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Rent a Boat or Yacht on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas

4.9(Average of 2,534 reviews in this area)
Get set to boat with the GetMyBoat Guide to Lake Travis
Page 10 of 10 (230 listings)
14' Glasspar Marathon Boat Vintage Cruises in Secluded Cove on Lake Travis
Powerboats in Texas · 4 guests

14' Glasspar Marathon Boat Vintage Cruises in Secluded Cove on Lake Travis

New
$100hour
Captained 21 ft Moomba v8 Ski boat with tower, blue tooth stereo,
Powerboats in Austin · 8 guests

Captained 21 ft Moomba v8 Ski boat with tower, blue tooth stereo,

New
$169hour
#1 Bennington S22 Pontoon for Rental on Lake Travis!
Powerboats in Lakeway · 10 guests

#1 Bennington S22 Pontoon for Rental on Lake Travis!

New
$100hour
#1 Tahoe 450 TS with Bimini for Cruise on Lake Travis!
Powerboats in Lakeway · 8 guests

#1 Tahoe 450 TS with Bimini for Cruise on Lake Travis!

New
$130hour
#1 24' Manitou Oasis Deluxe Tritoon on Lake Travis
Powerboats in Lakeway · 12 guests

#1 24' Manitou Oasis Deluxe Tritoon on Lake Travis

New
$140hour
#2 24' Manitou Oasis Deluxe Tritoon on Lake Travis
Powerboats in Lakeway · 12 guests

#2 24' Manitou Oasis Deluxe Tritoon on Lake Travis

New
$140hour
#2 Double Decker Tritoon 24' Veranda Double Decker
Powerboats in Lakeway · 12 guests

#2 Double Decker Tritoon 24' Veranda Double Decker

New
$220hour
#3 Double Decker Tritoon 24' South Bay Double Decker
Powerboats in Lakeway · 12 guests

#3 Double Decker Tritoon 24' South Bay Double Decker

New
$220hour
#2 Tahoe 450 TS with Bimini for Cruise on Lake Travis!
Powerboats in Lakeway · 8 guests

#2 Tahoe 450 TS with Bimini for Cruise on Lake Travis!

New
$130hour
#4 Bennington S22 Pontoon for Rental on Lake Travis!
Powerboats in Lakeway · 10 guests

#4 Bennington S22 Pontoon for Rental on Lake Travis!

New
$100hour
#3 Bennington S22 Pontoon for rent in Point Venture, Texas
Powerboats in Lakeway · 10 guests

#3 Bennington S22 Pontoon for rent in Point Venture, Texas

New
$100hour
2400 Wellcraft Martinique Cabin Cruiser
Events in Hudson Bend · 7 guests

2400 Wellcraft Martinique Cabin Cruiser

New
$200hour
TWO JET SKIS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! (800$/DAY WE DELIVER!!!)
Water Sports in Austin · 3 guests

TWO JET SKIS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! (800$/DAY WE DELIVER!!!)

New
$800day
Master Craft Surf / Wake Boat with all the toys for Rent in Austin, Texas
Powerboats in Hudson Bend · 8 guests

Master Craft Surf / Wake Boat with all the toys for Rent in Austin, Texas

New
$150hour
Can you rent a boat on Lake Travis?

Yes, you can rent a boat on Lake Travis. Lake Travis is a great boat rental destination, particularly for pontoons, powerboats, and boats for water sports.

How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Travis?

Renting a boat on Lake Travis starts at $65 an hour for a small ski boat and goes up to $450 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.

Is Lake Austin the same as Lake Travis?

No, Lake Austin is different from Lake Travis. Lake Travis is a much larger lake that measures roughly 60 miles, with many coves and great places to anchor and relax. While Lake Austin is a constant-level lake or more of a river that is fed from the flow of Lake Travis.

Do you need a boat license to rent a boat on Lake Travis?

