The Comal River holds a unique distinction—it’s the shortest navigable river in Texas at just under 3 miles long. But don’t let the small size fool you. Those 2.5 miles are packed with more beauty, fun, and energy than many rivers twice the length.
What truly sets the Comal apart is its water. Fed by Comal Springs, the crystal-clear river stays a steady 72°F year-round, making it refreshingly cool in the brutal Texas summer and surprisingly comfortable even in winter.
From tubing and swimming to kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this incredible river. This guide walks you through all the water activities and outdoor adventures waiting for you on the Comal River.
Tubing on the Comal River
If you’re new to river tubing or bringing young kids, the Comal is where you want to start.
The calm flow and gentle current make it approachable even for people who get nervous on the water. You’re floating, not fighting rapids or navigating tricky obstacles.
The shorter float time—typically 2 to 3 hours, depending on starting point and water flow—is perfect for maintaining everyone’s energy and enthusiasm.
This makes it ideal for families with children as young as 5 or 6 (with proper supervision and life jackets), first-time tubers who want to test the experience before committing to longer rivers, and anyone seeking a relaxed atmosphere within the presence of nature.
The Famous Comal Tube Chute
The tube chute at Prince Solms Park is New Braunfels’ signature experience. It’s an iconic concrete slide that launches tubers into the river with speed and splash.
You position your tube at the top, push off, and gravity takes over. You slide down the slick concrete surface, picking up speed, and then—splash!—you hit the water and float away downstream. The whole experience takes maybe 10 seconds, but it’s pure joy.
We recommend anyone comfortable in water and ready for a small thrill to definitely experience this mini activity.
If you can handle a playground slide and don’t panic when splashed, you can handle the tube chute. It’s appropriate for kids around 5 and up (with adult supervision), teens, adults, and even elderly visitors who are physically mobile and adventurous.
Long lines do form during peak times (summer weekends, midday), but they move fairly quickly. If you’re visiting during peak season and the chute is a priority, try going early morning or late afternoon when crowds thin.
Start & End Points for Tubing
The Comal’s short length means you have several options for where to start and end your float, each offering slightly different experiences.
Landa Park
Starting at Landa Park gives you the longest possible Comal float. You’ll float through the park’s shaded areas, pass under bridges, and eventually reach the tube chute and downtown sections.
This is the most scenic start, with massive oak trees providing shade and a more natural feel before entering developed areas.
Hinman Island Park
This mid-river access point shortens your float time while still providing a good river experience. Popular with locals who bring their own tubes and want a quick float without paying outfitters. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends.
Prince Solms Park
This is the most popular starting point, especially for families and first-timers. You’re right at the tube chute, rental facilities are steps away, parking is available, and the float from here to common exit points takes 1-2 hours.
Most people end their float at designated outfitter exit points or public access areas downstream from Prince Solms Park.
Outfitters make this simple. They shuttle you to your starting point, and you float back to where your car is parked.
Tubing Rentals & Outfitters
Tubing outfitters simplify the entire experience by providing equipment, transportation, and support services.
Expect to pay $15-25 per person for tube rental and shuttle service on the Comal. Cooler tubes add $10-15. Life jackets are typically free for children (legally required under age 13) and available for adults.
For a detailed comparison of specific outfitters, services, pricing, and customer reviews, check out our full Tubing Outfitters Comparison Guide.
Swimming and Relaxing in the Comal
Beyond tubing, the Comal offers excellent swimming opportunities for anyone wanting to enjoy the water without committing to a full float.
Popular Swim Areas
Hinman Island Park
This park provides direct river access with easy entry points suitable for wading and swimming. The water depth varies—shallow near banks, deeper in main channels.
The swimming area here is less structured than pool-like environments, which means you’re in a natural river setting with rocky bottoms and gentle current. It’s supervised by parents rather than lifeguards, so keep a close watch on children.
Prince Solms Park
Near the tube chute, you’ll find calmer zones perfect for swimming without the tube chute’s intensity. These areas let you enjoy the clear, cool water while staying close to facilities, parking, and rental services.
