Texas State Tubes
Texas State Tubes
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Texas State Tubes is a family owned, student operated, premier floating service provider along the San Marcos River in Martindale, Texas. We provide all of your tubing needs i.e. shuttle services, rider and cooler tube rentals, waterproof merchandise, air pumps, and coolers. Our employees will assist you from the moment you arrive to ensure a memorable floating experience! No glass or styrofoam allowed on the river. Please take a complimentary life jacket if you can’t or are a weak swimmer
San Marcos, Texas
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
118 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
9
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Gabrielle
Orlando, FL24 contributions
Jul 2021
This was so much fun! We were visiting Austin for the first time and over the weekend, it was highly recommended that we try out the float down the river! I am so glad that we found Texas State Tubes to get us there it was a seamless process from start to finish. We opted for the drive yourself option and rented tubes as well as a cooler tube for the day. We stopped on the way to the start location and picked up drinks and a collapsible cooler. We arrived, checked in, and hit the water within 20 minutes. The entire time we were able to stay connected by all connecting to our cooler so we had a total of 4 floating together. Beware of larger groups on the water 10+ that want to float together and can easily overtake a smaller group. The best thing to do is go with the flow of the river and enjoy it! Will definitely be recommending to anyone who visits!
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyssaabae
4 contributions
May 2020
Great floating trip. The temperature of the water is perfect. The tubes have cup holders. The current speed changes throughout, and there are a few rapids. Be sure to "lift your butt" when you see rocks. When in a large group, be cautious of big rocks, because you can get wrapped around. They do not offer rope, however you can bring some yourself to tie your group together. We tied up 11 people this last trip. Next time I would do 2 separate groups and then just hold on to each other with our hands or feet to stay close.
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed H
Fort Worth, TX16 contributions
May 2020
Water temps were great, tubes have cup holders, current at different speeds with a few rapids. Lots of great shade trees along route. Currently recommending "reserved" time slots to comply with CV19. Highly recommended esp for later in day. Check-in process easy with waiver. Only bump was address on website took us to river exit. Follow 1st Hwy sign you see to entry. Bev / drink container restrictions much better than on Comal. Cooler Float has lots of room for cooler and gear.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffini A
Pflugerville, TX1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Friends
Knowing we were tubing on a weekend in the middle of summer, we paid online ahead of time. When we arrived, we waited in a vehicle entrance line that took over 30 minutes. When we finally reached the check-in, the employee told us they were at capacity and wouldn’t be allowing anyone in for at least 30 more minutes. I said we’re already paid and she said we could get back in line again in 30 minutes but that we could not wait there. At that point, we asked for a refund. Still waiting on that refund! Meanwhile, all the employees were sitting under the trees in the shade (I get it, it is hot) but I wish they had communicated to us when we first entered, before we got stuck in the vehicle line that they were full and allowed us to exit or turn around without being forced to continue to wait in that line (there was no way out, all rock barriers). Also, I don’t understand how they can legally get away with pre-selling tickets ahead of time and still not accommodate parties that had literally already paid in full early through their website. Our experience was unacceptable and we will not be returning. We drove down the street and found another tubing company with shuttles that took care of us. There are many other options to choose from and it’s not worth the headache or risk to go to Texas State Tubes.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paige M
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Myself and 15 other people (so about half the bus worth of individuals) were left in San Marcos with no way to get home. This was a very scary experience after realizing you have no way to get home and no one from the company was answering the phone or cared to help. Thankfully after hours another company made some arrangements to fit us all on different buses they had going to Austin. My car, which I had paid for 6 hours of parking in Austin was also towed because we ended up getting back 2+ hours later than expected. When I emailed the company about this they had no sympathy. They asked me to send an invoice for the tow (I assumed they were going to reimburse me or at least refund me), instead they just said sorry we can’t help you. Bottom line you might get left in San Marcos stranded and the company will do absolutely nothing about it. Chose a better company that cares about the safety of their guests.
Oh and the bus was 45 mins late leaving Austin in the first place but then they are willing to leave half the people when it takes 20 mins extra to get down the river on Memorial Day - ridiculous.
