City Tube Chute
Experience the thrill of the Comal River's City Tube Chute, a unique natural water slide and popular tubing spot in New Braunfels, Texas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds & parking fees
City Tube Chute
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds & parking fees
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of the Comal River's City Tube Chute, a unique natural water slide and popular tubing spot in New Braunfels, Texas.
"The 'Thru the Chute' event is EASILY one of my FAVORITE annual events in New Braunfels!
"🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for navigating the riverbed and protecting your feet.
🛟 Bring a Life Jacket
Recommended for safety, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tube Chute Thrill
Comal River
Experience the exhilarating rush of the City Tube Chute, a unique river feature for thrill-seekers.
Thru the Chute Boat Race
City Tube Chute
Witness creative cardboard boats race through the chute in this fun, annual community event.
Comal River Floating
Comal River
Enjoy a classic Texas river float, with rental tubes and riverside amenities available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for navigating the riverbed and protecting your feet.
🛟 Bring a Life Jacket
Recommended for safety, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Gates can lock by 7 PM in summer due to overcrowding.
💰 Parking Fees
Expect to pay for parking on weekends; it's free after 7 PM.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for navigating the riverbed and protecting your feet.
🛟 Bring a Life Jacket
Recommended for safety, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Gates can lock by 7 PM in summer due to overcrowding.
💰 Parking Fees
Expect to pay for parking on weekends; it's free after 7 PM.
🛶 Tube Rentals Available
Rentals are offered, but bringing your own is also an option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The City Tube Chute offers a unique river experience, with the annual 'Thru the Chute' cardboard boat race being a highlight for many. While the natural beauty and fun of tubing are appreciated, some visitors have raised concerns about safety, congestion, and lifeguard vigilance, particularly during peak times.
"Such an interesting spot. I did not end up tubing nor would I have gone through the tube shoot because I don’t like adrenaline rushes. It was closed whenever I walked through the park as it was late at night. Night is a great time to visit, when no one is around you can really take in the sound of nature against the beautiful sky."
Misty B
"I had a challenging experience at the tube chute, and I feel it's important to share my concerns for the sake of safety and improvement. My group of three entered the chute separately, but I noticed many people were tied together, which I believe contributed to some safety issues. Unfortunately, I lost track of my partner while navigating the chute, and we became stuck against the wall alongside a group of seven people tied together.
As we exited, I fell out of my tube, became separated from my son, and struggled to get back above water amidst the heavy congestion of tubers. It was a frightening experience, and when I finally managed to surface, I found myself without my family, my rented tubes, and my belongings.
I sought assistance from the lifeguards on duty, but I felt they were not as vigilant as needed. They appeared to be more focused on enjoying their time rather than actively monitoring the situation and providing help. I genuinely believe that with a little more attention and communication, they could have made a significant difference.
Fortunately, the parks and recreation rangers in the area were incredibly helpful. They provided me with water and assisted in helping me retrieve my lost items and reconnect with my family. As a retired lifeguard myself, I understand the importance of effective supervision and response in these environments. I hope that sharing my experience can encourage enhanced training and awareness for lifeguards in the future to ensure the safety of all visitors."
Alyssa Wilson
"Nice place to have a pleasant time. We visited on winter so there are no tube activities, Anyway we sat at the edge if the river and had a good afternoon.
No cover on this season and parking was free.
The water is so clean and the place as well.
Of course we'll get back in summer, I'm prettysure it's a place with lots of fun.
I didn't give 5 stars cause I wanna try on other season."
ever vargas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The City Tube Chute is located on the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. You can access it via various points along the river, with the main park entrance often cited as being near 462 E. Mill Street.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends, with fees often around $25.Parking can be expensive, often around $25. Some visitors suggest arriving early on weekends or visiting after 7 PM when parking might be free.
