So you want to go tubing down the river in Columbia because it’s famously hot in summer, but don’t know where to start. No worries — we won't leave you up the creek without a tube. Whether you're looking for a laid-back float or a little splash of adventure, Columbia has a few great options for tubing the Saluda River.

We recommend the Riverbanks Zoo to Gervais Street Bridge Route (aka, the Z-G route) for a more active float with gentle rapids. First things first: Check current water-quality reports at How’s My SC River, which shows real-time testing data for the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers before heading out.

The Z-G route is a ~3-hour, 2.5-mile float that begins near Riverbanks Zoo and ends at the West Columbia Riverwalk. This section of the lower Saluda River includes Class I + Class II rapids — small but active stretches of water flowing over rocks — so children must be 10+ to participate.

Where to meet

Palmetto Outdoor | Meet at the West Columbia Riverwalk (131 Alexander Rd., West Columbia) at the kiosk by the bathrooms, 30 min. early to check in. Online registration is encouraged, but walk-up reservations are also available. If you choose to walk up, be sure to bring cash and arrive ~45 minutes before shuttle departure to complete registration and waivers.

Pro parking tips: Park for free in the lot at 109 Alexander Rd. If you run out of space by the river, park in the lot across the street (212 Hudson St.) If that lot is full, head to the multi-level parking garage (310 Court Ave.) located on the corner of State Street — just a 3 min. stroll from the riverwalk.

Saluda Shoals Park | Check in at the Saluda Shoals Park East Entrance (5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia) at the Tube Rental Office, located near the boat ramp. Reservations are not required, but all participants must complete a waiver before heading out. Rental fees include shuttle service to the put-in location upstream on the Saluda River. Return shuttles are also provided.

Pro tip: Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle, and tube rentals are first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

Shuttle services

Palmetto Outdoor | Shuttles run from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays and 12–4 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Shuttles leave promptly at the top of each hour. After check-in at the West Columbia Riverwalk, you'll board the shuttle to the put-in spot near Riverbanks Zoo. Shuttle service is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and closed on Wednesdays. You can call ahead for availability outside of those dates.

Saluda Shoals Park | Tube rentals at Saluda Shoals Park include round-trip shuttle service. After checking in at the East Entrance, you'll be driven upstream to launch your tube. The float ends back at the park, and a return shuttle is available. Tubing hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, and the last float must be on the water by 3 p.m.

The shuttle filled with standard tubes and life jackets | Photo by COLAtoday team

How to book

Palmetto Outdoor offers four options to enjoy your river adventure. Choose between:

The Standard tube | $20 | A basic vinyl tube with an open bottom — great for swimmers.
The Deluxe tube | $25 | Most popular option with mesh bottom + a “D” ring for tying tubes together.
The Star tube | $30 | Raised mesh bottom, added support — ideal for pets, kids 10+, or coolers.
The Double tube | $85 | Seats two with room for a cooler in the middle — great for couples or lounging.

Note: Dogs and coolers require their own tube rental. No glass or Styrofoam coolers allowed, and all dogs must wear a life jacket. Pro tip: You can grab river gear at REI, Half-Moon Outfitters, River Runner Outdoor Center, or Barron's Outfitters.

What’s included: Your shuttle ride, life jacket, and selected tube.

Saluda Shoals Park tube rentals are $15 per person and include a standard single tube, life jacket, and shuttle service. Tubes are first-come, first-served, and no custom tube types are available.

Walk-ups are welcome, but online registration is encouraged. Check in at the East Entrance (5605 Bush River Rd.) and head to the tube rental area near the boat ramp. Last float must be on the water by 3 p.m.

What’s included: Tube, life jacket, and round-trip shuttle from the park.

What to bring

Waterproof speaker | We suggest listening to this playlist to jam to some local bands
Sunscreen | You are in direct sunlight ~70% of the route.
Cooler with snacks + drinks | Pro tip: Stop along with route at any point to have lunch on rocks + see some wildlife.
Trash bags | Protect our wildlife by having somewhere to put your trash
Rope | Bring rope so your group can stick together
Foot protection | Bring shoes that have a strap of some kind for safety.

Other local tubing options

Looking for more flexibility? Palmetto Outdoor offers a Grab-n-Go rental option for $15, which includes a tube and life jacket — perfect for floating on your own schedule at public put-ins like Lake Murray. Just note: this option does not include shuttle service, and gear must be returned by 7 p.m.

Want something calmer and more kid-friendly? Saluda Shoals Park offers a flat-water float with included shuttle service — scroll up for full details.