No, you do not need a license to rent a boat on Lake Travis. With GetMyBoat, you can rent a boat that includes a licensed captain so that you can enjoy your time on the lake with no worries. If you want to drive the boat yourself, then you may need to take a Boater Education course, depending on your age.

What is the water temperature of Lake Travis?

The water temperature of Lake Travis varies but is usually between 40-55 F in the winter months (Nov-March) and 70-85 F in the summer months (April-October).

What are the best places to visit on Lake Travis?

Devils Cove is the best place for boat parties. Pace Bend Park is great for stopping for a swim, as there are miles of shoreline to explore and even cliffs to enjoy cliff jumping.

When is the best time to visit Lake Travis?

Boating season on Lake Travis starts mid-March, depending on the weather, and can run all the way through October.

Are captains included in the boat rental?

Boats listed on GetMyBoat on Lake Travis offer boat rentals with or without a captain. You can always communicate with the boat owner through GetMyBoat before confirming your booking to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.

The Lake Travis Boating Guide 2023

  • First Published Sep 08, 2022
  • Last Updated Mar 06, 2023
In This Guide
Lake Travis Guide

The GetMyBoat Guide to Lake Travis

A sprawling reservoir of the Colorado River just west of Austin, Texas, Lake Travis was formed in the 1940s with the construction of the Mansfield Dam.

It quickly became a vital water source for the city of Austin — and now, it has become the go-to spot for boat parties (especially for the city’s many, many bachelor parties and bachelorette parties), as well as weekend water sports, fishing, and general relaxing. No wonder it’s one of the most well-regarded and popular water destinations in all of Texas.

Lake Travis at a Glance

Lake Travis Guide

It’s no secret that Austin, Texas has experienced a growth explosion over the past decade, and with it has come an explosion of interest in experiencing Lake Travis, especially during the summer months. Luckily, the lake offers 30 square miles of opportunities for boating, water sports, fishing, and more. It’s a top destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and with the high temperatures experienced in Texas during the summer months, it’s an essential place to visit to beat the heat.

4 Hours

The average rental duration for GetMyBoat bookings on Lake Travis — perfect for a long and leisurely party.

May to September

May to September rentals account for 87% of all GetMyBoat trips in Austin, though the weather allows for year-round boating.

GetMyBoat Lake Travis Statistics
As of
Active boat listings
300+
People sent boating
18,500+
Average cost per booking
$630
Measuring 16' to 33', these are the most popular boat rental in Austin, followed by pontoons
Medium Power Boats

Boating Season in Lake Travis

Like most places, summer is definitely the peak season — especially so in Austin since cruising through the waters and jumping in for a swim is one of the best ways to beat the oppressive summer heat, where temperatures are routinely in the triple digits.

But luckily, you can enjoy boating on Lake Travis year-round. The spring and fall are still plenty warm and full of sunshine for extended days out on the water, and while Austin’s winter weather has a bit of chill in the mornings and evenings, there’s still enough sun and warmth to get out onto a boat during the daytime if you’re dedicated.

When are the best times to visit?

Our personal preference is the springtime, from April to June, which is when you’ll have bright sun and warm weather, but before the intense heat of the Texas summer sets in.

What’s the water temperature like?

Lake Travis tends to be quite warm, ranging in the high 70ºs up to 80º or so at the peak of late summer. In the springtime, it’s in the lower 70ºs, with a more refreshing feel. And then there’s a sharp drop-off in the wintertime, when the water temperature will get down to 60º or even lower.

Current Conditions

Temperature

88 °F

Water temp.

95 °F

Humidity

29 %

Pressure

1011 hPa

Wind

W 22.15 f/sec

Visibility

15 mi

Cloudiness

6 %

Local Events

What Types of Boats Can I Rent on Lake Travis?

Lake Travis offers a variety of different boat styles to rent, making it easy to find the ideal vessel for a day on the water. Pontoons, powerboats, wake boats for water sports, and even houseboats for overnight adventures on the water are available.

