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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic swimming ability and ability to sit comfortably for several hours.
Wildlife
History
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.
Conservation
Efforts by the San Marcos River Foundation help protect the river’s water quality and habitats from pollution and overuse.
Austin Tour Company
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.
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.
Tours Offered
10 trips
River floats, winery tours & shuttles
Round-Trip
Included
Transportation provided for many trips
24/7 Transport
Available
Diverse fleet on call
BYOB & Bar
BYOB & Open Bar
Bring drinks or enjoy hosted bars
Check dates, reserve seats, or request a private charter — transportation and essentials included on many trips. Book now to lock in dates.
Bring Waterproof Bags
Keep your phone and valuables protected by using waterproof bags during the float.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Get to the departure point early to ensure smooth boarding and a relaxed start to your adventure.
Stay Hydrated
Even though you can BYOB, drinking plenty of water while floating is important, especially in the Texas sun.
Wear Sunscreen
Protect your skin by applying reef-safe sunscreen before and during the float.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin during prolonged sun exposure while being eco-friendly to the river.
summer
Waterproof Phone Case
Keeps your phone dry and safe to capture photos or communicate during the float.
Comfortable Water Shoes
Protects your feet from rocky river bottoms and provides better traction while in and out of the water.
spring
Reusable Cooler Bag
Keeps your drinks and snacks cold as you float along.