Skip the Comal Crowds — Tube the San Marcos River
Just 25 minutes from downtown New Braunfels — float crystal-clear, 72°F spring-fed water on a private, family-friendly stretch. No party scene, no chaos, unlimited floats all day.
Why New Braunfels Locals & Visitors Drive 25 Minutes to Float With Us
Let's be honest — if you live in New Braunfels or you're visiting, you already know about tubing. The Comal, the Guadalupe, the Horseshoe Loop, the Schlitterbahn-area outfitters — you've probably done them all. They can be fun, but they can also be shoulder-to-shoulder packed, loud, and dominated by the spring-break / college-party scene. Sometimes you just want to actually relax on the river.
That's exactly why people from New Braunfels make the easy 25-minute drive northeast to Son's River Ranch. We're on the San Marcos River — a completely different, less-traveled river with crystal-clear, spring-fed 72°F water straight from the Edwards Aquifer. No dams. No chutes. No rapids. Just a calm, gentle current carrying you through a private 1.5-mile stretch of cypress-lined Hill Country.
For NB locals, this is the secret weekday escape — close enough to be a regular thing, but far enough that it's a true change of scenery from your home rivers. For visitors staying in New Braunfels, it's the family-friendly half-day trip that pairs perfectly with everything else you came here to do. Either way, it's tubing the way it should be: quiet, clean, and built around families, not party crowds.
We own both the put-in and the take-out, so our shuttle loops you right back to the start — tube as many times as you want all day for one flat price. No third-party drop-offs, no hour-long shuttle lines, no rushed one-way float. It's the calm Hill Country river day New Braunfels has been missing.
25 Min
From Downtown NB
72°F
Spring-Fed
Unlimited
Floats All Day
No
Party Scene
Comal & Guadalupe vs. The San Marcos at Son's
We love New Braunfels' rivers — but if you want a different kind of river day, here's what changes when you drive 25 minutes northeast.
Comal / Guadalupe Area
- • Often crowded — especially on weekends and holidays
- • Heavy party / college-spring-break crowd in peak season
- • Dams, chutes, and tube chutes break up the float
- • Mostly one-way trips with shuttle wait times
- • Familiar — you've probably done it many times
Son's River Ranch — San Marcos River
- ✓ Private 1.5-mile float — uncrowded even on busy days
- ✓ Family-first vibe — no party scene
- ✓ No dams, no chutes, no rapids — just a smooth float
- ✓ Unlimited floats — we own the put-in AND take-out
- ✓ A genuinely different river — refreshingly clear & calm
Not "better than" — just different. If you want to switch it up from the Comal or want a calmer day for the kids, we're 25 minutes away.
New Braunfels' Quiet Tubing Escape — 25 Minutes Away
Get on the Water Today
No reservations needed — grab your wristband and float all day. Add a cabana or picnic table for shade, grills & 25% off!
Most Popular
Ultimate River Fun Wristband
From $29.99/person
- ✓ Unlimited tubing & kayaking all day long
- ✓ Tube rental included — no need to bring your own
- ✓ Unlimited shuttle rides back to the top
- ✓ Crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River
- ✓ Perfect for families, groups & couples
- ✓ No reservations required — walk up & float
Spend the whole day on the river at your own pace. Float downstream on a tube, shuttle right back to the top, and do it all over again — as many times as you want!
Rent a Cabana or Riverside Covered Picnic Table
and Get 25% Off Tubing & Kayaking
Riverside Cabanas
From $69/day · Up to 15 Guests
- Comfortable seating & hammock for relaxing between floats
- Bar-top counter — perfect for drinks & snacks
- Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling out
- Picnic table included
- Water & electricity hookups
- Parking for two cars included
- Steps from the river — when you're ready to float, just hop in and we'll shuttle you right back up to your cabana!
A great way to spend the whole day — relax in the shade, fire up the grill, and float whenever you feel like it.
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 floats
- Parking for two cars included
- Right on the riverbank — hop on a tube anytime and we'll shuttle you right back
All the essentials for a perfect river day without breaking the bank. Grill, chill, and float at your own pace.
Your Tubing Route
Float 1.5 miles of crystal-clear San Marcos River from Son's River Ranch to Son's Blue River Camp. Our shuttle brings you right back to float again!
Route Details
We own both the put-in and take-out — that means a seamless experience with no third-party drop-offs. Float down, hop on the shuttle, and float again!
Tubing Pricing
Parking Pass (non-guests)
Day parking for visitors not staying overnight or who have not rented a cabana or picnic table
$20/vehicle
Why New Braunfels Families Float With Us
25 Min from NB
Quick drive northeast on I-35 — practically a local option
No Party Scene
Family-first vibe — no spring breakers, no chaos
Cypress-Lined
A different stretch of Hill Country than Comal/Guadalupe
No Reservations
Just show up during operating hours and grab a wristband
All Skill Levels
No experience needed — gentle current, no dams or rapids
What's Included with Your Wristband
Unlimited Tubing
Tube rental included — float the 1.5-mile route all day
Unlimited Kayaking
Kayaks included too — paddle whenever you want
Shuttle Service
Free shuttle loops you back to start after each float
A Different River Than the Comal & Guadalupe
72°F Year-Round
Spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer, the water stays a refreshing 72°F no matter the season — comfortable enough to float March through November.
Crystal-Clear Water
Visibility so stunning you can see every fish and river rock below your tube. One of the clearest rivers in the entire United States.
Never Runs Dry
The San Marcos River headwater spring is the strongest in Texas and has never run dry — flow stays consistent all season.
Ready for a Calmer River Day, New Braunfels?
Just 25 minutes northeast — grab your wristband, hop on the river, and float crystal-clear 72°F water all day long. No party crowds, no reservations needed.
FAQ's about Tubing Near New Braunfels
Make It a Weekend
Make a Weekend of It — Stay Riverside
and Get 20% Off Cabanas, Picnic Tables, Tubing & Kayaking
You're just 25 minutes from New Braunfels — don't rush home. Stay overnight in a glamping cabin, safari cabin, log cabin, or bell tent steps from the river. Wake up and float again.
Glamping Cabins
From $149/night · Sleeps 4
- Air conditioning & heating
- Queen bed + day bed
- Kitchenette with mini fridge
- Private fire pit & grill
- Steps from the river
Log Cabins
From $199/night · Sleeps 6
- Authentic log cabin experience
- AC, heating & electricity
- Multiple beds for families
- Private fire pit & grill
- Riverside location
Safari Cabins
From $249/night · Sleeps 9
- Full kitchen & bathroom
- TV, WiFi & AC
- Covered porch with river views
- Perfect for large groups & families
- Private fire pit & grill
Bell Tents
From $99/night · Sleeps 5
- Real beds — not sleeping bags
- Electricity & lighting
- Classic camping feel, elevated
- Communal fire pit area
- Riverside location
Find Us
Address
Son's River Ranch
2769 Sherrill Road
Kingsbury, TX 78638
📞 877-577-7667
Getting Here from New Braunfels
- • From New Braunfels: ~25 minutes via I-35 North
- • From San Antonio: ~45 minutes
- • From Austin: ~45 minutes
Explore More at Son's River Ranch
Kayaking Near New Braunfels
Calmer alternative to the Comal.
Tubing the San Marcos
Same river, less crowded than Comal.
Tubing Near San Antonio
45 minutes from downtown San Antonio.
Glamping Near New Braunfels
Stay riverside for the weekend.
Current Specials
Discounts on rentals and stays.
Plan Your Visit
Directions, hours, FAQs.