Where to Eat, Drink, Stay, and More

Lake Travis and the surrounding Austin shores have so much to offer — where to even begin planning your itinerary when you’re in town? Here’s a start. We’ve pulled some of our favorite local spots for every aspect of an Austin trip, like boat-up restaurants to experience the “dock & dine” lifestyle. And that’s to say nothing of all the amazing boating destinations, spread all throughout the surrounding area.

A map of Lake Travis

Lake Travis Boating Experiences

Reasons To Rent a Boat in Lake Travis

Local Boating Services

A note: if you’re renting a boat through GetMyBoat, please contact the boat owner before utilizing any of the following services. They may have a preferred provider or the services may be covered through insurance or within your rental agreement.

Boat Towing Services

Sea Tow Central Texas
  • Open 24-hours
  • Multiple Locations
  • Fast-response times for towing needs
  • All captains are USCG-licensed

23415-1 Pedernales Canyon Trail Spicewood, TX 78669 (512) 328-4869

Flagship Towing
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Boat towing & salvage services
  • Open 24-hours

16107 Farm to Market Road 2769 Leander, TX 78641 (512) 299-2424

Boat Technicians and Mechanics

Bee’s Marine Services
  • Routine Maintenance
  • Boat Repair
  • Detailing
  • Equipment Installation

2110 Ranch Rd 620 S #342634, Lakeway, TX 78734 (512) 626-3755

McNeill Marine
  • Repowering
  • Fiberglass Repair & Restoration
  • Suzuki Certified Technicians

15801 FM2769, Leander, TX 78641 (512) 335-5421

Noack Marine
  • Boat Repair
  • Routine Maintenance
  • Marine Supply Store & Lake Service is available

5521 Hiline Rd, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 790-2628

Boat Storage on Lake Travis

Highland Lakes Marina
  • Dry & Wet Storage
  • Deepest Launch Ramp on Lake Travis
  • Jet Ski Storage
  • Full-Service Marina

16120 Wharf Cove, Volente, TX 78641 (512) 258-9662

Northshore Marina at the Hollows
  • Hundreds of Covered Wet Boat Slips & PWC Slips
  • Pump Out Station
  • Electricity & Cable Hookups
  • Lowest Gas Prices on Lake Travis

6612 Lantern View Dr, Jonestown, TX 78645 (512) 267-6222

Lake Travis RV & Boat Storage
  • Self-Storage
  • 24/7 Access
  • Video Survelliance

15601 Checotah Dr, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 264-3775

Marinas & Boat Services

Waterford Marina on Lake Travis
  • 80 wet slips for boat storage
  • Freshwater and electricity hookups
  • Boat cleaning and insect control services
  • On-site pump out station

205 Westwater Ct, Leander, TX 78645 (325) 718-2170

Lake Travis Marina
  • Wet Storage Slips

6410 Hudson Bend Rd, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 266-3290

Safety, Preparation, and Navigation

What to Bring on Your Boat Rental

Bringing the right stuff can make or break your boat day, so get together a checklist of what you’ll want well ahead of time so that you don’t forget on the day of.

What to bring will depend on your itinerary and weather conditions, but that being said — it’s always a good idea to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a warm extra layer of clothing (in case it gets chilly), as well as boat shoes. Your boat captain or owner that you rent from can give you more ideas on necessary essentials to bring.

And while most boat captains, owners, and boat rental services should include lifejackets and safety gear, if you have a personal lifejacket that you prefer to wear while enjoying watersports or other activities, it’s a good idea to bring it along.

It might feel like overkill for a casual day on the water, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Safety, Preparation, and Navigation
Boating at Night

Visibility is reduced at night, so it’s essential to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Chartplotters and marine radars are beneficial tools to use in the dark and help you feel more confident when navigating the waters at night. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise or during times of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze), recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights.

Wake Zones

“Wake” are the waves that form as your watercraft moves through the water. It’s important to be on the lookout for a “no-wake zone” - an area where a vessel must operate at a slow speed that doesn’t create a wake. You can usually identify a no-wake zone by white and orange floating markers or a row of markers.

