If you cannot swim, this activity is not for you.

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If you cannot swim, this activity is not for you. ---

Cowabunga: Spontaneous Floats & the Best Ice Cream in Town

Cowabunga started as a way to ease weekend crowds at The Tube Shack, but it has quickly grown into its own unique experience. Set in a quirky New Zealand-style creamery, Cowabunga Tubes is walk-up only—perfect for adventurers who love to go with the flow. Offering swift tube rentals and virtually no wait times, it’s the easiest way to hit the water on a whim. And the best part? After your float down the stunning Cowichan River, you’re already at the top spot for real fruit ice cream.

No reservations, no stress—just float, chill, and enjoy!

Cowabunga Tubes

Questions Floating Around? We’ve Got Answers!

If we’ve missed anything, feel free to email us at aaron@cowichanriver.com :)

  • There’s an entrance to the Cowichan River just across the street from us at Central Park, beside the car bridge!

  • Hop out at Little Beach, which is marked with various signs, and hop on one of the Tube Shack shuttles. Just let the driver know that you’d like to be dropped off at Cowabunga.

  • Yes! Every adult that tubes with us must be able to swim. This is an unguided activity so, for everyone’s safety, we must turn away anyone who cannot swim (regardless of whether they’ll be wearing a lifejacket or not). Children who cannot swim must wear a lifejacket and sit in a swift tube with an adult.

  • Yes! We provide lifejackets free of charge with all our tube rentals. However, we do recommend bringing your own for the best fit.

  • At Cowabunga, we exclusively rent swift tubes, a luxury kayak-style tube with a double ended paddle. Swift tubes are, in our opinion, the best way to tube the Cowichan River.

  • Yes! We use the Tube Shack shuttles to keep wait times low while reducing our environmental impact—ensuring no unnecessary trips and making your float experience even more eco-friendly. We also sell shuttle-only wristbands, just like the Tube Shack does, if you want to bring your own tube.

  • Every member of your group needs to have a waiver filled out before floating. Save time by signing ahead of time—just visit the 'Waiver' tab on our website! You can also fill one out on your phone or use our iPad at the counter when you arrive.