THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Float down the San Marcos River with easy bus access from Austin. Enjoy tubes, coolers, and a BYOB vibe plus an exciting after party at RAIN.
Float down the San Marcos River with easy bus access from Austin. Enjoy tubes, coolers, and a BYOB vibe plus an exciting after party at RAIN.
Book with Austin Tour Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Austin Tour Company · Austin, Texas
Embark on a vibrant outdoor adventure with the Big Gay River Float, a unique experience offered by Austin Tour Company. This private trip combines the excitement of tubing down the scenic San Marcos River with the convenience of round-trip bus transportation from Austin. Spend 3.5 to 4 hours floating along crystal-clear waters with your provided tube and cooler, giving you the freedom to bring your own drinks and enjoy the sun-dappled currents at your own pace. This trip is perfect for groups seeking a lively day of relaxation and fun on the water. Wrapping up your float, you'll head to the popular after party at RAIN in San Marcos, where lively tunes and refreshing drinks create a festive atmosphere to keep the good times flowing. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just escaping the city bustle, this float is an ideal mix of adventure, camaraderie, and comfort. The scenic drive, river views, and party vibe make this an all-around memorable day trip close to Austin's urban center.
easy.
3.5–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic swimming ability and ability to sit comfortably for several hours.
Yes, the bus provides convenient round-trip transportation from Austin to the San Marcos River launch point.
Absolutely! This is a BYOB adventure, so feel free to bring your favorite drinks in your cooler.
Yes, the tour includes tubes and coolers for each participant.
Wear swimwear, lightweight clothing, and comfortable water shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
Basic swimming skills are recommended for safety, but the river current is gentle and tubing is beginner-friendly.
After the float, you can join the lively after party at RAIN for food, drinks, and socializing.
The San Marcos River is one of the oldest rivers in Texas and has been a vital resource for local indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Efforts by the San Marcos River Foundation help protect the river’s water quality and habitats from pollution and overuse.
Austin Tour Company connects locals and visitors with curated outdoor adventures and transportation in and around Austin. Specializing in San Marcos River floats, Hill Country winery tours, festive shuttles, and themed cruises, the company organizes private and public experiences that include round-trip transportation, equipment, and local partnerships. Popular offerings include private river floats with tubes and coolers, public river floats on Saturdays/holidays and Sunday–Friday schedules, the Big Gay River Float with bus pick-up from Austin, Wine Down Winery Tour and Taste & Tour: Texas Hill Country, the Drag Queen Bingo Brunch Boat with buffet and open bar, and Wheels to Wurstfest for festival shuttles to New Braunfels. Guides and drivers operate licensed vehicles and a diverse fleet available for scheduled trips and on-demand transportation. Safety protocols, clearly stated inclusions, and provided essentials such as tubes, coolers, and pickup coordination help ensure smooth, memorable days. Many river floats are BYOB; some experiences include hosted bars and local catering partners. Transportation services also offer 24/7 availability for flexible arrivals and departures. Booking information, pickup locations, and duration are clearly listed per trip so guests can choose the right experience. By working with local vendors, maintaining reliable logistics, and offering both private and group options, Austin Tour Company aims to make planning easy and to deliver accessible, enjoyable Texas outings for a wide range of travelers. Customer reviews highlight punctual pickups, friendly guides, clear communication, and well-maintained equipment — attributes that consistently earn repeat bookings and positive local recommendations. Families and groups recommend them.
Book with Austin Tour Company