FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) about Comal River Tubing, Texas Tubes, New Braunfels, and other Related Topics

• Where is the best Spring Break Hot Spot Destination for Students and Families on a Budget? Float Trips on the Comal River in New Braunfels, TX at Texas Tubes are hands down the best bang for your buck! Comal River Tubing gives you the most fun and bang for your buck during Spring Break anywhere in the United States! Drive, Fly, take the Train or Bus, enjoy amazing Float Trips on the 72-degree crystal clear Spring-fed Comal River, enjoy Spring Break attractions and activities, stay at reasonably priced Hotels and dine at fantastic restaurants, and enjoy the nightlife with live music at a variety of venues, bars and grills, micro-breweries, wine tours, with inside and outside seating, along with tons of shopping and souvenir shops and so much more and in the Texas Hill Country!  Add up all your costs for any other Spring Break destination and then compare the costs of your Spring Break floating down the Comal River sipping on your favorite beverage with your friends and family and Comal River Tubing will win hands down every time! Check our our "Spring Break 2024 Planning Guide for Comal River Tubing at Texas Tubes" to gather all your planning and cost details and you'll be heading to Texas Tubes soon! See Y'all When Git Here! Thanks! TexasTubes.com
• When does Tube Season begin and end in Texas? Tube Season on the Comal River at Texas Tubes starts on Friday, March 8th, 2024 for Spring Break and continues through April, May, June, July, August, September, and October! Occasionally, Texas Tubes will rent Tubes going into November and December by appointment only. Texas Tubes is OPEN for all the major Holidays and Holiday weekends: Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day! Once open, Texas Tubes remains open 7 Days A Week (weather permitting) through October 2024! Note: Hours of Operation are subject to change based on Weather, time changes, and demand, adjustments will be made accordingly and posted on our Website and Facebook.
• Can you still float the Comal River right now? Texas Tubes will Officially OPEN 7 Days A Week for the 2024 Tubing on Friday, March 8th, 2024 Season from 11am to 5pm,  and will remain OPEN 7 Days A Week all summer through October  2024 (Weather Permitting), last Tube rented at 5pm daily, and last Shuttle at 7pm daily! The year-round 72-degree spring-fed water of the Comal River is perfect for tubing and swimming... simply put, the spring-fed water feels amazing! Make Your Plans Now for your Fun Float Trip Adventure at Texas Tubes!
• Can I make reservations for my tubes and cooler(s) at Texas Tubes?  No, we do not take reservations or hold tubes. In an effort to best serve all of our Customers, all tubes, coolers, and equipment are rented on a "first come, first serve basis".
• How long does it take to float down the Comal River at Texas Tubes? Float trips take anywhere from 3 to 3 1/2 hours depending on River Levels, and if you paddle or not, or if you stop to swim and play, or stop to have a picnic. (Note: Additional float trips are available for $15 per person after you finish your first float trip as long as you can get back in time from your first float trip to make our cut-off time for our last tube rented (the cut-off time applies to personal tubes too).
• Is Alcohol legal and allowed on the Comal River? Yes, you can drink Alcohol and eat food while tubing on the Comal River, both alcohol and food are legal on the Comal River as long as they are in "Non-Disposable Containers". Examples of "Non-Disposable Containers" are: Flasks, Wineskins, Thermoses, Tupperware,  Yeti style Tumbler Cups, Canteens, Sport Drink Bottles, Drinking Cooler Jugs, Hydration Backpacks, etc... Note: Reusable Containers can not be made of Glass, Foam, or Styrofoam because these items are illegal on Texas Rivers. Be sure to check out our YouTube Video about "Can Ban Options - How To Guide". When Tubing New Braunfels, you must abide by the River Rules / Can Ban.
