Below are the FAQ for all our tours. Scroll down to see FAQs for the Bike Tours and Museum & History Tours.
Kayaking FAQ -
Where do the Kayak tours start?
Mission Adventure Tours does not operate out of a store or building instead we meet you at predetermined meeting locations. Please refer to your conformation email for the exact address and interactive map link of where to meet. You can also scroll to the bottom of each tour page to see the different meeting locations for each tour.
Can we bring liquor or beer on our kayak trip?
NO! The San Antonio River Athority has strict rules about consuming any type of alcohol (this includes liquor & beer) while recreating on the river. Please refer to the San Antonio River Authority’s Concession Permit for Commercial Water Craft & Guide Services on the San Antonio River. The entire Mission Reach Paddle Trail is a city park and per city ordinance doesn’t NOT allow alcohol. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also has a law against consumption of alcohol while operating a watercraft (yes kayaks are legal considered watercraft) and you can get a BUI, Boating Under the Influence, on a kayak. Mission Adventure Tours takes these rules VERY SERIOUSLY. If you are caught with alcohol or beer on the the river the SA River Athority and SA Police will will ticket you and the fines are EXPENSIVE! We simply ask that you save your drinking for after your kayak trip.
I have never kayaked before. Is it difficult?
We like to say that kayaking is easier than riding a bike. 95% of our customers are first time kayakers. If you are unsure about kayaking down the river the GUIDED KAYAK TRIPS are your best options. Our kayak guides are experience river guides. They will give you a few simple padding instructions before getting on the river and once on the water they will guide you safely down the river and through the kayak chutes.
What is the best way to contact Mission Adventure Tours?
The quickest way to contact us is by calling us at 210-383-0872. You can also email any questions to MissionAdventureTours@gmail.com or text your question to 210-383-0872. If we do not answer the phone its because we are either on the phone with another client or are guiding a trip. Please leave is a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
If I am staying downtown, can I walk to my trip’s starting location?
Each tour and event starts at a different location. Some tours can be easily walked to from downtown, others are miles away and will require you to drive or use Uber, Lyft or a taxi.
Do I have to make a reservation, or can I just show up?
A1: All tours, trips and classes must be booked by 11:59pm the night before.
A2: Kayak Rentals at Espada Park and the King William District can be booked online the same day or you can simply walk-up. Please understand that online reservations take priority over walk-ups.
A2: Kayak Rentals at Espada Park and the King William District can be booked online the same day or you can simply walk-up. Please understand that online reservations take priority over walk-ups.
I have my own kayak, can I just buy the shuttle service?
Our river permit and commercial insurance does NOT allow us to shuttle other peoples personal gear.
I have kids, can they get a kayak too?
Kayaking is the ultimate family sport and we love to see families on the water! The ages vary depending on which kayak trip you are looking for.
- – KAYAK RENTALS: We have life vests for kids as young as 2 years old and we have two 2-person kayaks that have seats for an adult and a child. The parent or guardian will need to give consent, and sign our liability waiver. Children between the ages of 2 and 8 must be in a tandem kayak with their parent or guardian. Kids 9 and older can be in their own kayak for the on-site rentals
- – RIVER TRIPS: Kids 6-12 can be in their own kayak for the 2-Mile Kayak Trip. Kids 13 and older can be in their own kayak for the 3-Mile kayak trip. Kids 13 and older can go on the 4-Mile kayak trip and can be in their own kayaks. However, parents need to understand that the 4-mile kayak trip is GRUELING even for adults and many of todays youth will have a difficulty time completing the 4-miles. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call.
Bike Tour FAQ -
Where do the bike tour start?
We will be meeting at Mission Road Mini-storage. The address is 3520 Mission Rd, San Antonio, TX 78210. There is plenty of parking across the street in the business center. Don’t worry about the tow signs, Mission Adventure Tours has permission from the owner to use their parking lot! Just make sure you get a parking pass from your guide and place it on your dashboard. You can also scroll to the bottom of each tour page to see the different meeting locations for each tour.
