The Ultimate Guide to Tubing in Austin, TX

Tubing in Austin, TX

Tubing in Austin

Key Points Summary

Feature	Details
Best Time to Go	Late May – Early September (80°F+ weather)
Top Rivers	San Marcos, Guadalupe, Comal, and the Colorado
Transportation Tip	Party bus rentals for group tubing trips
Essentials to Bring	Waterproof bag, sunscreen, water shoes, drinks
Ideal For	Friends, birthdays, bachelor/ette parties, or chill weekends

Table of Contents

1. Tubing Austin TX: Why It's So Popular

2. Top Spots for Tubing in Austin

   • San Marcos River

   • Guadalupe River

   • Comal River

   • Colorado River (Austin-based)

3. Austin Tubing Experience: What to Expect

4. Tubing in Austin | What to Pack for

5. Party Bus Rental for Tubing in Austin

6. Best Local Outfitters and Services

7. Final Tips for a Safe & Fun Austin Tubing Day

   
   

Tubing Austin TX: Why It's So Popular

Austin is famous for its natural swimming holes, laid-back culture, and hot summers—all perfect ingredients for a tubing adventure. Locals and tourists alike flock to nearby rivers for a lazy float, cold drinks, and epic views.

Why tubing in Austin TX stands out:

• Close to downtown yet feels like a getaway

• BYOB-friendly rivers

• Easily paired with a party bus for group outings

• Popular for birthdays, corporate events, and bachelor/bachelorette parties

  
  

Top Spots for Tubing in Austin

While Austin itself doesn’t have many rivers directly in the city ideal for tubing, there are several amazing options nearby:

San Marcos River

• Distance from Austin: ~45 minutes

• Vibe: Clear spring-fed water, college-town party scene

• Best For: Groups, loud music, BYOB floats

• Popular Outfitters: Texas State Tubes, Lions Club Tube Rental

Guadalupe River

• Distance: ~1 hour

• Vibe: Natural beauty, longer floats

• Best For: Nature lovers, weekend getaways, overnight camp trips

• Popular Outfitters: Rockin’ R, Whitewater Sports

Comal River

• Distance: ~50 minutes

• Vibe: Short and sweet (2-3 hour float), gentle currents

• Best For: Families, first-timers, chill afternoons

• Popular Outfitters: Comal Tubes, Corner Tubes

Colorado River (Austin-Based)

• In the City: Launch from spots like Montopolis or Longhorn Dam

• Best For: DIY tubers with their own gear

• Note: Less serviced, but scenic and peaceful

Austin Tubing Experience: What to Expect

Tubing in Austin is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Here's a breakdown of what a typical float day looks like:

Activity	Description
Check-In	Arrive at your outfitter’s HQ, sign waivers, and grab your gear
Shuttle Ride	Most outfitters provide transport to and from the river
Floating	Chill for 2–6 hours (depending on the river) with drinks, music, and good company
Return Shuttle	Shuttle takes you back to your car or party bus

Tip: Most outfitters offer cooler tubes for drinks and mesh bottoms to hold your stuff.

What to Pack for Tubing in Austin

Item	Reason
Waterproof Bag	For phones, keys, and cash
Reusable Water Bottle	Stay hydrated, especially with alcohol
Sunscreen (Reef Safe)	Protect your skin from Texas sun
Sunglasses with Strap	Avoid losing them to the river gods
Water Shoes/Sandals	Some rivers have rocky areas
Snacks & Drinks	Most rivers are BYOB-friendly, no glass allowed

Party Bus Rental for Tubing in Austin

Going with a group? A party bus rental for tubing in Austin takes the whole experience to another level. It ensures safe transport, keeps the party going, and allows everyone to relax before and after floating.

Austin Party Bus Comparison Table

Bus Type	Capacity	Avg. Hourly Cost	Common Features
Small	10–15	$125–$150	Sound system, coolers, LED lights
Medium	16–25	$175–$200	Dancing pole, built-in bar, A/C
Large	26–40	$225–$275	Lounge seating, restroom, multiple coolers

Recommended Austin Party Bus Providers:

• Austin Party Bius

• 512 Party Bus

• Lonestar Party Buses

Pro Tip: Many buses offer round-trip packages with coordination for tubing schedules.

Best Local Outfitters and Services

Here's a quick look at trusted tubing outfitters that service Austin-based travelers:

Outfitter	River	Inclusions	Price Range
Texas State Tubes	San Marcos	Shuttle, tube, cooler tube	$30–$45/person
Lions Club Tubes	San Marcos	Tube rental only	$20–$25
Rockin’ R	Guadalupe	Shuttle, tube, optional lodging	$35–$55
Corner Tubes	Comal	Tube, locker, return shuttle	$25–$40

Final Tips for a Safe & Fun Tubing Day

1. Start early – Midday sun is hot; earlier floats are cooler and less crowded.

2. Pack light – Everything you bring may get wet or lost.

3. Bring a dry change of clothes – Especially if you're getting on a party bus afterward.

4. Don't overdrink – Public intoxication rules apply on the river.

5. Respect nature – Don’t litter, and avoid glass or styrofoam.

   
   

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a wild group outing or a lazy float with a few friends, tubing in Austin Texas is a rite of passage in the Texas summer. With scenic rivers, great outfitters, and even party bus options, there’s no better way to cool off, connect, and kick back.