• Is there a "Can Ban" on the Comal River in New Braunfels? Yes, there is a ban on cans and all disposable items on the Comal River, so it is very important to check out the "Comal River Rules!" "Know before you go!" (Can Ban)
• Is the Comal River open today for tubing? Texas Tubes will Officially OPEN 7 Days A Week on Friday, March 8th, 2024 from 11am to 5pm, (Weather Permitting), last Tube rented at 5pm daily, and last Shuttle at 7pm daily! The year-round 72-degree spring-fed water of the Comal River is perfect for river tubing, float trips, and swimming... simply put, the spring-fed water feels amazing! Check out our Website at: (www.TexasTubes.com) which is loaded with tons of great tips and info for planning your Fun Float Trip Adventure! Make Your Plans Now! Texas Tubes is open all summer long, (including Spring Break, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Holiday Weekends, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend)! The Comal River is almost always OPEN year-round for swimming, except when the Comal River closes is during times of high water and flooding right after heavy rainfall for public safety concerns, once the river levels have receded to safe levels, the Comal River immediately reopens for access via public parks and private venues.
• When can I buy and drink Alcohol on Sundays for my float trip on the Comal River? On Sundays in Texas, you can legally drink alcohol in public from noon until 12:15am. On Sundays in Texas, you can only buy Beer and Wine from 10am to midnight... hard liquor is NOT sold on Sundays, so you must buy it before Sunday for your float trip.
• What size cooler can I bring on the Comal River? You can bring one 30 Quart Cooler or smaller per person on the Comal River allowed by The City of New Braunfels. All Coolers are required to have a "Locking Mechanism" on the Cooler Lid to prevent the contents of your cooler from spilling into the river. Examples of "Locking Mechanisms" are: Latches, Zippers, Velcro, Bungee Cords, Side Release Buckle Straps, etc... Note: Texas Tubes has 30 Quart Coolers with Locking Mechanisms for rent in case you need one, and we also sell bags of ice for your convenience.
• What is the age limit for children to go tubing at Texas Tubes? Children must be 4 years old or older and must be accompanied by an adult at all times, kids under 4 years old will not be allowed on the river via Texas Tubes. It is highly recommended that all Kids 8 years and younger wear a Life Jacket. For more information and Safety Tips about Tubing with your Kids (4 years old or older), go to our "Tips for Comal River Tubing and Checklist Page" and scroll halfway down the page. We also recommend that all young children and all weak swimmers avoid going through the Tube Chute and walk around it for their safety. You can learn how to walk around the Tube Chute by checking out our "Tube Chute Safety Page".
• Can I bring my own Tube to Texas Tubes? Yes, however the cost to get on the river and shuttle service is the same as renting a Tube from Texas Tubes... click here for our Tube Rental Rates Page. Many of our Customers bring their own Tubes for a variety of reasons, e.g., they love the comfort of their own tube, or their own tube has a head rest, their own tube has "cup holders" built in, and so on... Texas Tubes is one of the few River Outfitters in New Braunfels that has a "Free Self-Service Air Hose" available if you need to air-up your personal Tube before getting on the river, but a word of caution, if you over fill your Tube with air, it will POP! Whenever you air-up your own personal Tube using our "Free Self-Service Air Hose", it will be at your own risk, Texas Tubes is not responsible if you pop or damage your own Tube.
• Are Life Jackets available at Texas Tubes if we need them? Yes, complimentary Life Jackets are available for all Texas Tubes' customers to use upon request. We recommend all Kids 8 years and younger wear a Life Jacket as well as all weak swimmers the entire time they are on the river. We highly recommend that Non-swimmers do NOT go Tubing or enter the river for their own safety. Anyone who is afraid of the river should not go tubing or get in the river, you will be taking a huge risk with your life if you can not swim, and you will not have any fun if you are afraid of the river. If you cannot swim but insist on going tubing, please wear a Life Jacket at all times while on the river!
• Can I walk around and avoid the Tube Chute if I don't want to go through it or if I don't want my young children to go through the Tube Chute? Yes, if for any reason you or your kids do not want to go through the Tube Chute, you have the choice to get out of the river with your tube(s) BEFORE you enter the Tube Chute and walk around the Tube Chute on the sidewalk and then get back in the river below the Tube Chute. IMPORTANT... You must get out of the river BEFORE you enter the Tube Chute, if you enter the Tube Chute, you will have no choice but to go through it. There is a sign hanging over the river that says "CAUTION - TUBE CHUTE AHEAD - WEAK SWIMMERS EXIT NOW" with a red arrow pointing to a set of steps on the shoreline where you can exit the river to walk around the Tube Chute. Please watch our YouTube Video on How To Walk Around The New Braunfels Tube Chute so you clearly understand how to avoid the Tube Chute and walk around it. Please visit our "Tube Chute Safety Page" for more Safety Tips regarding the Tube Chute!
