at La Fortuna-area hotels and vacation rentals).

Full day, 8-9 hours, including transportation

Cano Negro is a great tour with young children because you’re on a fairly large pontoon boat and the boat portion isn’t too long (around 2 hours). Our kids were 7 and 4 when we did it.

Accessibility

The Cano Negro wildlife boat tour is handicap accessible and good for any age or ability. There is limited walking and the paths around the facility are suitable for a wheelchair. The boat has a sturdy metal ramp to board and there is very little movement when on the pontoon boat (no rocking or swaying).

What’s Included

Transportation from most La Fortuna-area hotels and vacation rentals, certified naturalist guides, snack, drinks, coffee, lunch, and the farm demonstration.  

Have a question about visiting Cano Negro or want to share what you saw? Leave us a comment below.

Looking for more information to help you plan your trip check out these posts:.

Arenal Ecoglide: Family-Friendly Zip Lining – The focus of this zip line is to make you feel safe and comfortable but still have a blast!

A Safari River Float in La Fortuna/Arenal : Here is another mellow boat trip to see wildlife but much closer to La Fortuna.

La Fortuna Waterfall: A Tropical Oasis – Visiting this beautiful cascade only takes a couple of hours but is well worth the stop.

Boston's duck boats are famous: What's their history?

What do you think of when you think of sports championship parades in Boston , besides the teams themselves?

That's easy - duck boats.

Those are the cool looking boat-like vehicles that can travel on land and water, and have become a staple in transporting athletes during championship parades. The New England Patriots , Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins have all used the boats at such parades.

On Friday, they'll roll out for a nother parade celebrating the Celtic's newest championship.

But when the duck boats are not transporting championship teams through the streets, they can be seen traveling the streets and water of Boston showcasing the city to tourists and residents alike.

Live Coverage of the Celtics Parade: The duck boats are ready to rally! Follow the Celtics parade today

Cue the duck boats! Celtics 2024 NBA championship parade details

What are duck boats?

Duck boats are colorful, bulky, boat-like vehicles that travel throughout Boston on land and on water. Boston Duck Tours are 80-minutes in length - 60 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the Charles River. Boston Duck Tours began rolling through the streets of Boston in October 1994.

How many duck boats does Boston have?

There are 28 amphibious duck boats - called ducks - used by Boston Duck Tours. Each duck is colorfully painted and named after Boston landmarks such as "Fenway Fanny," "Kenmore Karla," "Charlie River," "Longfellow Bridget," "Miss Emma Science," "Beantown Betty," 'Beacon Hilda," and "Symphony Hal."

Do Boston duck tours go in the water?

Yes. Boston Duck Tours splash into the Charles River for approximately 20 minutes of each 80 minute city tour. According to the tour website, you will not get wet on the tour, but could get a light spray depending on the wind direction.

How many championship parades have used the duck boats?

The duck boats have been used for championship parades in Boston since 2002. The Boston Duck Boat website states, "Boston Duck Tours, over the years, has had the honor and pleasure of hosting four of Boston’s sports teams in Rolling Rally Championship parades 12 different times."

According to the website, with duck boats "players could stand on, and wave to the crowds below. It was close enough to get these players right up to their fans. But, also far enough to keep them from being mobbed by the crowds."

A brief history of duck boats

The History Channel explained that allied troops used duck boats to get artillery, supplies and soldiers ashore during  World War II .

" DUKW boats made their first appearance in combat during the 1943  invasion of Sicily  known as Operation Husky," History.com states. "The name 'DUKW' corresponded to General Motors’ manufacturing code (“D” is “1942 model,” “U” is “amphibious,” “K” is “all-wheel drive,” and “W” is “dual rear wheels”). Soldiers simplified this by calling them “ducks.”

"Like actual ducks, these boat-trucks with wheels looked a little awkward. But their weird design is what allowed troops to drive the vehicles from water onto land—a crucially important task."

Where do the duck boats depart from in Boston?

According to the Boston Duck Tour website , there are three departure locations:

• Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave.
• Museum of Science, One Science Park.
• New England Aquarium, Central Wharf.

How many duck boat tour companies are there in Boston?

Boston Duck Tours is the only duck tour company in Boston.

Do other cities have duck boats?

There are other states that do duck boat tours , like Tennessee, Alaska, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Maine and Texas, among others.

Feel the rumble, see the sights: Airboats just as popular in Volusia as in the Everglades

This is an occasional series on things to do in Volusia and Flagler counties during the summer months. Today, Reporter Colleen Jones takes us on a first-person airboat ride.

It's the first airboat tour of the morning and Capt. Joshua Mattson is hoping with the weather at a dry 75 degrees, surface water temperatures moderate and clear skies overhead, we'll have better luck than he did the day before spotting alligators, fish, birds and other critters who make the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge their home.

