The world's shortest river, located in New Braunfels, Texas, offers year-round diving, 24 hours a day. Completely spring fed and offering a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, this beautiful little river is a tributary to the Guadalupe River, and is just 2.5 miles long. Only half of the river is available for diving; the rest is either too shallow or contains too many hazards.
Diving the Comal River: Features and Highlights
Besides being an excellent place to dive, the Comal River is a popular place for tubing - there are a few businesses that rent inner tubes, plus there is a waterpark nearby. As you might imagine, this is a very popular place for families with kids to come play; the best time to dive is either before the tubers come out for the day, or after they have gone, usually before 10 am and after 5 or 6 pm. Before you stop reading or start thinking you might be better off just renting your own inner tube, here's how the tubers benefit divers: They lose all kinds of things, leaving behind a veritable treasure trove of goodies. Sunglasses, jewelry, cellphones and cameras in a dubious state of repair. The chutes and rapids installed for the tubers to enjoy also provide a measure of extra fun for divers; inflate your BC, lie on your back, hang onto your mask and regulator, and point your fins downstream to hitch a ride. If this sounds a little too wild for you, just hop out and walk around these features. While the rest of the river is calm, these areas are constricted for increased water flow - the currents are strong on purpose!
There is another kind of treasure in the Comal River - a natural treasure. The Fountain Darter, a rare fish in danger of extinction and found only in the Comal and in the nearby San Marcos River. Usually growing to no larger than 3 centimeters in length, these little fish are reddish brown with a beautiful striped and spotted pattern and large, elegant fins that are very large in relation to their body size.
Other species found here include perch, bass, and carp, along with freshwater clams and snails, plus some cranky crayfish that like to hide among the rocks on the river's bed.
Maximum depth is 15 feet, and visibility averages 5 to 15 feet, although it can sometimes be better. While the tubers have to pay to play, there are no fees for diving. To dive at the Comal River, you'll need to head to New Braunfels, and make your way to South Seguin Avenue. Continue to the Main Plaza, drive around it, and turn onto North Seguin Avenue, which turns into Landa Street. Once you get to Landa Park Boulevard, turn right, and you'll be there. It is advisable to bring 2 vehicles and park one at the end point so you don't have to walk back in full kit.
The local dive shops host night dives every Thursday night, and air fills, equipment rentals, and equipment sales are available. There are plenty of amenities in New Braunfels, including restaurants, parks, shopping and more, and there is no shortage of lodging here, either. A fun place to dive, the Comal River provides a different kind of drift for all certified divers to enjoy.