The water near Prince Solms tends to be shallower with easier access, making it appropriate for younger children who aren’t ready for deeper swimming.
Helpful Tips
Bring water shoes: The Comal’s rocky bottom ranges from smooth limestone to rougher stones. Water shoes protect your feet and provide a better grip for walking in and out of the river.
Flip-flops work for getting to the water, but aren’t great for actually being in the river since they float away.
Visit weekdays for fewer crowds: Summer weekends turn popular swimming areas into crowded scenes. If your schedule allows weekday visits, you’ll have significantly more space and a more relaxed experience.
Stay near lifeguards when available: Some areas have seasonal lifeguard supervision during peak summer months. If you’re visiting with young children or less confident swimmers, staying in supervised areas adds a safety layer.
Respect the current: Even the Comal’s gentle current can move children or weak swimmers downstream. Stay aware of where you are relative to your starting point, especially with kids who might drift while playing.
Paddle Sports (Kayaking, SUP & Canoeing)
The Comal’s short length and calm water create ideal conditions for paddle sports, especially for beginners learning balance and technique.
When paddling in the Comal, timing makes all the difference. Early mornings are honestly the best—you’ll have the river mostly to yourself, the wildlife is more active, and the water feels incredibly peaceful before the tubing crowds arrive around 10 AM.
Late afternoon can also be a sweet spot, once most tubers have packed up for the day. Try to avoid the peak window of 11 AM to 4 PM on summer weekends unless you enjoy weaving through a wall of inflatable tubes (spoiler: it’s not fun).
Launching is pretty easy, especially if you start at Landa Park, which has convenient parking and gentle access points for kayaks and canoes. Hinman Island Park is another solid option.
And before you head out, pack smart. Bring a life jacket (it’s required by law for paddlers), sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and a dry bag for anything you don’t want soaked.
Fishing on the Comal River
Fishing on the Comal River may not be as famous as casting a line on the Guadalupe, but it’s still a fun and surprisingly rewarding spot, especially if you enjoy peaceful mornings on crystal-clear water.
The river supports a healthy mix of species, including largemouth bass hiding in deeper shaded pools, plenty of sunfish perfect for kids learning to fish, and channel catfish cruising the slower sections.
If you’re planning to fish, just make sure you’re following the rules.
Anyone 17 or older needs a Texas fishing license, and certain stretches near heavy tubing and swimming zones restrict fishing altogether, so keep an eye on posted signs.
Bag limits, size limits, and method restrictions also apply, so checking current Texas Parks & Wildlife guidelines before you keep anything is a smart move.
For the best experience, aim for early morning or evening when the river is quiet, and fish are feeding. Once the tubing crowds roll in around midday during summer, the commotion tends to push fish into hiding—not to mention you’ll spend more time dodging floaters than casting.
Riverfront Parks & Recreation Along the Comal
The Comal River also winds through several parks in New Braunfels, each offering its own style of river access and outdoor fun.
Landa Park is the most well-known, and for good reason—at 51 acres, it’s packed with activities. Families can rent paddle boats on the sparkling spring-fed lake, relax under massive oak trees for a picnic, or let kids burn energy on multiple playgrounds.
There’s even miniature golf, a miniature train, the Landa Park Aquatic Complex, and scenic walking trails, making it easy to spend an entire day without running out of things to do.
If you prefer a more laid-back, natural experience, Hinman Island Park is a quieter spot with easy access for swimming, wading, kayaking, and tubing without the big crowds. It’s a favorite among locals who bring their own gear and enjoy a more peaceful stretch of the river.
Ready to Experience the Comal?
What makes the Comal special isn’t just its natural beauty or recreational opportunities; it’s the accessibility. This river flows through the heart of New Braunfels with easy access, ample parking (arrive early!), nearby amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
So yeah, I guess, all there’s left to say is to explore the Comal River and its surrounding nature responsibly. Follow all safety regulations, and I’m sure that you’ll have the best time of your life.
Featured image credit: @inandaroundnbtx via Instagram