Do you need to know how to swim to tube the Comal?

The sweet spot for locals is May, early June, and September through October — warm enough to be comfortable, crowds are manageable, and the river is at its most beautiful. July and August are peak season with maximum crowds but also maximum energy. For the quietest experience, weekday mornings before 9 a.m. any time from May through October. The river is technically floatable year-round at 72 degrees but commercial operations slow or close from November through March.

A typical tube float on the Comal from put-in to take-out runs 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels and how often you stop. The river is approximately 2.5 miles. The commercial outfitters run shuttle buses back to the start so you don't need to arrange your own vehicle shuttle.

The Comal is shorter, gentler, and spring-fed at a constant 72 degrees — the classic family tubing river. The Guadalupe is longer, more variable, and offers more terrain ranging from flat canyon water near Gruene to genuine Class I-II rapids further upstream. First-timers and families with kids start on the Comal. More experienced floaters and kayakers graduate to the Guadalupe.

Yes. Landa Park provides free public access to the Comal River. If you bring your own tube, you can put in at the park and float without using a commercial outfitter. You'll need to arrange your own transportation back to the park or arrange a shuttle with someone in your group. The commercial outfitters earn their fee primarily through the shuttle service.