• Are there Lifeguards on the Comal River? Yes, during prime Tube Season, and only at the Tube Chute during specific time periods. Lifeguards are on duty only at the Tube Chute (and no where else on the Comal River) on weekends in May and daily from June 1st to mid-August. After mid-August, Lifeguards are again only on duty weekends through Labor Day Weekend, and then they are no longer present after Labor Day (first Monday in September). 
• Can you swim in the Comal River? Yes, there are several Public Parks (Hinman Island Park) and (Prince Solms Park) that have river frontage on the Comal River where you can hangout,  BBQ, picnic, lay in the sun, and enjoy tubing and swimming to your hearts delight. River Access Parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Landa Park also offers swimming in Landa Lake which is fed by Comal Springs and is the headwaters for the Comal River. Note: If you are a Resident of New Braunfels, you can apply for an NB Resident Parking Pass. A Resident River Parking Pass is now available to City of New Braunfels residents which will allow them to park in the Pay-to-Park lots on Elizabeth Street, Hinman Island Drive, and San Antonio Street at no charge. (Note: This pass is NOT valid for the Prince Solms Parking Lot.) 
  Without a Resident Parking Pass - Non-Refundable Parking Fees apply May 1st - Labor Day as follows:
  ---- Hinman Island Drive $30.00 per visit per vehicle -
  ---- East San Antonio Street $20.00 per visit per vehicle 
  ---- Mill Street $20.00 per visit per vehicle
  ---- Elizabeth Street $10.00 per vehicle (Weekend & Holidays only; FREE M-F)
• What's the easiest way to get into your Tube? Watch this short video: "How To Get Into Your Tube In 7 Seconds!" 
• Can I go tubing with my dog at Texas Tubes? Yes! Dogs are welcome to go tubing on the Comal River and ride on a Texas Tubes shuttle with you, however, you are 100% completely responsible for the safety and well being of your dog at all times. For all the details you need to know to go tubing with your dog at Texas Tubes, please click this link: (River-Tubing-Checklist-and-Tips) and scroll 3/4ths down the page to "DOGS & Comal River Tubing: Texas Tubes is Dog Friendly!"
  
• How early and how late can I Tube on the Comal River? Texas Tubes will Officially OPEN 7 Days A Week, from 11am to 5pm daily on Friday, March 8th, 2024 for Spring Break, and will remain OPEN 7 Days a Week (Weather Permitting), with our last tube rented at 5pm daily (which is our cut-off time to rent a tube and get on the river each day). Many Customers make a full day of Tubing by arriving right when we open in the morning and bringing a cooler full of food and beverages (Alcohol Is Legal on the Comal River) so they can have a picnic and snacks throughout the day at their leisure. Please checkout our "Comal River Rules and Can Ban Options Page" to find our what to bring and how to bring it, and what NOT to bring on the river while Tubing. Also, Texas Tubes has a longer Tube Season than any other Tubing Outfitters, by staying OPEN for float trips beginning in March, and  continuing through April, May, June, July, August, September and October! This is because the spring-fed water of the Comal River averages around 72-degrees year-round, allowing people to go tubing later in the year than most other rivers in Texas! For example, in stark contrast, the Guadalupe River averages between 52 to 54 degrees year round, which is a huge difference, that's why the Comal River is the best river to float during Spring Break and also going into October!
