If you have ever visited Texas in the summer, then you know that we look for every opportunity to escape the summer heat. One of our favorite ways to do that is to float down a crystal clear river with a cold drink.
There are many places to go tubing in Texas, but one of our favorites is New Braunfels tubing!
People flock to the small town of New Braunfels in Texas to float down not one but two Texas rivers!
Not only that but there are so many things to do in New Braunfels that you could easily spend a week or more here!
Located about an hour from Austin, New Braunfels is a great weekend getaway in Texas!
Let us show you everything you need about tubing in New Braunfels!
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River Tubing in New Braunfels, Texas
As we mentioned above, New Braunfels is home to not one but two Texas rivers.
New Braunfels tubing allows you to plan a float trip down either the Comal River or the Guadalupe River.
Float trips on the Comal River generally take about three hours, while a river tubing trip can last two to six hours!
Of course, each river offers you a different experience also.
A Comal River tubing adventure includes a fun river tube chute similar to being on a water slide.
While the tube chute is fun, many people prefer the rapids of the Guadalupe River instead.
No matter which of the rivers you choose, you are guaranteed an escape from the heat as both are spring-fed, crystal clear, and delightfully cold in the summer months.
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Comal River Tubing
When planning a New Braunfels tubing trip, one of your choices is to go river tubing on the Comal River.
The Comal River winds through the Texas Hill Country directly through New Braunfels, Texas, including Schlitterbahn waterpark.
As the shortest river in the United States, the Comal River makes for a fun day of river tubing.
Float trips on the 2.5 miles of the Comal River are easy to plan.
There are several river outfitters to help you with your Comal River tubing adventure. These river outfitters are where you can get tube rentals, grab life jackets (if needed), purchase supplies, and plan a ride back to your car.
Again, one of the fun things people love about Comal River tubing is floatin’ through the river chutes that divert you around the dams.
In our opinion, the Comal is the more family-friendly of the two rivers. While people still drink and party on the Comal, it doesn’t seem as prominent as on the Guadalupe. Kids also love riding their tubes down the river chutes on the Comal.
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Guadalupe River Tubing
Another option for your tubing in New Braunfels adventure is to float the Guadalupe.
While we love both rivers, we head to the Guadalupe over the Comal River if we want a party. The Guadalupe is a party!
Since the Guadalupe is also a spring-fed river, it stays nice and chilly all summer, making it the perfect place to escape the summer heat. This spring-fed river is also nice and clear, making it an enjoyable float trip.
The river flows through New Braunfels, which is also home to several river outfitters, making it easy for you to find the necessary supplies for your river trip.
Many people go river rafting on the Guadalupe when the river is flowing well.
So, whether you choose to go floating or rafting, both rivers have their positives, and you really can’t go wrong with either one.
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River Outfitters, Tube Rentals, and Shuttle
Of course, you are welcome to grab your own tube and hop into the river at any of the public entry points at any time.
We prefer to work with one of the tubing companies when we go tubing in New Braunfels.
Tubing outfitters provide free parking, tube rentals, life vests, river access points, and, most importantly, shuttle service back to your car once you exit the river.
While we thoroughly enjoy the tubes we have rented from the companies, we must admit that probably the best part of working with a river company is the free parking and shuttle service they provide back to your starting location.
This service helps to save time and stress by ensuring that you can easily find parking and rent the items you want.
Floating the river is a popular summertime activity, and the rivers can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends.
We recommend reserving before your float to ensure you have a tube rental.
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Speaking of tubes, we always choose a tube with a bottom. That protects you from scraping your bottom on the rocks in the shallow areas, so be sure your tube rental includes this.
We also always get a tube rented specially made for our ice chest (just read below so you know the rules of what to pack).
Working with a reputable river outfitter makes planning your trip easy and helps ensure you have a great time. Just be sure to check the reviews online and ensure they are experts in both the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers.
The company will let you know what public exit to take on the river to catch the shuttle. Just watch your time and know when the last shuttle picks up for the day. You don’t want to miss it and have to walk back to the parking lot with your tubes!
Here are some tubing companies we have had a good experience with in New Braunfels:
River Rules
An important part of planning your floating trip is to ensure that you know the river rules before you visit.
As we mentioned above, tubing in Texas is a popular (and fun) summer activity. Knowing the rules ensures everyone has a good time and keeps our rivers safe for all to enjoy.
