SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio River Walk is not only the busiest tourist destination in Texas, it's also a popular spot around the holidays.
- Each boat holds about 40 people
- Holidays are the busiest time
- Tickets available at goriocruises.com
Alex Alonso knows what it's like first-hand, as he's climbed the ladder as a boat driver for GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises.
From the historic story of San Antonio, to tidbits and little known facts about the hotels, restaurants, and nuances along the River Walk, Alonso has seen it all.
"I was 22 when I started in February 2000, so almost twenty years. Got married three years after that, four kids. It's been good. It's what I've been doing ever since," he said.
He's even got a story or two that might surprise you.
"The strangest thing I've had as a tour guide is having someone jump from the sidewalk into the boat I was in mid-tour, people on the boat, and it's just one of those moments," Alonso said.
One of the most rewarding parts for Alonso is the people he gets to meet.
"We're interacting with guests from all over the world. It's incredible," he said.
The holidays are the busiest time of year for the captains, as full capacity boats (roughly 40 people) leave the docks every 5 minutes, but Alonso says the full fleet of barges on the river can handle the increased traffic.
If you're interested in taking a river boat tour, tickets can be purchased at goriocruises.com or at three separate ticket booths along the San Antonio River Walk.