• Where can I grill, BBQ, and picnic near Texas Tubes? The two best and closest places to Picnic, BBQ, and grill with your friends and family before or after tubing at Texas Tubes is at Landa Park and Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels. Both Parks have picnic tables with BBQ pits where you can have a wonderful picnic! Landa Park offers free parking year-round, while Hinman Island Park charges $30 per car during the peak Tubing Season, between May 1st and Labor Day, (8am - 7pm daily), the rest of the year parking is free at Hinman Island Park. We recommend that you call New Braunfels Park Department for any questions you may have before heading to either Park at (830) 221-4350) or email NB Parks Dept. at parks@nbtexas.org
• Where is the closest place to go river tubing near Houston, Texas? That would be Texas Tubes located in New Braunfels, TX! Texas Tubes is only 167 miles from the intersection of Westheimer Rd & S Gessner Rd, in Houston, TX, via I-10 E, (Google Maps Link for Directions from Houston), to our Texas Tubes' parking lot located right on the shores of the Comal River (which is only about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Houston! Note: Your drive time will vary depending on your starting point in or around Houston and road conditions.) When you arrive at Texas Tubes, simply park your vehicle, rent a Tube and jump in the Comal River and you're on your way to a fantastic fun float trip on the beautiful and refreshing spring-fed waters of the Comal River! Be sure to check out our Tubing Tips & Checklist Page and the Comal River Rules & Can Ban Options Page before heading to Texas Tubes, so everyone in your group or party will be prepared to have a great time on the river, know before you go! You can always see what's happening on the Comal River in real-time at Texas Tubes by viewing our "Live Comal River Cam" during daylight only, at night time nothing is visible. Many Houstonians plan a "day trip" to Texas Tubes... they leave early in the morning and arrive at Texas Tubes by 10am when we open and then spend a good portion of their day on the river. Some people pack a cooler full of food and beverages and tail gate or pull over while tubing and have picnic on the shores of Hinman Island Park, while others eat at our local restaurants (Muck & Fuss) before, during, and after tubing. For those Houstonians who prefer to stay overnight, we recommend using Trivago to look for the best deals on Hotels and Lodging in New Braunfels. Another travel tip we suggest is to use the Free App called Gas Buddy (Available for free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store) to find the cheapest gas prices on your way "to and from" Texas Tubes. If you have any questions, please click on our Contact Us Page for easy ways to contact us and we'll be happy to answer your questions and assist you anyway we can! Texas Tubes is considered one of the best places to go river tubing near Houston because of how close it is to Houston, our huge selection of restaurants, lodging, and big Box Stores for last minute items, alcohol, food, and supplies for the river, as well as how clean and fun the Comal River is from it's spring-fed source, providing crystal clear and refreshing water to have a great float trip, and to swim and splash around with your friends and family! One other important benefit of Tubing on the Comal River is you never have to pick-up your tube(s) and walk due to super shallow water, the Comal River always has a great river flow from Comal Springs, so it's always deep enough for a great uninterrupted float trip, just kick back in your Tube and enjoy your day relaxing on the river sipping your favorite beverage! (Alcohol is Legal on the Comal River, but please drink responsibly! Thank you!)
• Can you float the San Antonio River in downtown San Antonio? No, you cannot float, swim, or go tubing on the San Antonio River, it has been banned. Swimming in the San Antonio River has been banned and is illegal, which means tubing and floating are not allowed as well. Also, the "Go Rio" River Tour Boats would run over Tubers and Swimmers in the river making it very dangerous for water recreation... if caught tubing or swimming in the San Antonio River, there is a fine of $500 per violator. The water is dirty and there is little to no current, so you would basically sit in one spot unless you paddled continuously. The best option for floating the river is going to Texas Tubes on the super clean spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels, perfect for River Tubing and just 38 minutes north on Hwy 35 from downtown San Antonio!
• How deep is the Comal River? It varies quite a bit at any given point in the river, some spots are as shallow as 1 to 2 feet deep and other spots can be as deep as 20 feet… there is no set or fixed constant depth, it is totally random and unpredictable at any given spot. There are spots you can stand up and walk around, depending on how tall you are... the taller you are, the more spots you can stand up in and be above the waterline without holding your breath, however, you won’t find out how deep a spot is unless someone gets in the river and actually checks to see how deep that spot is. One of the primary reasons people get seriously injured when jumping or diving into the river is by NOT checking to see if it's deep enough to safely do so or check to see if there are any big rocks or tree stumps you can't see that you could land on and suffer serious injury. So please check how deep the river is before jumping or diving in. We also highly recommend that all kids and weak swimmers wear life jackets and that "non-swimmers" stay out of the river altogether for their own safety, as there are no Lifeguards on the river, you will be on your own... enter the river at your own risk.
