Which river is better to float Comal or Guadalupe?

The Comal River is the best river to tube and float in Texas because it consistently has excellent river levels for tubing and swimming and since the Comal River is 100% spring-fed, it is one of the cleanest rivers in Texas, if not the United States! Another reason that the Comal River is the best river for tubing is ...



In 2026, the "better" river depends entirely on your group's desired vibe. The Comal River in New Braunfels is the "family-friendly" choice; at only 2.5 miles long, it offers a gentle, shallow 2.5-to-3-hour float with crystal-clear 72°F water year-round. Its signature feature is the "Tube Chute," a concrete water slide that kids love. The Guadalupe River is the "adventure and camping" choice; it is wider, more rugged, and features mild rapids. The water is noticeably colder (65–68°F), which feels incredible in the 100°F Texas heat. The Guadalupe’s "Horseshoe Loop" is a high-value option for those who want to "float all day" for a single fee. For a 2026 weekend, choose the Comal if you want a short, easy float near city amenities, or the Guadalupe if you want to spend the whole weekend camping on the riverbank and navigating a more natural, outdoorsy environment.

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The Guadalupe River is easily the most well-known tubing river in the entire Lone Star State. The 230-mile river runs from Central Texas all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The most popular stretches to float are in the Texas Hill Country, especially near New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, and San Antonio.

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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.

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Current Guadalupe River Status: The River is Open!

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River flow above 1,200cfs means there's more than 1,200 cubic feet of water rushing through any given point in the river every second. Therefore, it's too dangerous to float.

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It was determined that the Guadalupe River does not have sufficient capacity to carry the 100-year flows it was originally designed for. The stretch of creek without sufficient capacity is between Tasman Drive and Interstate 880.

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The outflow that empties the lake into the Guadalupe River is at the very deepest point, so this supply of winter-stored water continues to chill the river, even in the middle of summer, with water temperatures that are close to those in February.

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It is a tributary of the Guadalupe River. The Comal begins at Comal Springs in Landa Park and flows 2.5 miles (4.0 km) until its junction with the Guadalupe. The Comal River as it runs past Schlitterbahn water park.

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SAN MARCOS RIVER The route takes about 3-4 hours and is the best option for groups. Additionally, the Comal & Guadalupe River have become VERY strict on drinks while floating, so if you plan on drinking while floating then I recommend the San Marcos above all other options.

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Use a Comal River Tubing Outfitter A River Outfitter is your one-stop shop for enjoying the Comal River in New Braunfels. Typically, their prices range from $15 to $22 per person, which often includes parking, shuttle service (to and from the river), tube rental, and other fees.

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GUADALUPE RIVER TUBING COSTS & FEES Expect to spend $15-22 per person, including shuttle, tube rental, and fees. Most outfitters require a driver's license or credit card to hold as a rental deposit.

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Texas, the second-largest U.S. State has a ton of snake species — at last count the total was around 80. So, wherever you go within the Lonestar State, there's a good chance you'll find several snakes — the Guadalupe River is no exception. Beginning in Kerr County, Texas, the Guadalupe River's course flows 230 miles.

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