Austin, Texas Boat Rentals - 2023

Find the perfect boat rental in Austin, TX for a great price

Planning a trip to ATX? Why not rent a boat for your adventures? Austin boasts outdoor recreation opportunities on many lakes, perfect for renting boats or booking boat tours. Popular Austin lakes for boating include the beautiful Lake Travis that accommodates pontoon party boats, also called party barges, wakeboarding, hiking, picnicking, swimming, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake are two other spots to enjoy a boat rental around Austin. Visitors can also enjoy sailing lessons, private boat charters and tours with a local captain, and jet skiing. Whether you’re looking for something low-key or something more adventurous, Lake Travis and Lake Austin are the places to be!

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Austin on the water:

Go fishing. Anglers love Lake Travis fishing opportunities, particularly those who are trying to catch largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, and striped bass. Plan ahead for the white bass season, which runs from February to May! Recreational fishing is a popular pastime for locals and travelers alike, and all you need is a valid fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department charges $30 for the season, starting on August 31st of every year, though there are discounted options for seniors, active military personnel, special residents, and veterans too. If you’re under the age of 17 years, you don’t need a license. Looking to take a group out to experience the fun of fishing? Book a fishing charter in Austin and make a great catch.

Stay on a houseboat. Don’t want to drive back to Austin or can’t find the right lakeside house rental? Experience the water from a 360º perspective! There are many Lake Travis houseboat rentals available, many of which are outfitted with luxurious bedrooms, big-screen TVs, full kitchens, stereo systems, grills, and jet ski lifts.

Book a party boat in Austin

Austin is a popular city destination for bachelorette and bachelor parties, and many groups report a boat party on Lake Travis or Lake Austin during the getaway was the best part of their itinerary.

Try out some of Austin’s more unusual offerings. If you’ve never been to a nude beach, Austin presents you with the opportunity to do so – almost in your own backyard. Hippie Hollow is Texas’ only public, clothing-optional park where you can go swimming, hike, and enjoy sunbathing without tan lines. Daily park entrance fees are $15 per car or $8 if you come by foot or bike. Another unique experience to try out is the Austin Salt Cave, which has been reported to have therapeutic effects for ailments and stress. The anti-gravity chairs and the soothing pink-hued salt cave are certainly something to experience for yourself.

Austin Boating Safety Tips

With this lake being such a popular destination for families, groups, and more, it’s just as important to brush up on key safety skills as it is to pack sunscreen. When planning your boat rental, here are two key questions to consider:

Does everyone in your party have a personal flotation device (PFD)? Life jackets can go a long way in preventing drowning, and it’s absolutely essential that every adult, child, and animal has a properly fitting PFD. Children are some of the most at-risk individuals for drowning. When you’re booking through GetMyBoat, you can double-check with your host that there are enough life jackets in a multitude of sizes for your group.

Do you know how to swim? Lake Travis is notoriously imbalanced, with shallow spots that make it tricky to navigate boats as well as very deep spots which can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. We suggest taking an open water swim class to brush up on skills, especially since lakes are quite different than pools. Local organization Colin’s Hope is a great resource for Lake Travis water safety, and many swim schools offer open water clinics to help you prepare for the water.

We hope you’re ready to rent a boat and experience the water!

Just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Lake Travis is a relaxing and idyllic destination for locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Known for its clear, clean waters, the lake also supplies vital water for the greater Austin metropolitan area.