Comal River Rules 2026 New Braunfels & Can Ban
If you are planning a float this year, here are the Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels has in place, straight from the City of New Braunfels. The city enforces a strict container ban along with several other rules on the river, and knowing them before you arrive will save you a headache at the gate and possibly a fine. Below you will find everything you need to know, including what you can bring, what is not allowed, and how the ordinance is enforced.
Please review all rules before your visit to avoid fines of up to $500. These rules apply to everyone floating the Comal River, regardless of which outfitter you rent from or whether you bring your own tube.
Top 3 Comal River Rules Guests Are Not Prepared For
1. The Disposable Container (Can Ban) Also Covers Food Packaging. Most people know the Comal River can ban means no aluminum cans, but a lot of guests do not realize it also applies to food packaging. Chip bags, candy wrappers, sandwich baggies, and paper or styrofoam plates all fall under the same disposable container ordinance. If you are packing snacks, transfer them into reusable, snap-top containers before you head down to the river.
2. Coolers Are Limited to One 30qt Cooler Per Person. You are allowed to bring a cooler, but it needs to be 30 quarts or smaller per person and must have a locking lid. Styrofoam coolers are not permitted under state law. We also recommend a soft sided cooler over a hard sided one. Soft sided coolers conform better to the odd shapes of reusable containers and tend to ride easier in a tube.
3. Double Tubes and Oversized Tubes Are Not Allowed. The City of New Braunfels does not allow tubes over 5 feet in diameter on the Comal River, which includes double or tandem tubes. Oversized tubes do not fit through the Tube Chute and cause backups for everyone else on the river. Stick to a standard single tube to keep your float smooth and avoid being turned away at the entrance.
Container Ban Explained — Watch Before You Go
What Can I Bring on the Comal River?
Official infographic courtesy of the City of New Braunfels, Texas
⚠ City park rangers and police officers actively enforce these rules on the river. Violations of the disposable container ordinance (Chapter 86.14) are subject to fines of up to $500. Your cooperation helps protect the Comal River for everyone.
Comal River Rules 2026 New Braunfels: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions guests ask about Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels has in place before they book a float.
Why are double tubes not allowed on the Comal River?
The City of New Braunfels limits tubes to 5 feet in diameter or less. Double and tandem tubes exceed this limit and do not fit through the Tube Chute, which causes backups and safety issues for everyone else floating that day. Stick to a single tube per person.
Why does New Braunfels have a can ban on the Comal River?
The City of New Braunfels put the container ban in place to keep the river clean and reduce litter, glass hazards, and trash buildup along the banks. The ordinance has helped keep the Comal one of the cleanest tubing rivers in Texas, and it is strictly enforced every season.
Can I bring a cooler tubing on the Comal River?
Yes. Per the Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels enforces, you are allowed one 30 quart cooler per person as long as it has a locking lid. Styrofoam coolers are not permitted under state law. A soft sided cooler is a great option since it conforms to the shape of your tube and packs more comfortably than a rigid hard sided cooler.
What happens if I get caught with a banned container?
City park rangers and police actively patrol the river. If you are found with a disposable container you can be fined up to $500 and asked to leave the river. It is always best to transfer drinks into a reusable container before you head out.
Do the Comal River rules apply no matter which outfitter I use?
Yes. The Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels has in place, including the container ban and general river rules, are set by the City of New Braunfels and apply to every guest on the river, regardless of which tubing company you rent from or if you bring your own equipment.
Is there an age limit for tubing the Comal River?
Guests must be at least 4 years old to float the river. This rule is in place for the safety of younger children given the current and depth of certain sections of the Comal.
Landa River Trips is located on the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. The Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels enforces include the disposable container ordinance (Chapter 86.14), which prohibits all disposable containers including aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass, chip bags, and Styrofoam. Violations are subject to fines of up to $500. Landa River Trips has been helping guests follow Comal River rules and enjoy the Tube Chute in New Braunfels since 1986.
Now that you know the Comal River rules 2026 New Braunfels requires, are you new to the Comal River? Read our Complete Comal River Tubing Guide for everything you need to know before you arrive.