The Comal River is a beautiful spring-fed river that has drawn visitors and vacationers to New Braunfels, Texas, for generations. People come from as close as San Antonio and as far as Germany to float the Comal! The headwaters of the Comal River spring up from the Edwards Aquifer in New Braunfels’ beautiful Landa Park.
The Comal River provides a tubing experience unlike any other! Tubing on the Comal River starts near the Wurstfest grounds before passing through Downtown New Braunfels. Tubers then float past Schlitterbahn Waterpark and eventually join the Guadalupe River. Several New Braunfels river outfitters offer tube, canoe, and kayak rentals for visitors seeking to enjoy recreation on the cool, refreshing waters of the Comal River.
Compared to the Guadalupe River, the Comal River is known for its shorter float, calmer waters, and of course the famous tube chute! This giant concrete waterslide lies just downriver from Prince Solms Park and is one of the biggest attractions in New Braunfels from March to September.
Contact a New Braunfels River Outfitter for current river conditions and float times. Outfitters make floating the river easy by offering tube rentals, shuttle rides to and from your vehicle, and more convenient services.
The Comal River in New Braunfels is the shortest river in Texas and one of the shortest navigable waterways in the United States. At just 2.5 miles, the river is entirely within the city limits of New Braunfels. The water temperature is a steady 70-72 degrees year-round. The Comal river water is refreshing in the Texas summer heat and warm enough for a morning swim in winter.
COMAL RIVER RULES
- No disposable containers.
- No glass.
- No foam containers.
- No littering.
- Lifejackets are recommended for weak swimmers and children under eight. During peak season, the City of New Braunfels has free life jackets available for all Comal River tubers. Get yours at the New Braunfels City Tube Chute or other river outfitters.
- No volume drinking devices.
- No containers under 5 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 1 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 bigger than five feet (5′) in diameter.
COMAL RIVER TUBING COSTS & FEES
Expect to spend $15-22 per person, including shuttle, tube rental, and fees. Most New Braunfels outfitters require a drivers license or credit card to hold as a rental deposit.
COMAL RIVER PARKING
Preferred River Outfitters generally have on-site or free parking with shuttle services.
Visitors to New Braunfels may also park at Prince Solms Park for $20, Hinman Island for $30, and Elizabeth Ave for $10. To save time, download the ParkMobile app before arriving. (Parking fees only apply between May 1st and Labor Day, 8 a.m – 7 p.m.)
WHAT TO BRING FOR A DAY ON THE COMAL RIVER
- A Good Attitude — Being in the hot sun with a crowd can cause some frustrations. Be smart, keep cool, and remember we are all here to have a good time.
- Proper Footwear — The Comal River is a naturally flowing body of water. You can expect to encounter rocks, silt, floating debris, muddy banks, and other natural elements.
- Sunscreen and Shade — Apply before you depart and while on the water. A hat helps keep you cool and out of the sun.
- Drinking Water — Soft drinks and beer can be refreshing under the Texas sun, but be sure to follow them up with adequate water and electrolytes.
- Waterproof Phone Case/Lanyard/Dry Sack — Please, take only what you will need for your New Braunfels tubing adventure. Leave your jewelry, extra keys, and wallets at home. Any items you bring should be protected from the sun, grit, and water.