Road trips are one of the many great aspects of The Hill Country; with so many back roads and small towns, there is always something new to explore! But if you’re tired of being behind the wheel, consider taking one or all of the Vanishing Texas River Cruises from Burnet. First visualized in 1981, the tours have evolved in Texas’s nature tourism realm. Seven very different tours are offered, a descriptions of each is below. Duration length varies between 2 hour and 2.5 hours; most tours are dependent on lake levels and season. You can tote your own food or order the Captains Box Lunch. Make sure your binoculars and camera are brought along for these incredible experiences!
Things to Do
Cruise Alongside Vanishing Texas at Lake Buchanan
By |
Facebook/Vanishing Texas River Cruises
Freedom Flight features a teaming with Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy, which releases rehabilitated birds of prey back into the wild. Learn about the birds and get a personal look. Tickets are sold for a chance to release a bird, with a portion of every ticket’s proceeds going directly to rehabilitation efforts.
Eagle Season cruises are specifically for lovers of this majestic species. From mid-November to the end of February, eagles return to Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River. But these birds are not usually nesting, rather the region is their winter feeding and breeding grounds, as they are migratory. Three different options are available: Eagle Cruise, Enhanced Eagle Cruise, and Ultimate Eagle Tour.
History Cruise of Old Bluffton visits the townsite of abandoned Bluffton, which was established in the mid to late 1800’s. When Lake Buchanan was completed and filled in 1936, Bluffton was left 25 feet underwater. Today, in drought conditions, the lake recedes and the townsite can be seen. After a beach landing, participate in an educational walking tour of the town’s remains. Read more about a visitor’s History Cruise of Old Bluffton here!
Lake Buchanan Cruise provides a true perspective of the lake’s massive size of 23,000 acres. Viewings include the wildlife refuge of Garrett Island, Shaw Island peninsula and the travertine formation of White Bluff. Regional and migrating birds are also highlighted, as well as interesting narratives about the lake, history, geology and local folklore.
Scenic Wilderness is an 18-mile trek across Lake Buchanan to the mouth of the Colorado River. Sights included on this tour are towering cliffs, regional and migrating birds, native Texas wildlife, and cascading waterfalls. Guests are treated to geology info, history, and points of interest information along the way.
Sunset Cruises combine scenery with a dinner option and live music onboard. The cruise sets a return course as the sun is setting, which provides great photo opportunities and romantic ambiance.
Winery Tour & Cruise visits the Fall Creek Falls and then the Fall Creek Vineyards, which was established in 1975 as one of the first wineries in the area. An informative onsite tour includes highlights of the winemaking process and then an available wine sampling.
So many great tours to choose from here! What a great way to experience Texas for natives and visitors alike.
