--- title: "Guadalupe River Facts — Where It Starts, How Deep, Alligators & More | Son's" description: "Everything you've wondered about the Guadalupe River in Texas — where it starts and ends, how long, how deep, alligators, flooding, and the best stretch for tubing near New Braunfels." lang: en-US json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Guadalupe River Facts — Where It Starts, How Deep, Alligators & More", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog/guadalupe-river-facts-guide" } ] }, { "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Guadalupe River Facts — Where It Starts, How Deep, Alligators & More", "description": "Everything you've wondered about the Guadalupe River in Texas — where it starts and ends, how long, how deep, alligators, flooding, and the best stretch for tubing near New Braunfels.", "image": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/og-image.png", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Guadalupe" }, "datePublished": "2026-05-27", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog/guadalupe-river-facts-guide" }, "keywords": "guadalupe river facts, where does the guadalupe river start, how long is the guadalupe river, how deep is the guadalupe river, alligators in the guadalupe river, guadalupe river texas, guadalupe river new braunfels" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where is the Guadalupe River?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Guadalupe River runs through south-central Texas, flowing roughly southeast from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. Its most popular recreational stretch winds through New Braunfels and the surrounding River Road area — that's where most tubing, cabana rentals, and family floats happen." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where does the Guadalupe River start and end?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The river begins in western Kerr County, Texas, where its North and South Forks meet near Hunt. From there it travels about 230 miles southeast through Kerrville, Comfort, New Braunfels, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria before emptying into San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is the Guadalupe River?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "About 230 miles from its headwaters in the Hill Country to San Antonio Bay. The stretch tubers and cabana guests care about — the spring-fed section between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels — is roughly 25 miles long." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How deep is the Guadalupe River?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Depth varies dramatically. The tubing stretch near New Braunfels is generally 2 to 5 feet deep, with occasional pools up to 10 feet. Deeper holes exist below Canyon Dam and in stretches downstream. The shallow, predictable depth is exactly why the New Braunfels section is so family-friendly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there alligators in the Guadalupe River?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Not in the tubing section. Alligators live in the lower river and estuary near the Gulf Coast — well downstream of New Braunfels. The Hill Country stretch where you'll be floating is clear, cool, spring-fed water with turtles, fish, and herons — no gators." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does the Guadalupe River flood?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Texas Hill Country has steep terrain and thin soil. Heavy rain runs off fast, and the Guadalupe can rise quickly during storms. Canyon Dam, built in 1964, regulates flow on the most-tubed stretch, which is part of why this section is so reliably floatable in summer." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Guadalupe River clean?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — especially the upper/middle stretch near New Braunfels. The water is spring-fed, clear enough to see the bottom in most spots, and runs cool (around 70°F) even in August." } } ] } ] } --- 🏕️🌊 $199 CABANAS & $24.99 ALL-DAY TUBING THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND - BOOK NOW! 🎉☀️ 🏕️🌊 $199 CABANAS & $24.99 ALL-DAY TUBING THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND - BOOK NOW! 