Comal River Tubing: New Braunfels Guide

River Overview

The Comal River holds a pretty wild distinction: it's often called the shortest river in Texas, and some locals claim the shortest in the world (the Roe River in Montana fights for that title, but we don't judge). At just 2.5 miles from headspring to confluence, the entire float fits perfectly into an afternoon.

The Comal is spring-fed from Comal Springs, the largest spring system in Texas and one of the largest in the American Southwest. The springs are managed and monitored by the Edwards Aquifer Authority. The water emerges at a constant 72°F year-round, warm enough to be comfortable from March through October, cool enough to be refreshing on a 100-degree Austin day. The water is crystal clear with a gentle current, and the river bottom is mostly smooth limestone with sandy patches.

Located in New Braunfels, Texas, about an hour south of Austin on I-35, the Comal River runs right through the heart of town. That means restaurants, shops, and ice cream are all walkable from most put-in points. It's one of the most accessible tubing rivers in Texas, and arguably the most family-friendly. If you're weighing your options, our river comparison guide breaks down all three major rivers near Austin.

The Famous Tube Chute

If you've heard one thing about tubing the Comal River, it's probably the tube chute. This concrete slide is a Texas institution, a roughly 200-foot channel where the river narrows and the current picks up, sending you through a short, exciting burst of speed before you splash back into the calm water below.

To be clear: the tube chute is not a waterfall, a rapid, or anything scary. It's more like a gentle waterslide you ride in your tube. Kids absolutely love it. First-timers love it. Even your parents who "don't do outdoor stuff" will love it. You sit in your tube, hold on to the handles, lean back slightly, and let the current carry you through. The whole thing takes about 15 seconds.

The tube chute is located about midway through the standard Comal River float. Most outfitters' routes include it, but double-check when you book. Some shorter floats start after the chute. If the tube chute is a must (and it should be), ask specifically.

Float Duration

The full Comal River float takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the water level and how much you stop along the way. That's significantly shorter than the San Marcos River (3-4 hours) and much shorter than the Guadalupe River (up to 4+ hours for the full float).

This makes the Comal the perfect "half-day" river. You can float in the morning and still have the afternoon free for exploring New Braunfels, hitting Schlitterbahn, or grabbing dinner in Gruene. For families with young kids who might not sit in a tube for 4 hours, the Comal's shorter duration is a huge advantage.

Some outfitters also offer a shorter section that takes about 1-1.5 hours, ideal for first-timers, families with very young children (ages 5+), or anyone who just wants a quick float without committing to the full river.

New Braunfels Rules & Regulations

New Braunfels takes river regulations seriously. The city has some of the strictest tubing rules in Texas, and they enforce them. Here's what you need to know for 2026. For the official rules, visit the City of New Braunfels river recreation page.

• •No children under 5. This is a hard rule. Children under age 5 are prohibited from tubing the Comal River within New Braunfels city limits. No exceptions.
• •Disposable container ban. In certain sections of the river within city limits, disposable containers, including cans, are banned. Check with your outfitter about which sections this applies to.
• •No glass anywhere. Glass containers are completely prohibited on the river.
• •No styrofoam. Styrofoam coolers and containers are banned.
• •Cooler size limits. Coolers cannot exceed 30 quarts in certain areas.
• •Life jackets required under 13. Texas state law requires children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on the river.

For the full breakdown of every rule across all rivers, visit our complete river rules and regulations guide. When in doubt, ask your outfitter. They'll tell you exactly what's allowed on their section of the river.

Outfitter Comparison

New Braunfels has several well-established outfitters on the Comal River. Prices are generally lower than San Marcos outfitters because most are tube-rental-only operations. You drive yourself to New Braunfels and walk to the river. If you want roundtrip transportation from Austin, some outfitters offer that as an add-on, or you can book through a tour company.

Not sure how to pick? Our outfitter comparison guide walks through what to look for, what's included, and how to get the best value.

Family Float Guide

If we had to recommend one river for families, it's the Comal. Here's why it's the best family tubing river near Austin:

• •Shallow and gentle. Many sections are only 2-3 feet deep. The current is slow and predictable. No rapids, no surprises.
• •Short enough for kids. At 2.5-3 hours, even younger kids (5+) can handle the full float without getting restless.
• •The tube chute is magic for kids. It's just exciting enough to be thrilling without being scary. Kids will talk about it for weeks.
• •Schlitterbahn is right there. Combine a morning float with an afternoon at the largest waterpark in Texas. Both are in New Braunfels.
• •Town amenities. Bathrooms, restaurants, and shops are all close by, not out in the middle of nowhere.

For more family-specific tips, what to pack for kids, age recommendations, safety considerations, and meal planning, check out our complete family river tubing guide. Planning a kid's party on the river? We also have a birthday float trip guide.

Things to Do in New Braunfels

New Braunfels isn't just a tubing town. It's a full destination. Here are the highlights beyond the river:

• •Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The largest waterpark in Texas (and one of the best in the world). Spring-fed water, tube slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Open May through September. Perfect for a two-day trip: float the river one day, hit Schlitterbahn the next.
• •Gruene Historic District. A charming old German-Texan village just north of New Braunfels. Great antique shops, local restaurants, wineries, and the famous Gruene Hall.
• •Gruene Hall. The oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas (since 1878). Live music every night, from local acts to nationally touring artists. Stop in after your float for cold beer and Texas music.
• •Gristmill Restaurant. Overlooking the Guadalupe River in Gruene, this is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. Texas comfort food in a converted 130-year-old cotton gin. Get there early because the wait can be long on weekends.
• •Landa Park. A beautiful public park at the headwaters of the Comal River. Spring-fed pool, paddle boats, miniature train, and great picnic spots. Free admission.

Planning a full weekend? Check out our Austin weekend itineraries for ideas on combining tubing with the best of Central Texas.

Getting There

From Austin: Take I-35 South for about 50 miles. New Braunfels is right off the interstate. Most outfitters are within 5 minutes of the highway exit. Total drive time is approximately 1 hour, depending on Austin traffic (leave early on weekends to avoid the I-35 crawl through San Marcos).

Parking: Most outfitters have their own lots. Expect to pay $10-$20 for parking during peak season. On weekends, arrive before 10 AM to guarantee a spot. The lots at popular outfitters like Texas Tubes fill up fast by mid-morning.

Don't want to drive? Some tour companies offer roundtrip transportation from Austin to New Braunfels. It costs more, but eliminates the hassle of driving and parking, especially nice if your group wants to enjoy drinks on the river. Before you head out, review our complete packing list for river tubing so you don't forget anything.