How many people are required for a bike tour?
We requires a minimum of at least 2 people and a maximum of 10 people per tour. If you are an individual, we encourage you call us and we might be able to fit you in on another group tour, but please know that we must have two people for the tour to take place.
How many hours in advance should I make a reservation for a private tour?
Please call us to make your reservation at least 24 hours before your desired start date! This way we have time to setup our guide schedules. ** May – September are our busy season. It’s highly recommended that you book as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the date and time you prefer.**
I’m worried about keeping pace!
Don’t worry! Our guides will bike at a pace that ensures all our participants will be able to keep up. Remember, this tour is a leisurely way to explore San Antonio and also get exercise! We stop at multiple stops, and our number one responsibility is to make sure that you are having a good time! With that said, people doing the 3-Mission and Historic Mission Tour with BBQ Lunch will need to be in good physical shape and able to bike for 4-6 hours.
Do we stop along the way, or do we bike the whole time?
We stop at each mission for 15-25 minutes and we spend 25-60 minutes at Mission San Jose, the best restored of the missions. We also stop at multiple places of historical significance in between the mission. In fact, we are the only bike tour company that makes these extra stops. We do this so that our clients can truly experience the historic side of San Antonio.
Do we get to stop and explore the Missions!
We stop at Mission San Juan, Mission Conception and Mission Espada for 15-25 minutes each! We stop at Mission San Jose, the best restored mission, for 45-60 minutes! During each stop our tour guide will talk about the mission while walking thought the mission grounds. There is time for a few photos and at Mission San Jose there is a gift shop where you can buy a souvenir.
What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that protect you from the sun! Bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures with. We also encourage you to bring some cash. Many times there are little markets at the mission and you can buy home made treats.
What do we do with our keys, wallets, and purses?
You can either bring your own backpack or use one of our backpacks to store your personal items while you ride.
I’m running late, what do I do?
If you are running late call us! If you have not show up on time and have not called us, we cannot guarantee that you will be a part of the tour. If you are late and you miss the tour no refunds are given.
What if I need to cancel my trip, can I get a refund?
In order to qualify for a refund, you must make your cancellation at least 48 hours before your scheduled trip time. Refunds will not be given if you cancel within 48 hours of your trip.
Are there bathrooms along the tour?
Yes, there are multiple restroom along the bike trail and at each mission!
What if there is bad weather?
Our bike tours go out in most weather conditions. If the temperature is below 40 degrees or above 100 degrees, or if there is heavy rain we will call you and talk about the tour and possible cancel the tour. If the tour is canceled due to bad weather you will have the options for a tour credit or a full refund.
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT FOR THE BIKES?
All of our bikes can handle people up to 275 lbs.
Do you rent tandem bikes or kids bikes?
All of our bikes are single person bikes and are meant for people at least 5ft tall.
Is there an age limit for the tour?
All our participants must be at least 12 years old or older and be able to ride their own adult size bike for the duration of the tour.
CAN WE TIP OUR TOUR GUIDE?
Tipping is customary and is greatly appreciated by our guides! There is no better way to tell a guide that they did a good job than with a tip!
Museum & History Tours FAQ -
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. All tours require a reservation and all reservations must me made by 11:59pm the night before.
Is there an age limit for the tour?
All our participants must be at least 8 years old or older.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours go out in most weather conditions. If the temperature is below 40 degrees or above 100 degrees, or if there is heavy rain we will call you and talk about the tour and possible cancel the tour. If the tour is canceled due to bad weather you will have the options for a tour credit or a full refund. Tours are NOT canceled if there is light rain or if the tempter is above 40 degrees.
I’m running late, what do I do?
If you are running late call us! If you have not show up on time and have not called us, we cannot guarantee that you will be a part of the tour. If you are late and you miss the tour no refunds are given.