Parties on the rivers are popular, especially during holiday weekends like Labor Day and Memorial Day. So, of course, alcohol is allowed on the river. You must know you cannot have glass containers or Styrofoam while you float.
If you are packing snacks, remember that disposable containers cannot be on the water while you float. That means no Ziploc bags!
You can pack your items, including your food, in non-disposable containers like reusable sports bottles, reusable cups, and reusable jugs.
We advise getting a cooler with a locking mechanism as well. Trust us; we lost all the contents of our cooler one year after our tube flipped over. And remember, it gets hot in Texas, so pack that cooler with plenty of ice!
You can’t blast your music while a float down the river is a mini party. Music cannot be heard beyond 50 feet to be legal.
The size of your tube is also limited. It cannot be longer than five feet in length or width, so keep that in mind when choosing your tube.
Also, remember that no lifeguards are on the river, especially if you are floating with kids. Be sure to pack life jackets appropriately sized for kids and any weak swimmers in your group.
Watch your friends while swimming to ensure everyone has a safe experience while escaping the hot Texas sun!
The most important rule while floating is DON’T LITTER! By keeping our waterways free of waste, we can keep our rivers a great place to visit!
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What To Pack For a River Float
Be sure you have everything you need for a river trip! Here are some of our suggested items to consider:
River Shoes
A good pair of river shoes is a must during your trip. You will need these when walking from the parking area while waiting on the shuttle and possibly even in the river.
I recommend these shoes if you like tennis shoes. Of course, if you like sandals, you can never go wrong with a good pair of Chacos or Tevas.
Marty prefers these because they are like tennis shoes, but I know that many men also like the Teva river sandals.
Sunscreen
Having good sunscreen is so important. Be sure to apply and reapply it, as you will easily burn on the tubes!
Stock up on sunscreen before you go!
Sunglasses and Sunglass Straps
I love my Ray-Ban sunglasses, so I surely don’t want them to fall into the water while we are floating on our tubes.
So, in addition to a great pair of sunglasses, be sure that you secure them with a floating sunglasses strap.
You might feel silly, but you will thank me if your glasses fall off.
Cooler
As mentioned above, having a great cooler with a good locking mechanism is essential. There are many to choose from in all different price ranges, so it will be easy to find one that suits your needs.
Insulated Cup
A good insulated cup is another necessity. You have to stay hydrated while out on the tubes!
Waterproof Bag
Having a good waterproof bag will save you a lot of headaches. You can store your car keys, phone, and more here while on the tubes. They keep everything nice and dry!
Waterproof Phone Case
Don’t risk thousands of dollars by getting your phone wet. Either leave it in the car or invest in a good waterproof case; the choice is yours.
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Drinks/Snacks
Be sure to pack plenty of food and drinks for your time on the tubes, especially water and hydration packs! We love Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier. Try it and see what you think!
Cash
Having a little cash on hand never hurts, so be sure to pack some in your dry bag just in case you need it.
Rope or Ties
Having some rope or ties is also a good idea. If you are floating with a group, it is fun to tie the tubes together. If not, the ties can help secure your ice chest and other belongings.
Cover Up
Remember to bring a cover-up. The sun is unforgiving while on the tube, and you don’t want to get sunburned!
Life Jackets
If you want to bring your life jacket, then consider these. We love them!
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About the Author:
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Bea Pinnegar
Tuesday 2nd of August 2022
New Braunfels Tubing sounds like a wonderful destination - thanks for sharing your experience with us :)
Rosemary
Monday 1st of August 2022
We love Texas (living in Tennessee). In fact, there may be 3 trips in the next year. We have never stopped in New Braunfels but been by there. Will put this on our list of to dos.
texasonly
Sunday 7th of August 2022
That is so great to hear. Texas is definitely a great place!
Roberts
Monday 1st of August 2022
Our family loves tubing. These are all awesome tips!
texasonly
Sunday 7th of August 2022
Oh, yay! So happy to hear that!
Michele
Sunday 31st of July 2022
Being from San Antonio, I've made these tubing trips many times. They are always so much fun. I love your tip for a locking ice chest. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way when our cooler tipped and dumped everything including the car keys. That was a long afternoon! Thanks for sharing.
texasonly
Sunday 7th of August 2022
We learned that lesson the hard way also! It sucked! So glad that you enjoyed our tips. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Josy A
Sunday 31st of July 2022
This looks soooo flipping fun! What a great way to escape the heat and see the gorgeous rivers near New Broaunfels!