Oh and the bus was 45 mins late leaving Austin in the first place but then they are willing to leave half the people when it takes 20 mins extra to get down the river on Memorial Day - ridiculous.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We didn’t leave you stranded. You missed your bus by 45 minutes, which is why you got left. The other “25” people were sitting there waiting on your inconsiderate group. When you go on a “guided public trip” with other people on it you have to pay attention and be considerate of other people. You have also over exaggerated this story. You didn’t feel safe, but you were with 15 friends? 20 minutes late when the bus waited for y’all for 45 minutes?
We are a 2022 TripAdvisor company of the year, we didn’t get that way by providing bad service. I am sorry that y’all had a tough time, but sometimes you have to take responsibility of your own actions.
Written June 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jess Ica
1 contribution
May 2020 • Friends
Great 3 hour tubing trip. I hope this company continues to only allow a certain amount of tubers in at a time. Over crowding can make the trip too hectic and slow. Less people equals a better trip.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa C
Fort Worth, TX1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was our second trip this year to the river using Texas State Tubes both times. Being able to book my trip online at my convenience is a big plus. This is a good long float down the river, a good put in place and good exit place. We got to experience a few fun rapids even though it hasn’t rained in 70 plus days. We were happy that we could bring our own tubes since there’s do not have pillows, You’ll spend $10 less but you do need to deflate your own tubes as the buss does not accommodate for them. If you rent from Texas Tubes, they have guys that will take them for you at the end so you don’t need to do anything. If you do bring your own tube, check it first for any leaks. Either way you go, the staff is welcoming and sends out a thank you email.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashleigh D
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
My husband and I visited Texas State Tubs on Saturday 7/1. We were the first ones out on the river by 9:10am and we made it back to the car by 12:20pm. If you're wanting a private experience or avoid the large crowds, I highly recommend going early. We were 15 minutes ahead of everyone else and got to experience the nature and sunshine in peace and quiet! We rented two tubes plus a cooler float which was plenty of space for our small cooler and an extra bag. There were a few spots where the river got slow and some spots where the water was very shallow and we would drag on the rocks, but that's a river for you. We had no problem at all moving ourselves along or standing up and walking a few paces to deeper depths. We had several dragonflies hang around, but not really any other bugs to deal with. The one downside was an unfortunate surprise of a snake in the river towards the end of the ride, but my sudden shock (& scream) scared him as much as me and he quickly swam away. Again, that's a river for you. Definitely something to keep in mind, but I feel that if we were in a large crowd, we probably wouldn't have seen that happen. Overall, I highly recommend this experience. The river was as clean as can be expected and volunteers were out looking for trash, the tubes were inflated and did their job, and the staff were all very pleasant.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haley M
Austin, TX1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Friends
I have rented tubes multiple times from Texas State Tubes. I prefer their tubes because they are colorful instead of black; the black tubes get unbearably hot. I like that they let you choose your own tube (make sure to get a tube with a cup holder and handles!) and you can rent a separate cooler tube. I love this stretch of the San Marcos River because it’s clean and has some shaded areas and a few short fun rapids. It can get crowded but most people are friendly and in a good mood when they’re floating the river. I went on a public float from Austin with TST yesterday for the first time. I’ll definitely be doing it again! Nicky Wayne was a great host, funny and knowledgeable about the float. The trip was super convenient and well organized. Not to mention that everyone in our group could drink without having to worry about having a designated driver! I highly recommend TST!
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris v
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Friends
We booked Texas State Tubes for a group of 19 with round trip shuttle. They provided a seamless tubing experience on the San Marcos River with easy booking, comfortable tubes, and scenic views. Highly recommended for relaxation and enjoyment!
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do they have lockers to keep dry clothes and other personal belongings? Does a cooler automatically come with the cooler raft?
Written July 29, 2019
Oh an yes a separate tube with a cooler is provided. I loved being able to not worry about driving all day. I was able to relax and drink all day. Good times.
Written July 30, 2019
Where exactly does the transport pick you up from downtown?
Written September 8, 2018
Probably Labor Day since that's when all the other places pretty much close down
Written August 23, 2018
showalter72
Grapevine, Texas
how much for the tubs and cooler and parking and if their is near by hotels
Written July 18, 2017
$18 for Adults $16 for students/military,
Hotels in SanMarcos are about a 5 minute drive.
Written July 24, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.