Emergency Services

Dial 911 from any land or cellular phone

Lake Travis Fire Rescue: (512) 266-2997

United States Coast Guard: via Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), on a marine VHF radio

Lake Travis Boating FAQs

General Questions

How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Travis?

Renting a boat on Lake Travis starts at $65 an hour for a small ski boat and goes up to $450 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.

Is Lake Austin the same as Lake Travis?

No, Lake Austin is not the same as Lake Travis. Lake Travis is a much larger lake that measures roughly 60 miles with lots of coves and great places to anchor and relax. While Lake Austin is a constant level lake or more of a river that is fed from the flow of Lake Travis.

What is the water temperature of Lake Travis?

The water temperature of Lake Travis varies but is usually between 40-55° F in the winter months (Nov-March) and 70-85° F in the summer months (April-October).

What are the best places to visit on Lake Travis?

Devils Cove is the best place for boat parties. Pace Bend Park is great for stopping for a swim, as there are miles of shoreline to explore and even cliffs to enjoy cliff jumping.

When is the best time to visit Lake Travis?

Boating season on Lake Travis starts mid-March depending on the weather and can run all the way through October.

Are captains included with the boat rental?

Boats listed on GetMyBoat on Lake Travis offer boat rentals with or without a captain. You can always communicate with the boat owner through GetMyBoat before confirming your booking to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.

Rental Basics

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Austin?

Boat rental prices in Austin vary significantly. You can find boat rentals in Austin starting at $50 per hour. Luxury yacht charters can cost up to several thousand for a day of cruising with captain and crew.

Are floats and tubes included?

Many boat rentals and charters include the use of floating toys like lily pads, inflatable unicorns, and other items that are perfect for a swimming stop to relax in the water. If you’re hoping to have a float day in addition to your boat day, check the boat listing’s description and ask the boat captain or owner if they have floating toys that are included before confirming your booking.

Do boat rentals include a captain?

Boat rentals are typically offered with or without a captain. You can always communicate with the boat owner before confirming your booking to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.

Can I play my own music on the boat?

Most boats will have a sound system with either an AUX or Bluetooth connection which will allow you to play your own music. It is always best to check with the captain on the specifics prior to booking, but plan on creating the perfect boat-day playlist to bring on board.

Boating Licenses

Can anyone rent a boat in Austin, Texas?

To rent a boat in Austin you must be 18 years of age and have completed a boater safety education course. If you have a boating license from another state, this can apply to the requirements to rent a boat in Austin.

Do you need a boat license to rent a boat in Austin?

Boat license rules in Texas and Austin depend on your age. If you were born after 1988 you will need to complete a boat safety education course and receive a safety identification card. Check out Boat-Ed for more information on earning a boat safety card so you can rent a boat in Texas.

Boating Safety Education Identification Card

Yes, You Need a Boater Education Card if You:
  • Were born after 1/1/88
  • Failed to complete an approved boating safety course in Texas
  • Operate a 10+ horsepower boat
  • Operate in state or federal waters
  • Did not complete an approved boating safety course out of state
  • Are not accompanied by a person who is 18+ years old with a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Are not accompanied by a person who was born before 1/1/88
No, You Don’t Need a Boater Education Card if You:
  • Were born before 1/1/88
  • Obtained a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Completed an approved boater safety course in another state
  • Operate a less than 10 horsepower motor boat
  • Operate on a private lake or pond
  • Accompanied by a person who is 18+ years old who has a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Accompanied by a person who was born before 1/1/88
  • Accompanied by a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard
How much is a Boater Education Card?

A Boater Education Card will cost anywhere from $0-$50 depending on the type of test you take and if you want your ID card professionally printed.

How long is a Boater Education Card good for?

A Boating Safety Education Identification Card has no expiration date, however, the temporary safety course certificate (proof of online course completion that you can print out and use before the ID card comes) expires after 90 days.

GetMyBoat has 230 listings for boating experiences in Lake Travis with 2,534 reviews.

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