Tubing the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers: What to Know First
April 26, 2026 · 6 min read
Tubing is the reason most first time visitors come to New Braunfels. There are two rivers here, and choosing the right one shapes the whole day.
The Comal: short, cold and family friendly
The Comal is the shortest navigable river in the country and stays near 72 degrees all year because it is spring fed. A float typically runs one to two hours, and the tube chute at Prince Solms Park is the highlight for kids old enough to handle it.
Because it is short, families often do two laps. Parking and exits are close together, so it is easy to cut the day short if someone gets tired.
The Guadalupe: longer, wilder, better for groups
The Guadalupe runs cooler in spots, moves faster after rain and gives you two to four hours on the water under cypress trees. It suits adult groups and teenagers more than toddlers.
Flow rates change with dam releases and rainfall. Check the current flow with your outfitter the morning you go, and skip it entirely after heavy storms.
What to bring and what is banned
Bring water shoes, reef safe sunscreen, a hat, a dry bag for phones and keys, and a cooler tube if your group wants drinks and snacks.
Glass containers and styrofoam are banned on both rivers, and the can ban limits container sizes. Outfitters will explain the current rules at check-in, and river police do enforce them.
Best times to go
Weekday mornings in June and early September are the calmest. Holiday weekends in July are the busiest, and parking near the popular exits fills before 10am.
Spring and fall floats are quieter and the Comal stays swimmable even when the air cools off.
Making it an easy day from your condo
A condo with a kitchen and a washer and dryer makes a float day much simpler: sandwiches made at home, wet towels washed that night and a pool to rinse off in afterwards.
From The Mercer, both river access areas are a short drive, and the courtyard pool is waiting when you get back.
Stay at The Mercer
See which condos are open for your float weekend and book direct.