Be aware that some exits may not be conveniently located near return points.Information on direct public transportation to the City Tube Chute is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
Yes, you can visit the park and enjoy the river views without tubing. Some visitors have enjoyed sitting by the river in the off-season.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays, especially before 7 PM, or visit during the off-season like winter.
Weekends and holidays can get extremely busy, with gates sometimes locking by 7 PM.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While attending events like the Thru the Chute race is free, tubing activities may involve parking fees and rental costs. Parking can be around $25, and tube rentals are approximately $30.
During summer, the park can get busy and gates may lock by 7 PM on weekends and holidays.
Off-season visits are generally more relaxed.Advance booking is generally not required for tubing, but it's advisable to check for specific event details or peak season recommendations.
Specific restrictions are not widely published, but it's recommended to use caution and consider life jackets for children or non-swimmers.
Yes, you can typically bring your own tubes, coolers, food, and drinks for your river float.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's a unique section of the Comal River designed for tubing, offering an exhilarating ride. Some visitors find it thrilling, while others prefer to avoid the adrenaline rush.
Safety can be a concern, especially during peak times. Visitors have reported issues with congestion, losing track of family members, and needing assistance from lifeguards or park rangers.
Wearing water shoes and life jackets is highly recommended.Amenities can vary, but nearby outfitters like Float'nTX offer tube rentals, cabanas, a restaurant, bar, and lawn games.
Lifeguards are typically on duty during busy periods.This is an annual cardboard boat race where participants build homemade boats to navigate the City Tube Chute on the Comal River. It's a popular, free community event.
Yes, the park surrounding the Tube Chute is accessible for walking and enjoying the natural scenery, especially during quieter times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, nearby outfitters like Float'nTX have a riverside restaurant and bar. You can also bring your own food and drinks to enjoy by the river.
Absolutely! Bringing your own coolers with food and drinks is generally permitted and encouraged for a full day of river fun.
Food options during the event might be limited to vendors or nearby establishments. It's best to check event details closer to the date or plan to bring your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The Tube Chute itself offers dynamic shots of tubers navigating the water. The surrounding riverbanks and the park provide scenic backdrops, especially during events like the boat race.
Yes, the race is a very photogenic event with creative boats and excited participants. Capturing the action from the riverbanks is ideal.
Visiting at night can offer a unique, peaceful atmosphere for photography, with fewer crowds and the natural sounds of the river.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended if you plan to be near the water. For events, a zoom lens can be useful for capturing action from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Comal River
When planning your float, consider the different access points and rental companies. Some offer longer floats, while others focus on shorter, more accessible sections. Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks. The river can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so planning your visit during off-peak hours or weekdays can significantly enhance your experience.
Safety is paramount when enjoying the Comal River. Always wear appropriate footwear, such as water shoes, to protect your feet from the riverbed. A life jacket is also highly recommended, especially for children or those who are not strong swimmers. Be mindful of other tubers and potential congestion, particularly near the Tube Chute.
The 'Thru the Chute' Cardboard Boat Race
This free, family-friendly event draws large crowds who come to cheer on the inventive teams. It's a testament to the community spirit and a fun way to experience the river. The race typically takes place in late April, making it a great spring activity. Spectators can line the riverbanks to watch the often humorous and sometimes disastrous attempts to conquer the chute.
If you're interested in participating in future 'Thru the Chute' races, start planning your cardboard vessel early! It's a fantastic opportunity to get creative and join in on a unique local tradition. Even if you're not competing, attending as a spectator offers a memorable and entertaining day out.
Safety and Visitor Experiences
The effectiveness of lifeguards has also been questioned, with one retired lifeguard noting that they seemed more focused on enjoying themselves than actively monitoring the situation. Fortunately, park rangers were praised for their helpfulness in assisting with lost items and reuniting families. This underscores the importance of having well-trained and attentive staff to ensure visitor safety.
To mitigate risks, visitors are strongly advised to wear water shoes and life jackets, and to avoid tying tubes together in large groups. Planning your visit during less crowded times, like weekdays or evenings, can also contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit