Here’s the thing about tubing in New Braunfels: the river experience itself is going to be great regardless of which outfitter you choose.
The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers don’t change based on who rents you a tube, and the water activities—from tubing to paddleboarding and swimming—are what make these rivers amazing in the first place.
But the experience around the actual float, including the convenience, costs, and other extra services, absolutely varies between outfitters.
With multiple tubing outfitters operating along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, each one brings something slightly different to the table.
This comparison guide breaks down what each outfitter offers, what they charge, who they serve best, and how to choose the right one for your specific group and priorities.
Key Factors to Evaluate in a Tubing Outfitter
Before we dive into specific companies, let’s talk about what actually matters when choosing a tubing outfitter.
Tube Rental Options: Not all tubes are created equal. Some outfitters offer basic open tubes (no bottom), bottom tubes (vinyl bottom for comfort and support), cooler tubes (designed to hold coolers securely), and even dog tubes (with hard bottoms for furry floaters).
If you’re bringing kids who need extra support or planning to bring beverages and snacks, tube variety matters.
Shuttle Service: This is huge. After floating downstream for one to three hours, do you really want to walk a mile back upriver to where you started?
Good outfitters include shuttle service—they drive you upriver to your starting point, you float back down to their location where your car is parked, and you’re done. Some outfitters charge extra for shuttles or have limited shuttle times that might not work with your schedule.
Parking Convenience: Where you park, how much it costs, and how far you walk from your car to the river affects your entire experience. Outfitters with on-site parking just steps from river entry make life easier than places requiring long walks or off-site parking.
River Entry and Exit Points: Private entry points mean you’re not competing with hundreds of people at public access areas. Easy exits with clear signage prevent confusion about where to get out. Some outfitters have exclusive access that makes the experience smoother.
Cooler Policy: New Braunfels has specific rules about coolers—only reusable containers, no disposable, no glass, no Styrofoam. Outfitters interpret and enforce these rules differently.
Some provide cooler tubes and even rent coolers. Others expect you to bring your own. Understanding each outfitter’s cooler approach matters if you’re planning to bring drinks and snacks.
Price and What’s Included: Basic tube rental prices range from $15 to $30, but what’s included varies dramatically. Some prices include shuttle service, parking, life jackets, and river fees. Others charge separately for each component.
Always ask what the quoted price actually covers to compare apples to apples.
Additional Services: Beyond basic tubing, some outfitters rent kayaks, rafts, paddleboards, and other watercraft. They might offer storage lockers, restrooms, convenience stores selling forgotten essentials, and other amenities that enhance your day.
Flexibility: Do you need reservations or can you walk up? What’s the last rental time? When does the final shuttle run? Some outfitters operate on strict schedules, while others offer more flexibility. Understanding these policies prevents showing up too late or getting stranded.
Local Tubing Outfitters Comparison
Let’s break down the major outfitters serving New Braunfels’ rivers with details on what each offers, what they charge, and who they serve best.
Texas Tubes
Location: 250 Meusebach St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-9900
Rivers Served: Comal River
Season: March through October
Texas Tubes is perched right on the shoreline of the Comal River in downtown New Braunfels, with parking lot and tube stand just 20 feet from the river, making it easy to load up gear and hop right in.
What’s Included:
Tube with bottom and one shuttle costs $25. All tube rentals include the float trip itself and the return shuttle ride back from the end of your float to the starting point at the rental counter.
Cooler Options: You can bring your own 30-quart cooler for free, or rent a cooler for $15 plus a $10 refundable deposit.
Additional Float: When you finish your first float trip, you can go again for $15, with a cutoff time for additional floats at 3:30 PM.
Personal Tubes: River entry for a personal tube is $25 and includes one shuttle and a wristband that signifies you’ve paid, with a cutoff time of 3:30 PM.
Best For: Groups bringing coolers, people who want convenient parking and quick river access, anyone planning to float multiple times in one day, budget-conscious tubers who want to bring their own tubes but need shuttle service.
Comal Tubes
Location: 1880 South Business IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 830-609-9024
Rivers Served: Comal River
Hours: Open 9-3 Daily | Last Shuttle Leaves at 3pm
Comal Tubes is known for friendly staff and good rental gear quality. They emphasize customer service and helping first-timers feel comfortable on the water. The float-bag and cooler-friendly rental options make bringing valuables and refreshments easier.