🎉☀️ [![Son's Guadalupe - Private River Basecamp](/assets/logo-B_Gj14XO.png)](/) Day Rentals [Tubing](/tubing)[Property Map](/property-map)[FAQs](/faqs)[Blog](/blog)[Contact Us](/contact) [877-577-7667 ](tel:877-577-7667)Book Now Book Now 1. [Home](/) 2. [Blog](/blog) 3. Guadalupe River Facts — Where It Starts, How Deep, Alligators & More ![The Guadalupe River winding through the Texas Hill Country near New Braunfels](/assets/river-view-esXinr7k.jpg) May 27, 2026 # Guadalupe River Facts — Where It Starts, How Deep, Alligators & More [Back to Blog](/blog) The **Guadalupe River** is one of the most-loved rivers in Texas — and one of the most-Googled. Before your first float, here's everything you've probably wondered: where it starts, how long it is, how deep, whether there are alligators (spoiler: no — not where you'll be tubing), and why the New Braunfels stretch is the best in the state for families. ## Where is the Guadalupe River? The Guadalupe River runs through south-central Texas, flowing roughly southeast from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. It passes through Kerrville, Comfort, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria before emptying into San Antonio Bay. The stretch most visitors care about — the cool, spring-fed, family-friendly tubing water — runs between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels along the legendary [River Road corridor](/blog/river-road-new-braunfels-guide). ## Where Does the Guadalupe River Start and End? The river starts in western Kerr County, where its North and South Forks meet near the town of Hunt, Texas. From the headwaters it travels about **230 miles southeast** and ends at San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico — making it one of the longest rivers entirely within the state. ## How Long Is the Guadalupe River? Roughly **230 miles** from headwaters to the Gulf. But the part you'll actually float? The tubing stretch between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels is about **25 miles long**, and most family floats cover just 1–3 miles of it on a relaxed afternoon. ![Tubing the Guadalupe River through the Hill Country canyon](/assets/tubing-canyon-view-Cznh8hcT.jpg) ## How Deep Is the Guadalupe River? Depth varies by stretch. On the popular tubing section near New Braunfels, the river is generally **2 to 5 feet deep**, with the occasional deeper pool up to 10 feet around bends and below small falls. Below Canyon Dam and farther downstream you'll find deeper holes used for fishing and kayaking. That shallow, predictable depth is exactly why the New Braunfels stretch is [so family-friendly for tubing with kids](/blog/tubing-with-kids-guadalupe-river). ## Are There Alligators in the Guadalupe River? **No — not in the tubing section.** Alligators live in the lower Guadalupe and the estuary near the Gulf Coast, hundreds of miles downstream of New Braunfels. The Hill Country stretch where you'll float is clear, cool, spring-fed water. You'll see turtles, herons, perch, bass, and the occasional river otter — no gators. ![A turtle resting on a rock in the Guadalupe River](/assets/river-turtle-DEYQO-Vb.jpg) ## Why Does the Guadalupe River Flood? The Texas Hill Country has steep terrain, limestone bedrock, and thin soil — heavy rainfall runs off fast instead of soaking in. That can cause the Guadalupe to rise quickly during major storms. **Canyon Dam**, completed in 1964, regulates flow on the most-tubed stretch, which is part of why the New Braunfels section stays so reliably floatable through the summer. For real-time flow before you go, check our [Guadalupe River water levels & safety guide](/blog/guadalupe-river-water-levels-safety). ## What Wildlife Will You See? - **Turtles** sunning on rocks and logs - **Great blue herons** and kingfishers fishing the shallows - **Largemouth and Guadalupe bass** (the official state fish) - Sunfish, perch, and catfish - Occasional **river otters** at dawn and dusk - Deer and the occasional fox along the banks ## Is the Water Clean? Very. The upper and middle Guadalupe is spring-fed — clear enough to see your toes in most spots, and cool (around 70°F) even in August thanks to releases from the bottom of Canyon Lake. ## The Best Stretch for Tubing If you're picking one section to experience, make it the spring-fed run between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels — and ideally float it from a private river park instead of a public access point. That's what we do at [Son's Guadalupe](/cabanas): private river frontage, shaded cabanas as your basecamp, tube rentals, parking, and an easy walk to the water. See [the best time to tube the Guadalupe](/blog/best-time-to-tube-guadalupe-river) for a month-by-month breakdown of crowds, flow, and weather. ## Guadalupe River FAQs ### Where is the Guadalupe River? The Guadalupe River runs through south-central Texas, flowing roughly southeast from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. Its most popular recreational stretch winds through New Braunfels and the surrounding River Road area — that's where most tubing, cabana rentals, and family floats happen. ### Where does the Guadalupe River start and end? The river begins in western Kerr County, Texas, where its North and South Forks meet near Hunt. From there it travels about 230 miles southeast through Kerrville, Comfort, New Braunfels, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria before emptying into San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. ### How long is