"We'll just get out there and see what we find moving," he tells me matter-of-factly.

Mattson, with his trademark red beard, sunglasses and ball cap, is the owner of Airboat & Gator Charters, an operation in DeLeon Springs which he runs with wife Brittany ― he captains the boat; she books the tours. The house the couple shares with their two sons, ages 16 and 6, runs right up to the lake's dock.

"I saw 'The Big 12' recently ― I have little pet names for them," Mattson says, referring in this case to the hulking, 12-foot gator he spies now and then in his travels (he assumes it's a male since most of the larger of its species are). "He showed up for a few days and then went away again until about two days ago."

Seafaring novice that I am, I carefully step off from the pier and into the vessel for our voyage, holding onto the side for support. The airboat is steadier than I'd imagined, and I tell Mattson so.

"It's a smooth, level ride," Mattson confirms, adding that in his 15 years in the business there's been only one person ― an older woman ― he wasn't able to convince to at least try it out with the promise to return them safely back to land if not comfortable.

The boat is arranged with stadium seating, so to speak, this model accommodating six guests with the operator at the helm in the highest look-out perch.

Carl Hiaasen and more on the lore of airboats

Airboats are part of the culture of Florida , especially what some like to call "Old Florida" ― wetland areas like the Everglades which author and retired Miami Herald journalist Carl Hiaasen made the backdrop for much of his writing. Of course, in Central Florida, a network of freshwater lakes, springs, creeks and marshes, has always been a popular playground for enthusiasts as well.

First called a "hydro-glisseur" and used by the British during World War II, this surface-gliding watercraft, also referred to as a "fan boat," "bayou boat" or "plane boat," is flat bottomed with large engine-powered propellers at the rear. This one is equipped with the kind of 6.2-liter engine usually found in Corvettes, the good captain informs me. It can get up to speeds of 40 mph or more on the water, but for optimal cruising he usually sets it at about 20 mph.

"If you go any faster, you can't keep up with the wildlife," Mattson says.

What makes airboats ideal for ecotours is they can get into areas other boats can't, like totally or partially submerged coastal marshes, easily skating across the surface of the water and even thickets of vegetation.

And let's talk about that greenery for a minute. We skim over lily-covered clusterings that form an oasis on the muddy waters beneath, and not long after we're out in the open vista of the deepest parts of the lake ― varying from depths of about three to seven feet ― taking in the scenery of palm trees, drippy Spanish moss and willow branches decorating its edges.

Rides are a feast for the senses

An airboat ride is a feast for the senses, not the least of which is the rumbling of the propeller engine at the stern of the boat. Riders are provided with headphones to take the edge off that pulsating roar. Equipped with his own set, Mattson is able to broadcast a running commentary of all the sights to be seen along the way.

When other boats are nearby, the wake rocks the boat either gently or more vigorously, and the spray of the water, especially when turning on a dime, is a refreshing shower.

On this day, conditions are pretty good for gator sightings, Mattson says. The weather is mild and spring mating season also brings out the more randy of the reptiles.

"See that over there that looks like a silver log? That's a good sized one," Mattson says, pointing across the silvery surface of the waterscape. "You won't see the little ones that far away."

The captain's expertise comes in part from his lineage as a lifelong, third-generation Floridian; the rest is from personal experience and observances.

"That bubble trail there?" Mattson says. "That's a softshell turtle right there."

Other wildlife native to the ecosystem are birds like bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, herons, sandhill cranes and egrets, as well as jumping mullet and a variety of other freshwater fish.

Less common are turtles, manatees, river otters, deer, racoons, and even bobcats. Mattson is happy when his riders are able to see as much as they can on any given trip out on the water.

He can run anywhere from no tours per day to as many as four (not including night rides), mostly depending on the weather.

Visitors from across the nation, globe

Joshua and Brittany Mattson have seen folks from nearly every state of the country as well as international visitors from Europe, Asia and many other nations making the airboat ride as a side trip to travels to Orlando or Daytona Beach.

The couple's best testimony to their airboat tours is the fact that they have a lot of repeat customers, like the group of four from Wisconsin who are waiting on the dock when we pull up and set down anchor to disembark.

"What did y'all find out there?" one woman asks.

I tell her we were able to see a lot and that hopefully they will, too.

"We're in good hands," she says, "I know that."

Unique Cruises

GO RIO Cruises offers a unique San Antonio River Walk experience for every occasion.

Choose from the options below to find available dates and more info.

We’re adding new cruises throughout the year – follow us @GoRioCruises for the latest!

Sunset Cocktail Cruises

Elevate your cocktail game with our Cocktail Cruise! Enjoy drinks, light bites, and breathtaking views as you cruise down the iconic River Walk during golden hour. Hosted by Zocca Cuisine D’Italia at The Westin Riverwalk, and guided tour led by our amazing boat captains.

