The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson

Most renters should expect pontoons and tritoons to run about $100–$175 per hour or roughly $400–$650 for a half day, while wake and surf boats with a captain typically range from about $200–$350 per hour. Bowriders and deck boats often fall in between. Prices are higher on summer weekends and holiday periods, and many operators set 2–3 hour minimums with fixed time slots on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Life jackets are included, basic safety gear is standard, and many listings offer towables or watersports gear as add‑ons for a modest fee; fuel and tax are commonly extra, and captain’s gratuity is customary on captained charters.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the lake: comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising and sandbar-style hangs, wake and surf boats set up with ballast and boards, versatile bowriders and deck boats for tubing and sightseeing, and smaller fishing boats for early‑morning runs. Larger cabin-style cruisers are limited here, so book early if that’s your preference.

If you want a turnkey experience—especially for birthdays or bachelorette trips—a captained charter is the easiest option. The captain handles navigation, anchoring, and towing riders, and you don’t need to meet operator age or boater education requirements yourself. Confident boaters can book self-operated pontoons or bowriders; just note that in Texas anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must complete approved boater education to operate a motorboat over 15 hp, and many local marinas require a minimum driver age and photo ID at check‑in.

Common meeting points include the Horseshoe Bay Resort marina area on the south shore, Lake LBJ Yacht Club & Marina on Wirtz Dam Road near the dam, Kingsland Community Park (also called Kingsland Lions Park) on the Llano River arm, and several city-maintained ramps around Granite Shoals. Many captains can also pick up from private vacation-rental docks by arrangement, which simplifies logistics for groups.

Expect Hill Country scenery with granite bluffs, coves lined with cypress and live oaks, and views of Packsaddle Mountain on clear days. Cruising near Horseshoe Bay you’ll spot the landmark lighthouse, and along the Llano and Colorado River arms you’ll pass waterfront homes, the RM 2900 bridge at Kingsland, and Wirtz Dam at the lake’s southeast end. Sunset and golden-hour cruises are especially photogenic.

Texas requires approved boater education for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate a motorboat over 15 horsepower. You’ll need to carry your boater-ed card and a valid photo ID. Some local operators set higher minimum ages for drivers even if you’re certified. If you book a captained trip, you don’t need a license because your captain operates the vessel.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental provides U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for the boat’s rated capacity, and Texas law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. If you need infant or youth sizes, tell your host in advance to ensure the right fit. Most captains are happy to adjust speed for little riders and can focus your outing on calm coves for easier swimming.

BYO is common. Many boats have a cooler on board, but ice, cups, and bottled water are smart to bring. Operators may restrict glass and stain‑prone drinks, especially on premium upholstery, so plan for cans and reusable bottles. Designate a sober operator for self‑drive rentals—passengers can enjoy beverages, but the driver must remain alcohol‑free.

Pet policies vary by listing. Many hosts allow well‑behaved dogs with advance approval and a small cleaning fee, while some restrict pets to certain boat types. Bring a properly fitted canine life jacket and a towel, keep paws off vinyl where asked, and factor your dog into the boat’s maximum headcount.

Hill Country storms can pop up in summer, and after heavy rain the authority that manages the Highland Lakes may advise caution due to debris or swift currents. If conditions are unsafe, most hosts will reschedule or refund according to the stated cancellation policy. Keep your phone handy for updates, and consider a morning start when winds and chop are typically lighter.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons comfortably seat larger groups, and wake boats are perfect for surfing, tubing, and photos. Typical capacities are 8–12 on wake boats and 10–15 on tritoons—check each listing’s limit and book early for weekends. Many captains can coordinate music, float time in sheltered coves, and convenient pick‑ups to keep the day effortless.

Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest. Kingsland’s AquaBoom celebration around July 4th draws big crowds on the water, so book well in advance for that week. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays or mornings; spring and early fall often bring cooler temps and lighter boat traffic, while sunset cruises are great year‑round.

Lake LBJ is generally kept within a narrow range compared with nearby reservoirs, which makes it reliable for year‑round boating and dock pick‑ups. Levels can still fluctuate during flood operations or maintenance, so it’s smart to confirm water conditions with your captain the day before a trip—especially after major rain.