Sunset River Cruise: #1 in the US

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(798 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Ranked #1 Boat Tour in North America by USA Today's 10BEST Readers' Choice in 2020. Relax on the Water! Be refreshed on our peaceful and informative river cruise experience on the Brazos and Bosque Rivers.

Enjoy this luxurious outing as your Captain & Guide entertain you and share intriguing stories of this life-giving river that's played such a huge part in Waco's history! We intentionally cap seating on our luxury pontoon boat to 12 max. guests at a time to ensure a comfortable and intimate environment where our guides can get to know you, share the rich stories and scenery of Waco, and invite you onto the refreshing waters of the Brazos River.

Don't see the time you're looking for? Visit our website to see more tour times available for booking in case the one you wanted already sold out. We want to help you make the most of your time in Waco as you relax on the water with us!

Available options

5:20pm River Cruise

5:25pm River Cruise

6:30pm River Cruise

5:15pm River Cruise

5:35pm River Cruise

6:05PM River Cruise

6:20PM River Cruise

6:40pm River Cruise

4:15PM River Cruise

5:55pm River Cruise

5:45pm River Cruise

4:30pm River Cruise

4:45pm River Cruise

3:35pm River Cruise

6:15PM River Cruise

5:05pm River Cruise

5:30pm River Cruise

5:00pm River Cruise

5:50pm River Cruise

4:55pm River Cruise

5:10pm River Cruise

5:40pm River Cruise

3:45pm River Cruise

3:25pm River Cruise

6:25pm River Cruise

4:20PM River Cruise

6:00pm River Cruise

4:25pm River Cruise

3:40pm River Cruise

6:10PM River Cruise

7:15pm 4th of July Cruise

4:35pm River Cruise

3:30pm River Cruise

6:35pm River Cruise

4:50pm River Cruise

7:10pm 4th of July Cruise

4:40pm River Cruise

What's included

2 Local guides: Captain and First Mate

Bottled water

Free Parking

Uniquely Wacoan treat for every guest!

Stress-free photography: your tour guide will take all the pictures for you!

Detailed itinerary

We show you parts of McLane Stadium few fans get to witness from the water and stop for photos if you'd like them!

We start our River Cruise on the Brazos River at McLane Stadium and show you some of the best views of the stadium and Baylor University's campus from the water.

Stop 3

Learn about the rich history of Waco and incredible scenery of Texas as we cruise down the Brazos River

Stop 4

We'll show the beautiful Texas landscape along the Brazos River

Soak in the beautiful scenery of Central Texas as we take you up the Brazos and Bosque Rivers

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

100 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

698 reviews

5★

689

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

4 Guests total required to operate cruise (don't have to be all from same party) - We will call or text you using the phone number you register with to either refund or reschedule you 1 hr prior to tour start time if necessary

Meeting point

Meet at the boat slip at Baylor's McLane Football Stadium - 1001 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Waco, TX. Upon arrival at McLane Stadium, turn right at Gate #1, head to the left for about 100 yds. The dock will be on your right.

Important notes

4 GUESTS TOTAL REQUIRED TO OPERATE - WILL CALL/TEXT 1 HR PRIOR & REFUND/RESCHEDULE YOU IF NOT MET

About Waco

Waco, Texas, is a vibrant city nestled between Dallas and Austin. Known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and the famous Magnolia Silos, Waco offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern experiences. The city is also home to Baylor University, adding a lively academic atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Magnolia Silos

The Magnolia Silos is a popular destination for fans of the Magnolia Home & Garden TV show. The complex includes a market, bakery, and garden store, as well as a beautiful garden area.

Cultural/Shopping 2-3 hours Free entry, but purchases are encouraged

Dr. Pepper Museum

The Dr. Pepper Museum is dedicated to the history of the iconic soft drink, which was invented in Waco. The museum features exhibits, a soda fountain, and a gift shop.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate

Waco Mammoth National Monument

This unique site features the remains of a group of Columbian mammoths that were discovered in Waco. The monument includes a museum, outdoor exhibits, and a fossil dig site.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours Free entry, but donations are appreciated

Must-Try Local Dishes

Texas BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, such as brisket, ribs, and sausage, served with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan-friendly, but many BBQ joints offer sides that can be adapted for different dietary needs.

Chicken Fried Steak

A Texas classic, this dish features a tenderized steak coated in flour and fried to perfection, served with creamy gravy.

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan-friendly, but some restaurants may offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives.

Dr. Pepper

The iconic soft drink invented in Waco, with a unique blend of 23 flavors.

Drink Not suitable for those avoiding caffeine or sugar, but many restaurants offer diet or zero-sugar versions.

Popular Activities

Hiking at Cameron Park Boating and fishing at Lake Waco Exploring the Waco Mammoth National Monument Picnicking at Lake Waco Shopping at Magnolia Market at the Silos Enjoying a cup of coffee at Hillcrest Coffee Visiting the Dr. Pepper Museum Exploring the Texas Ranger Museum

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The spring brings beautiful blooms, while the fall features mild temperatures and vibrant foliage.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Waco is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use reputable taxi or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport • 50 miles (80 km)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport • 95 miles (153 km)

By train

Waco Amtrak Station

By bus

Waco Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Waco Transit System offers bus services throughout the city, including routes to major attractions, shopping centers, and residential areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Waco East Waco Baylor University Area

Day trips

Lake Waco

5 miles (8 km) • Half day to Full day

Lake Waco is a beautiful lake offering a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is also home to several parks and recreational areas, making it a great spot for a day trip from Waco.

Cameron Park Zoo

3 miles (5 km) • Half day

The Cameron Park Zoo is a popular attraction in Waco, featuring a variety of animals from around the world. The zoo is home to over 1,500 animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs.

Lorena

15 miles (24 km) • Half day

Lorena is a small town located just outside of Waco, known for its historic downtown area and annual Texas Renaissance Festival. The town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a great spot for a day trip from Waco.

Festivals

Texas Renaissance Festival • Weekends in October and November Waco Downtown Farmers Market • Saturdays, April-October Waco Heritage Festival • Annually in October

Pro tips

Visit the Magnolia Silos early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot
Check the schedules for Baylor University events and games, as downtown Waco can get crowded and noisy during these times
Explore the local food scene by visiting food trucks and street vendors for a taste of authentic Texas cuisine
Take a day trip to Lake Waco for outdoor activities and relaxation
Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument to learn about the prehistoric history of the region