Spanish Tours

¡Descubre el alma de San Antonio en TU idioma! For a limited time, the Go Rio Narrated Tour will be led in Spanish. Don't miss the chance to cater to your native Spanish speakers on this one of a kind San Antonio attraction.

Email Signup

Why Thousands of Fans Are Worried They're at Risk of Missing Taylor Swift's Dublin Eras Tour

T he  Eras Tour has been  taking over Europe for the past few weeks, but ahead of the three-night show in Dublin, Ireland, some fans fear they might not make it despite already securing tickets.

Fans gearing up to attend Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated tour at the Aviva Stadium—which kicks off on June 28 and runs through June 30—are facing a travel hiccup due to Aer Lingus’ air strike.

In the days leading up to the shows, fans have reached out to the airline with questions and concerns.

“Hey @AerLingus - if our family can’t get to @taylorswift13 in Dublin next weekend the pilots will be the least of your problems. You do not want a teenage girl as an enemy. They are the scariest people on earth. And I’ll be having her reach out to you directly,” one concerned mother, named Cara Portnoy ,  tweeted at the Irish-based airline .

“We are in the same boat. This is awful,” another user responded in the thread.

Portnoy told the  Irish Independent that she and her husband, along with their three children and some additional family members, were all flying in for the concert, spending around $500 per ticket.

“We have spent almost $10,000 for a family holiday before even setting foot in Ireland, and that’s not counting costs like pet sitters, car rental reservations, etc. That is all now in jeopardy,” she explained, adding that while she doesn’t “blame the pilots for wanting a fair wage,” she’s upset with the “entire situation and Aer Lingus’ way of dealing with it.”

“There is absolutely no way to speak to a human being without waiting on hold for hours, with virtual assistants spewing the same scripted responses,” she added, noting that it’s unclear if they’ll be able to make the flight overseas at all to see the pop star.

Another mom  shared similar concerns on X, looping in the star herself in hopes of gaining more visibility: “ @taylorswift13 thousands of your fans flying into Dublin may not make it to your concert due to an @AerLingus work stoppage. We tried to get tix to every major American city concert last year and could not. Dublin was the only show my daughters and I could get tix for.”

“Okay so @AerLingus is striking and my return flight from Dublin has been cancelled. So now idk if I’m gonna be able to make it to #TSTheErasTour this weekend. I know there’s bigger problems going on in the world rn but I’m so sad, I’ve been looking forward to this for a year,”  another heartbroken and worried Swiftie wrote.

Tweets continued to pour in, with many calling on Taylor Nation for visibility and to put pressure on the airline to provide a solution for those being inconvenienced. 

On June 21, Aer Lingus took to their Instagram page to announce that the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association would be striking on June 29 from 6am to 1pm, in addition to “the existing work to rule action from 26 June,” highlighting that it would “cause major disruption to our customers” with the possibility of flight cancellations.

The contact centers are said to be experiencing a large volume of calls, however, those traveling between the 26th and July 2 can change their booking to a later date for free or cancel the flight altogether and apply for a refund/refund voucher, which, unfortunately, doesn’t help for those who booked travel specifically for the concert.

“This is nonsense! Pay your pilots! Look at what this is causing, Taylor Swift performing next weekend, you are crushing the money that will be made in tourism this weekend! And crushing the spirit of some Americans who are coming over for the show,” one comment read under the post, as another angrily echoed, “Unbelievable!! It's easy to think you did it on purpose since it's Taylor Swift's concert weekend. People spent SO MUCH MONEY one year in advance to get tickets. @taylornation .”

“Flying home from New York for Taylor Swift concert and you have cancelled my flight and moved me to a flight after the concert. All that money spent on tickets and hotels. Truly awful way to treat customers,” a third traveler noted. 

Per the  Irish Mirror , Swift’s arrival in the capital city is expected to add €150 million (or roughly $160 million) to the economy, with an influx of 150,000 fans from Ireland and abroad, as many American fans have been flocking to various European cities due to cheaper ticket prices. Per Billboard , some tickets are estimated to be roughly 87% cheaper than the average price in the United States.

Neither Swift, nor her team, have issued any kind of statement about the situation, but in the words of Justin Timberlake —and thousands of uncertain fans—"this is going to ruin the tour."

Next,  Fans React to Taylor Swift’s ‘Iconic’ Lyric Change While Performing Classic Hit Song in London

Haven't made it to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour yet? International dates may offer savings

Exorbitant resale prices for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and a promise Sean McMahon made to his daughter battling cancer prompted the dad to buy tickets for Brazil. Now he is encouraging other families to consider international shows.