What’s Included:
Comal Tubes offers tube rentals with shuttle service, floats on spring-fed 72°F water, and various accessories like dry bags, coolers, and float bags. Standard tube plus shuttle starts around $25 per person.
Best For: First-timers who want helpful staff and good equipment, families seeking reliable service, convenience-seekers who appreciate organized operations.
Corner Tubes
Location: 120 S. Liberty Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 830-626-6687
Rivers Served: Comal River
Nearly 50 years of operation means they’ve perfected their systems and built strong relationships with the community. The flexible tube options cater to everyone from solo adults to families with young kids to dog owners wanting to bring pets.
What’s Included:
Like the other outfitters mentioned, Corner Tubes offer a one-time tube rental for $25. If you feel like staying for longer, an all day tube rental is available for $35. Both prices are already inclusive of city fees and taxes.
Complimentary life jackets are also available for all sizes.
Pet-Friendly: Corner Tubes loves furry floaters and recommends that a bottom tube with a hard bottom be used for dog rides.
Best For: Families with children needing bottom tubes, pet owners wanting to bring dogs, people bringing coolers or valuables who need appropriate tube options, anyone who values experience and established operations.
Rockin’ R River Rides
Location: 1405 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Phone: 830-629-9999
Rivers Served: Both Comal and Guadalupe Rivers (multiple locations including Gruene area)
The flexibility of choosing between rivers and watercraft types makes Rockin’ R ideal for mixed groups where some people want calm tube floats while others prefer more adventurous rafting or kayaking.
Multiple pickup points including locations near historic Gruene provide convenience.
If your group can’t agree on one activity or you want to try different experiences during your visit, Rockin’ R’s variety solves that problem.
What’s Included:
Rockin’ R offers more than just tubes—they provide rafts, kayaks, day passes, season passes, group floats, and shuttle services. Pricing varies based on what type of watercraft and which river you choose.
Best For: Mixed groups with different adventure preferences, people wanting options beyond basic tubing (rafts, kayaks, paddleboards), visitors staying in Gruene who want nearby access, anyone interested in exploring both Comal and Guadalupe rivers during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own tube instead of renting?
Yes, most outfitters allow personal tubes but still charge for shuttle service and river access. Personal tubes are allowed on the Comal River as long as they do not exceed five feet in diameter.
Are coolers or alcohol allowed when tubing?
Often yes, but only in approved cooler tubes using reusable containers. No disposable containers, glass, or styrofoam allowed. Alcohol consumption is legal on New Braunfels rivers, but public intoxication laws apply.
What are typical shuttle hours or return pickup times?
Many outfitters stop renting around mid-afternoon, for example 3:30 PM for last tube rental, with shuttle returns running 1-3 hours later. Always confirm specific times when booking.
Is tubing okay for kids? What’s minimum age?
Many outfitters allow kids 4-5 years old and up, though some require minimum age of 6. Bottom tubes and life jackets help younger children feel secure. Always check specific age requirements before bringing young kids.
Are dogs allowed on tubes?
Some outfitters like Corner Tubes love furry floaters and recommend bottom tubes with hard bottoms for dog rides. Texas Tubes also accommodates dogs. Always confirm pet policies and ensure dogs wear life jackets.
What happens if river levels are low or water quality is poor?
Outfitters may suspend shuttles or float trips during unsafe conditions. Heavy rains causing increased river flow sometimes cause temporary closure of public access to the Comal River.
Always check current river conditions and safety alerts before booking, especially if recent weather has been extreme.
How to Choose & Have a Great Tubing Experience
No single outfitter is “best” for everyone—the right choice depends on your group size, budget, priorities (coolers, kids, rafts, pets), and what kind of experience you’re seeking.
Plan ahead by calling outfitters to confirm current pricing, policies, and availability. And please, respect river rules—the container prohibitions exist for environmental protection and everyone’s safety.
For more detailed information, check our related guides on river safety, tubing routes, and New Braunfels water activities. Now go book your float and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers!
Featured image credit: @inandaroundnbtx via Instagram