• When does the 2024 Tube Season end at Texas Tubes? It depends on 2 factors, 1) Enough demand, and 2) Weather Permitting. Last year, Texas Tubes stayed open through October 29th... and we hope to do the same this year! So if enough people want to go tubing, we have good weather, we'll continue to stay open! Note: Days and Hours of operation may change as demand decreases. As always, we will post Updates to keep y'all informed going forward!
• Which river is better for tubing: The Comal River or the Guadalupe River? Simple answer, the Comal River is an awesome river for river tubing all summer long because the water is spring fed, crystal clear, and super clean, (with over 8 Million GPH (Gallons Per Hour) coming out of Comal Springs, and averages around an amazing 72 degrees year-round, while the Guadalupe River averages between 52 to 54 degrees all year-round, which is pretty darn chilly!), that said, there are times when the Guadalupe River is a great choice for tubing. Here is a comparison of factors to help you choose which river is right for you:  Comal River: Pro's: Super clean, refreshing crystal clear spring-fed water with a year-round average temperature of 72 degrees, has very few rocks (compared to the Guadalupe, which is very rocky) and because the Comal River is spring-fed, it always has great river flows so you never have to pick up your tubes and walk with your tubes and cooler(s). The Comal River is also more "kid-friendly" because it is a "Lazy River" that has very few rapids and it is easier to stay together while tubing. The average float trip time is between 2 to 3 hours depending on river levels and if you stop to swim and play, or picnic, etc. The Comal River runs through the center of New Braunfels and has an exciting and fun "Tube Chute", which is one of the main attractions during your float trip. For anyone who has small children, or is a weak swimmer or a non-swimmer, you have the choice to exit the river just before the Tube Chute and walk around the Tube Chute, avoiding the Tube Chute rapids altogether and then re-enter the river just past the Tube Chute and continue your float trip. Because the Comal River is in the center of New Braunfels, it is in close proximity to Hotels and all types of lodging, close to tons of great Restaurants, and close to major shopping centers that include Walmart, Target, HEB, and many more retail shops for last minute items, like snacks, drinks, alcohol, ice, etc., for your float trips and for fun things to do after your float trips, such as Bars & Grills, and live music and entertainment. Con's:  The Comal River is the shortest river in Texas, so you will not find a float trip more than 2 1/2 to 3 hours long, while the Guadalupe River has multiple length float trips from up to 4 to 6 hours, depending on the river flow (but keep in mind that river levels in the Guadalupe are low quite often, and if Guadalupe River levels are below 100 cubic feet per second (cfs), you will have to pick up your tubes and cooler(s) and walk over slippery loose rocks and an uneven riverbed because it will be too shallow to float in some areas of your float route due to the river being too shallow. Weekends during the summer on the Comal are very crowded, so this would be a turn-off to those who do not like crowds or have very young children. The best time for families with young children to float the Comal River is during the weekdays. The Comal has 3 Tube Chutes, the main one and 2 smaller Tube Chutes and these are the only rapids on the Comal River float route, so if you want exciting rapids, the Guadalupe River would be the place to go, but only if the river flows of the Guadalupe are over 175 cubic feet per second, which has been pretty rare due to many drought years in central Texas and also because the US Army Corps of Engineers controls water release rates out of Canyon Lake Dam and they do not care about water recreation, so they they restrict river levels to 100 cfs or less most of the time. Because the Comal River runs through the center of New Braunfels, you do not get to see the beautiful Cypress trees that line the banks of the Guadalupe River, but there are many interesting things to see along the banks of the Comal River, such as floating right past Schlitterbahn Water Park and seeing the SkyCoaster and the Master Blaster rides. Occasionally, you may see deer grazing on the banks of the Comal River, which is a real treat!
