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San Marcos River Float Guide | Tribe Bus Tours

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🌊 Crystal Clear Texas Waters

San Marcos River Float Guide

Planning a san marcos float? Get the complete guide to san marcos river tube rental, floating san marcos, and party bus transport to/from the river!

Book Float Trip Bus

 

~30 miles
from Austin • About 45 minutes

Why Float the San Marcos River?

The San Marcos River is spring-fed, crystal clear, and stays a perfect 72°F year-round. It’s one of the best floating san marcos experiences in Texas—less crowded than the Guadalupe, cleaner water, and close to Austin!

Book a party bus with Tribe Bus Tours for your san marcos river tube rental adventure. We drop you off, you float, we pick you up. No wet cars, no designated drivers, all fun!

San Marcos Float Essentials

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Tube Rentals

Lions Club, Don’s Fish Camp, and Texas State Tubes offer rentals. Prices vary by tube type.

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Float Time

City Park to Rio Vista: ~2 hours. Lions Club full route: ~3-4 hours.

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Water Temp

72°F year-round! Spring-fed means perfect temps even in summer heat.

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BYOB?

Alcohol allowed on the river! Use cans, no glass. Bring a cooler tube!

🚌 The Party Bus Advantage

Take a party bus to San Marcos! We pick everyone up, drop you at the river, and pick you up after your float. You’re already in swim mode—no driving required. Perfect for groups!

Float Day Made Easy! 🌊

Book a party bus for your San Marcos float trip!

How Far is San Marcos from Austin TX?

How far is san marcos from austin tx? Just about 30 miles south on I-35. That’s roughly 45 minutes without traffic. Close enough for a day trip, far enough to feel like an escape!

Best Time to Float

Summer weekends are packed. Go on a weekday if you can, or early morning on weekends. The river is floatable March-October, but May-September is peak season.

What to Bring

Sunscreen (reef-safe!), water shoes, cooler with drinks, waterproof phone case, and cash for tube rental. Tie everything to your tube!

San Marcos Float FAQ

How much are San Marcos river tube rentals?
Basic tubes run $15-25, premium tubes with bottoms $20-35, cooler tubes $15-20 extra. Cash is king at most outfitters.
Is the San Marcos River safe?
Generally yes! Watch for submerged obstacles, wear water shoes, and be aware of the small rapids at Rio Vista Dam (they’re fun but be careful).
Can you bring a cooler on the river?
Yes! Rent a cooler tube and bring drinks. No glass allowed—cans only. Stay hydrated with water too!
Why take a party bus to float?
Nobody has to drive after drinking on the river! We drop you off, pick you up, and the party continues on the ride home.

Ready to Float? 🛟

Book your san marcos float party bus with Tribe Bus Tours!