Son's River Ranch

    Kayak the San Marcos — 20 Min from New Braunfels

    Same Hill Country river vibe — minus the Comal & Guadalupe chaos. Crystal-clear, spring-fed 72°F water on a private stretch with free shuttle and no waiting in line.

    Or call 877-577-7667
    20 Min from New Braunfels
    72°F Year-Round
    Shuttle Included

    The Quieter Hill Country Kayak Trip

    You live in New Braunfels. You already know the Comal and Guadalupe better than most — the good days, the bad days, and the weekends you avoid because of how packed the put-ins get. You also know the Guadalupe's flow can be unpredictable depending on Canyon Lake releases.

    Twenty minutes east on I-10 sits a different kind of Hill Country river day. The San Marcos River at Son's River Ranch is fully spring-fed, runs 72°F year-round, and never depends on rainfall or dam releases. Visibility is incredible — you can see straight down to every fish and rock under your kayak.

    Best part: it's a private property, not a public access point. Controlled crowds, free parking, free shuttle, family-friendly vibe. No fighting for a spot on the riverbank, no chasing your tube downstream past strangers' coolers. Just paddle, shuttle, paddle again — all day for $29.99.

    72°F

    Water Temp

    1.5 mi

    Paddle Route

    Unlimited

    Paddling

    Free

    Shuttle Service

    Kayak the San Marcos — Locals' Quiet Alternative

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    Get on the Water Today

    No reservations needed — grab your wristband and paddle all day. Add a cabana or picnic table for shade, grills & 25% off!

    Most Popular

    Ultimate River Fun Wristband

    From $29.99/person

    • ✓ Unlimited kayaking & tubing all day long
    • ✓ Kayak & Tube rental included
    • ✓ Unlimited shuttle rides back to the top
    • ✓ Private stretch — no Comal crowds
    • ✓ Spring-fed — never depends on dam releases
    • ✓ No reservations required

    Rent a Cabana or Riverside Covered Picnic Table

    and Get 25% Off Kayaking & Tubing

    Riverside cabana 1

    Riverside Cabanas

    From $69/day · Up to 15 Guests

    • Comfortable seating & hammock for relaxing between paddles
    • Bar-top counter — perfect for drinks & snacks
    • Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling
    • Picnic table included
    • Water & electricity hookups
    • Steps from the river — paddle and shuttle right back
    Covered picnic table 1

    Covered Picnic Tables

    From $49/day · Up to 10 Guests

    • Covered shade structure to beat the Texas heat
    • Large picnic table with seating for the whole group
    • Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling
    • Hammock for lounging between rides
    • Right on the riverbank — kayak and shuttle right back

    What's Included with Your Wristband

    Unlimited Kayaking

    Paddle the 1.5-mile route as many times as you want

    Unlimited Tubing

    Tube rental included — float all day with free shuttle

    Shuttle Service

    Free shuttle loops you back to start after each ride

    All Skill Levels

    No experience needed — gentle current, no rapids

    Your Kayak Route

    Launch from our private riverside put-in, paddle 1.5 miles downstream through cypress trees and crystal-clear, spring-fed 72°F water, then hop the free shuttle back to your car — and do it all over again. Your wristband covers unlimited all-day floats.

    1. 1

      Put in at Son's River Ranch

      We hand you a kayak and a paddle.

    2. 2

      Paddle 1.5 miles of quiet, spring-fed river

      Gentle current, no rapids, all skill levels.

    3. 3

      Pull out at our downstream take-out

      Hop the free shuttle back to your car.

    4. 4

      Repeat as many times as you want

      All day long — your wristband covers unlimited floats.

    Why Locals Drive 20 Min East

    72°F — Always

    100% spring-fed. Never depends on Canyon Lake releases like the Guadalupe.

    Crystal-Clear Water

    See every fish below your kayak. The Comal is clear too — but rarely this calm.

    Private & Family-Focused

    Controlled access, no rowdy weekend chaos. Just family river fun.

    Good to Know Before You Drive

    Kayak the San Marcos River from New Braunfels — Crystal-Clear, Spring-Fed Paddling

    Searching for the best kayaking near New Braunfels, TX? Son's River Ranch is the closest spring-fed, crystal-clear kayak rental near New Braunfels — just 20 minutes away via I-10 East from New Braunfels. Our private 1.5-mile stretch of the San Marcos River stays a perfect 72°F year-round, with small rapids and no dams. It's the ideal family kayaking, paddle boarding, and beginner-friendly Hill Country paddling spot — a quieter alternative to the crowded Comal & Guadalupe rivers. Plan your visit on our plan your visit page, or read our story to see why families from New Braunfels keep coming back.

    What's Included With Your $29.99 Wristband

    The Ultimate River Fun Wristband at $29.99/person is the best value for kayak rentals near New Braunfels: unlimited kayaking, unlimited tubing, kayak rental, paddle board rental, tube rental, our free shuttle service, and unlimited re-floats all day. Bringing your own kayak or paddle board? BYO wristbands are just $19.99/person. Kids 3 and under paddle free. Want shade and grills riverside? Add a cabana or picnic table from our day rentals and your whole group gets 25% off wristbands. Looking for tubing too? See our tubing guide for New Braunfels, and watch our specials page for seasonal savings.

    Make It a Weekend — Riverside Glamping Cabins

    Turn your kayak day trip from New Braunfels into a full Hill Country weekend. Our riverside glamping Cabins sit just steps from the launch — paddle in the afternoon, grill at your site, sleep to the sound of the river, and get back in your kayak before the drive home. Cabins sleep families comfortably with 4 Full beds each. See all riverside stay options on our New Braunfels glamping guide.

    More New Braunfels Kayaking Questions

    Ready for a Quieter River Day?

    20 minutes east on I-10. Crystal-clear 72°F water, private stretch, no Comal crowds. Just paddle.

    877-577-7667

    Tubing Near New Braunfels

    Calmer alternative to the Comal & Guadalupe.

    Kayaking Near San Marcos

    Same crystal-clear river, no city crowds.

    Kayaking Near San Antonio

    45 minutes from downtown San Antonio.

    Glamping Near New Braunfels

    Riverside cabins for the whole family.

    Current Specials & Promotions

    Save on day passes and overnight stays.

    All Day Rentals

    Kayaks, tubes, paddleboards, picnic tables.