A Quick Guide for Tubing The Comal River
Written By A New Braunfels Native
The Comal River is known for its crystal clear waters and short, leisurely float. The water also stays 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so the water feels great!
Whether you have floated the Comal before or this is your first time, this guide will help you have the utmost tubing experience. This travel guide contains information on the Comal River tube outfitters, river rules, what to bring, and how to save money.
Tubing Information
Let’s address some common questions for those who have never been tubing.
What is Tubing?
Firstly, tubing (or floating) is a recreational activity where a person sits in a rubber or plastic tube and floats down the river. People usually float in large groups and bring music, drinks, and snacks in a cooler with its own tube.
The average float on the Comal is about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on which outfitter and the water flow speed that day. There are some occasional rocks and rapids, but for the most part, the float is pretty calm.
Where Do You Go to Float?
Most of the river access on the Comal is private, so you can’t just hop in the river from anywhere and start floating. The river also does not go in a circle, so where you get in is not where you get out.
So, to answer the question of where you go to float, the best thing to do is choose a tubing outfitter. There any many outfitters along the Comal River, which all provide a tube and shuttle ride back to your car. The average cost of floating is about $15-25 per person, and most require a credit card or driver’s license as a deposit item to ensure the tubes are returned.
Top 3 Tubing Outfitters (ranked)
Most outfitters offer the floating basics: a tube and shuttle service.
However, the float time and drop-in spots vary by outfitter because each is located on different parts of the Comal River. Also, the outfitters’ amenities vary.
Now, let’s go over the top three tubing outfitters so you can choose which one to float with.
1). Float In
My top choice is Float In, a unique river club providing an all-inclusive experience and the only outfitter that offers more than just tubing. Float In has shade, seating, restrooms, a bar and restaurant, a riverside beach, outdoor games, and music.
The only downside to floating from their property is that it is the second-to-last outfitter on the river. Therefore, the float starts after the tube chute and is one of the shorter floats of about 1.5 to 2 hours. On the bright side, Float In offers unlimited floats and all-day access to the property.
Tip: To save time upon arrival, pre-purchase your admission, lifejackets, and corkage fee online here.
Tips for saving $: bring one large cooler for the entire group and split the corkage fee; park in a free lot so you don’t have to pay for city parking
How it Works:
- Park at one of the free lots near Float In.
- Purchase admission and tubes online or in person
- Fill out a tube waiver (1 per group).
- Float and/or hang out at the riverfront property
- Have a fantastic time!
2). Landa Falls
Number two is Landa Falls. This is my second choice because Landa Falls is the first outfitter on the river, so it has the longest float of about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Landa Falls costs the same amount whether you bring your tube or use one of theirs, so I recommend using one of their tubes. On weekdays, tubing is $20 per person; on weekends and holidays, it is $25 per person plus a $2 City River Management Fee, totaling $27.
If you are only looking to float and want a longer float, Landa Falls is a good option.
3). Texas Tubes
Number three on the list is Texas Tubes. This tubing outfitter is in a great location right across the river from Hinman Island and the second tubing outfitter, shortly after Landa Falls. The first part of the float is calm, and you have a longer float of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
The website is challenging to understand and navigate, so I suggest calling them if you do not understand something.
Each tube costs $25; if you decide to float again, you pay $10 more.
Comal River Rules
Be sure to follow ALL river rules. The City of New Braunfels strictly enforces them, and you may get a ticket if you do not abide.
Most tickets come from not following the “Can Ban.” This rule states that no disposable material can be on the water. Sometimes, cops on a motor boat go up and down the river checking for disposable materials. I have seen people receive up to $200 tickets.
So, here are the rules directly from the City of New Braunfels‘ website:
- No disposable containers.
- No glass.
- No foam containers.
- No littering.
- No volume drinking devices.
- No containers under five fluid oz.
- Noise devices must not be audible beyond 50 feet.
- No jumping from bridges, dams, or trees into the Comal River.
- Coolers must have a clasp on the lid (zipper, Velcro, latch, cord) with a maximum size of 30 quarts and one cooler per person.
- Vessels on the Comal River may not be over 18 feet in length.
- Limit of two tubes per person.
- Canoes and kayaks may not use the Last Tubers Exit on the Comal River on weekends and holidays.
- Round inflatable tubes cannot be larger than five feet (5′) in diameter.
What to Bring on the Float
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & floating bobber
- Hat
- Waterproof pouch for phone
- Waterproof speaker
- Proper footwear- water shoes or flip flops, so you don’t burn your feet when you get out
- Water- stay hydrated!
- Reusable containers for drinks and snacks
- Cooler
- Rope for tying tubes together
Leave valuables (jewelry, watches, extra keys, wallet, phone, etc.) in the car or a locker. You may not think you will lose anything, but tons of lost items, including wedding rings, phones, Go-Pros, and more, have been found in the river!
Quick Tubing Tips
- Get a tube with a drink holder.
- If you have a weak swimmer in the group, ask for a free lifejacket (provided by the City of NB).
- If you want a tube with a bottom, ask specifically for one.
- Tie flip-flops and speakers onto you, your cooler, or your tube so you do not lose them.
- Tie your group’s tubes together so you do not get separated.
- Everything will get wet, so use a waterproof pouch for things that need to stay dry.
- Set up your cooler with drinks and ice beforehand so everything is ready to go when you get there.
Tips to Save $
- Buy drinks and ice beforehand at a gas station or grocery store.
- Bring rope rather than purchase it from the outfitters.
- Park in free lots.
- Follow river rules so you don’t get a ticket.
Comal River Parking
Most outfitters have free, private parking. However, parking fills up rather quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Some of the paid public lots are Prince Solms Park ($20), Hindman Island ($30), Elizabeth Avenue ($10),
If you go to Float In, they have a map with free lots near their property that the City of New Braunfels does not advertise.
Conclusion
I hope this post helps you choose where to float and makes planning your trip easier.
Happy floating!
Madison Marie
If you want more things to do in New Braunfels this Summer besides floating, CLICK HERE to read my post for the Ultimate Summer Travel Guide to New Braunfels, Texas.
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