the Guadalupe River? About 230 miles from its headwaters in the Hill Country to San Antonio Bay. The stretch tubers and cabana guests care about — the spring-fed section between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels — is roughly 25 miles long. ### How deep is the Guadalupe River? Depth varies dramatically. The tubing stretch near New Braunfels is generally 2 to 5 feet deep, with occasional pools up to 10 feet. Deeper holes exist below Canyon Dam and in stretches downstream. The shallow, predictable depth is exactly why the New Braunfels section is so family-friendly. ### Are there alligators in the Guadalupe River? Not in the tubing section. Alligators live in the lower river and estuary near the Gulf Coast — well downstream of New Braunfels. The Hill Country stretch where you'll be floating is clear, cool, spring-fed water with turtles, fish, and herons — no gators. ### Why does the Guadalupe River flood? The Texas Hill Country has steep terrain and thin soil. Heavy rain runs off fast, and the Guadalupe can rise quickly during storms. Canyon Dam, built in 1964, regulates flow on the most-tubed stretch, which is part of why this section is so reliably floatable in summer. ### Is the Guadalupe River clean? Yes — especially the upper/middle stretch near New Braunfels. The water is spring-fed, clear enough to see the bottom in most spots, and runs cool (around 70°F) even in August. [Book Your Float](/book-now)[Tubing Info](/tubing) ## Related Reads [ ![The Best Stretch of the Guadalupe River Near New Braunfels](/assets/aerial-river-cabanas-Ujonxhdx.jpg) ### The Best Stretch of the Guadalupe River Near New Braunfels Why Son's Guadalupe sits on the best-flowing stretch of the Guadalupe near New Braunfels — great floats even on low Canyon Lake release days, riverfront cabanas, and a family-friendly vibe. Read more ](/blog/best-stretch-guadalupe-river-new-braunfels)[ ![Looking for a "Lazy River Near Me"? Why the Guadalupe River is the Ultimate Natural Float](/assets/friends-tubing-Bwc7jpqb.jpg) ### Looking for a "Lazy River Near Me"? Why the Guadalupe River is the Ultimate Natural Float Skip the chlorinated resort loops. Here's why the spring-fed Guadalupe River — with shuttle service and private cabanas — is the ultimate natural lazy river near New Braunfels. Read more ](/blog/lazy-river-near-me-guadalupe)[ ![The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Guadalupe Peak: Trail Guide, Preparation, and the Two Guadalupes of Texas](/assets/tubing-canyon-view-Cznh8hcT.jpg) ### The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Guadalupe Peak: Trail Guide, Preparation, and the Two Guadalupes of Texas Full Guadalupe Peak trail guide — 8.4 miles, 2,922 ft of gain, gear and water rules — plus the cypress-shaded Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. Read more ](/blog/guadalupe-peak-hiking-guide) Plan Your Guadalupe River Day ## Now You Know the River — Come Float It The best way to experience the Guadalupe River is from a private cabana on the spring-fed New Braunfels stretch. Son's Guadalupe handles parking, river access, tube rentals, and your basecamp so you can focus on the float. [Cabanas →](/cabanas)[Tubing →](/tubing)[Glamping →](/glamping)[Best Time to Tube →](/blog/best-time-to-tube-guadalupe-river) ![Son's Guadalupe logo — Private River Basecamp on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, TX](/assets/logo-B_Gj14XO.png) Your private riverside basecamp on the Guadalupe — where comfort, control, and family fun replace chaos, crowds, and stress. [](https://www.facebook.com/SonsGuad/)[](https://www.instagram.com/sonsguadalupe/) ## Quick Links - [Home](/) - [Cabanas](/cabanas) - [Tubing](/tubing) - [Property Map](/property-map) - [FAQs](/faqs) - [Contact Us](/contact) ## Policies - [Rental Agreement & Waiver](/waivers) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Cancellation Policy](/cancellation) ## Contact Us - [877-577-7667 9am-7pm Daily ](tel:877-577-7667) - [info@sonsgetaways.com ](mailto:info@sonsgetaways.com) - [7308 River Road New Braunfels, TX 78132 ](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7308+River+Road,+New+Braunfels,+TX+78132) ## What makes Son's Guadalupe different - In-water covered picnic tables - Float ends at your private cabana — no long walks - Private shuttle-assisted tubing - AC-cooled bell tents with real beds & memory foam - Private on-site parking — no shuttle lots - Child-safe shallow river entries - Private BBQ grills at every cabana - Onsite restrooms & private showers - Limited daily capacity — never crowded - 22 private riverside cabanas on the Guadalupe - Curated river experience — not a high-volume outfitter - Real queen beds with linens — not air mattresses ## Son's Getaways family of properties Son's Guadalupe is part of Son's Getaways — six distinct riverside & lakeside properties across Central Texas. 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