  - Guadalupe River: Pro's: During the hottest part of the summer (July and August), when temperatures are 100 degrees and higher, the Guadalupe River is a great way to cool off with it chilly 52 to 54 degree cold water... it becomes a very good balance when tubing under the hot Texas sun. Many Outfitters on the Guadalupe river offer multiple length float trips from 2 hours up to 6 hours and sometimes longer, depending on river levels. (Note: It is super important to know that the Army Corps of Engineers controls the Guadalupe River flow at Canyon Lake Dam near Sattler, TX. When drought sets in, the Army Corps of Engineers reduces the out-flow of water being released from Canyon Lake Dam into the river, which severely hampers river tubing on the Guadalupe, causing people to have to pick up their tubes and coolers and walk on the rocky river bed to find deep enough water to continue floating, and there are no rapids during low river levels.) The Guadalupe river is super beautiful because it's banks are lined with beautiful Cypress trees, scenic bluffs and lush vegetation. When Guadalupe River Levels are 175 cfs (cubic feet per second) or higher, there are many fun and exciting rapids that get you whooping it up and hollering as you blast through the rapids! The best river levels to look for tubing on the Guadalupe River is between 200 cfs and 300 cfs when it's 100 degrees or higher!
  - Con's: The Guadalupe River averages between 52 to 54 degrees almost year-round as the water being released from Canyon Lake Dam comes from the deepest part of Canyon Lake, around 130 feet deep, which causes the cold water temperatures on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake Dam. Trout require very cold water to live in and the Guadalupe river qualifies for the cold temperatures necessary for the Trout to survive and flourish in. Trout are stocked and released in the Guadalupe River for up to 5 to 8 miles below Canyon Lake Dam every year. However, over the past 20 years, low water levels have plagued the Guadalupe River and it has been difficult to have a great time tubing when you have to pick up your tubes and cooler(s) and walk on an uneven and rocky river bottom trying to find water deep enough to continue floating on. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the river flows on the Guadalupe river and severely reduces water levels on the Guadalupe river during drought years to conserve the lake levels in Canyon Lake Reservoir. It is unfortunate for all the Outfitters trying to do business on the Guadalupe river to be at the mercy of the U.S. Corps of Engineers, when they severely affect river tubing and canoeing with low water levels.
  Bottom line: The Comal River is the river of choice due to it's constant great river levels all year round, it's great water temperature, and it's spring-fed crystal-clear clean water and a really enjoyable float trip, and it's close proximity to Hotels, Restaurants, Grocery Stores and Big Box stores for all your needs near by. And finally, because the Comal River is completely spring-fed and river flows are not controlled or hampered by anyone, especially the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!
• Is Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels open for 2023? Yes! Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark is Officially OPEN for 2023. Schlitterbahn officially reopened their gates to the general public on, April 15th, 2023 for weekends only... Daily Operations will resume around the end of May, through the end of August, however, after the end of August, Schlitterbahn will return back to weekends only into September. See the "Schlitterbahn Official Season Schedule".
• What is the best river to tube and float in Texas? The Comal River is the best river to tube and float in Texas because it consistently has excellent river levels for tubing and swimming and since the Comal River is 100% spring-fed, it is one of the cleanest rivers in Texas, if not the United States! Another reason that the Comal River is the best river for tubing is because of the constant 72-degree, year-round, amazing water temperature, which is perfect for tubing and swimming! The nearby Guadalupe River is almost 20-degrees colder than the Comal River, where the average temperature in the Guadalupe River ranges from a very chilly 52-degrees coming out of the Canyon Lake Dam, to 55-degrees in New Braunfels. When you jump in the Guadalupe River, you are sure to scream when you hit the cold water! That said, when it's over 100-degrees on a very hot sunny day, the super cold water in the Guadalupe River actually feels pretty darn good, but when it's not very hot outside, the cold water is not so pleasant. There are lots of rivers to choose from in Texas, but none have the combined great features and qualities of the Comal River for tubing and swimming!