McMahon wrote a poignant essay for Medium explaining why he took his family of four from Portland, Oregon, to Rio de Janeiro to see Miss Americana not once, but twice.

“I did some travel research and quickly realized that the total cost of four floor tickets to the Rio show,” he wrote, “airfare and a week at an Airbnb was cheaper than what it would cost to drive to Seattle, buy four nosebleed seats at the top of the stadium and stay one night in a hotel. Like… A LOT cheaper.”

The trip started as a promise made in the fall of 2021. His daughter, Sabina McMahon, found out she had osteosarcoma, a bone cancer found most often in children, adolescents and young adults. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 800 new cases are reported in the U.S. each year.

During one of Sabina’s IV treatments, the avid Taylor Swift listener and “All Too Well” belter turned to McMahon and asked, “Daddy, if Taylor Swift ever goes on tour, can we go to one of her concerts?”

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

He smiled and said yes to his then 12-year-old.

“It is not an exaggeration to say Taylor Swift has helped power Sabina through her cancer journey,” Sean wrote. “The terror that accompanies the diagnosis, nine months of grueling in-patient chemotherapy, the loss of her hair, a brutal bone resection surgery that saw the bottom half of her femur and all of her knee replaced with titanium.”

McMahon pre-registered with Ticketmaster for the Eras Tour but couldn’t secure seats. He asked friends and family for any connections to Lumen Field . He checked ticket prices for domestic shows daily to see if they would drop. No luck, so he checked out Rio.

More: Can Congress fix Ticketmaster? New legislation, investigation take aim

Floor tickets to night three cost $65 each. Can you imagine? So he nabbed four tickets. Then, a week before the show, Sean noticed the weather forecast called for rain and lightening, he bought four more tickets to secure back-to-back nights.

Sabina made a sign for Monday night’s show inside the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos stadium : "You Helped Me Through Chemo." Strangers read the sign and parted the crowd to allow the family a front row spot to Swift's acoustic set. 

When Swift finished "So It Goes…" she saw the sign lit up by cellphone flashlights in the crowd, locked eyes with Sabina and smiled before diving into the stage. 

“Everyone around Rio was warm, the vibe was amazing,” Sean says. Because of the vast community of Swifties, he never felt unsafe. There was a secret language strangers spoke through friendship bracelets and colorful outfits.

Safety when traveling abroad

Out of the 20 countries not including the U.S. where Swift will take her behemoth and record-breaking show, Brazil is ranked the riskiest by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

On a global map with safety ratings , all countries fall under “Exercise Normal Precaution” or “Exercise Increased Caution.” Brazil ranked as “Exercise Increased Caution - Contains Areas with Higher Security Risk.”

“Register your trip at step.state.gov ,” said Andrea Davis, president and CEO of the Resiliency Initiative , a global consulting company focused on crisis management and risk mitigation planning. “Print out contact information for the local U.S. embassy closest to your destination.”

Davis offers these tips before traveling outside of the U.S.:

• Research the destination in the CIA Factbook . Make note of any cultural sensitivities.
• Consider the list of necessary vaccinations in each country .
• Review your health insurance to ensure you have coverage, if not, consider purchasing international medical insurance. One company she uses is GeoBlue , but there are several good carriers available.
• Send your itinerary with detailed contact information to a friend or family member.
• Notify your credit card company and cell phone carrier.
• Know the local currency.
• Travel in groups and use a bag with a strap that goes across your chest.
• Bring photocopies of your passports and prescriptions.
• Bring a backup charger for your phone.
• Know the number to call in an emergency . It is not 911 in most countries.

Welcome to the 2024 Eras Tour

McMahon bought his Rio tickets on resale through StubHub. 

“The minute we walked to the gate, the tickets dinged and they were legit,” he said. “I was so relieved.”

He said anyone traveling should make sure their passport is updated and valid for the next six months before leaving the country. 

Fans would need to acquire a visa to travel to Australia for Melbourne or Sydney shows. The cost to apply is less than $200, and it takes around two weeks to be approved.

More: You need a visa for these 80+ countries (including some the government wants you to avoid)

Nosebleeds in Melbourne are going for $190 and up . Standing room floor seats are $550 in Gelsenkirchen , Germany.

“Look at the math,” he said. “If my flight, AirBnb and ticket are cheaper to go in another country or even if it’s a wash, then you get a vacation and experience in another culture.”

Sabina is not out of the woods

In December, after the concert, a scan found a nodule on Sabina's left lung. A successful surgery removed the osteosarcoma, and the family has a started a GoFundMe to help with medical costs.

Sean said the one constant in Sabina's life has been the superstar. “My wife and I alternated nights staying in the hospital with Sabina. The amazing hospital staff was by Sabina’s side shift after shift. But the only person who was with Sabina 24/7 was Taylor Swift."

Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .