A natural wonder of the Hill Country, Aquarena Springs gained popularity when it opened in 1928 as a resort nestling on top of the crystal clear Spring lake together with the sailing of its first of the many glass bottom boat.
We sat close to the captain’s area. My son already glued to his chair with eyes fixed to the glass bottomed floor.Even before the boat started to move, we could see some fishes swimming underneath. The water was as clear.
We saw several springs bubbling up from the white sandy bottom. The San Marcos Springs discharge an average of 225 million gallons of water per day and is the source of water for the San Marcos River.
The Springs is home to the endangered Fountain Darter, the Texas Blind Salamander, the San Marcos Salamander, the Texas Wild Rice and the San Marcos Gambusia. It has other inhabitants like the Cichlids and even the non-local mouth breeder Tilapia.
We saw several tourists in glass bottom kayaks.
Part of the Submarine Theater that once provided an unusual and unique form of entertainment. Clowns and Mermaids perform underwater. The most memorable part of the presentation was the swimming and diving performance of Ralph, the pig. Piglets started their training at 2-3 weeks old, then began performing at 2 months old and gets to retire when they’re too big for their trainer.
Ralph and the other performers
1978 Piranha movie by director Joe Dante was filmed at the park’s resort.After the boat ride, we checked out of what’s left of the Alpine Swiss Sky ride. It reminded me of the movie, Jurassic Park. I thought the design was amazing but there are already plans to remove it from the park.
Before heading to the Aquarium, we ventured into the floating boardwalk at the Wetlands Walk. We saw some big mother tilapia. They almost look like aliens in their circular nests adjoining each other.
We saw some interesting fishes, reptiles and amphibians including the San Marcos endangered list at the Aquarium.
The San Marcos Cichlid
Overall, we had a great time visiting the Aquarena Center. We had fun discovering nature and learning the incredible history of the place. I glance at my son on our way home, he looked so happy.
