Table of Contents
Texas is a top boating destination in the United States, thanks to its warm weather, coastal access to the Gulf of Mexico, and expanse of inland reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. The state has approximately 1.7 million surface acres of freshwater, and its temperate climate makes it great for year-round boating.
Texas has over half a million registered motorized boats and many other vessels, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other watercraft, making it #6 in the country for the most registered boats by state.
About This Report
This report examines Texas's top 10 boating cities, delving into booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace.
It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters, and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.
Our Methodology
To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental data in Texas. Cities are determined by the location where the boat owner registers the boat within their profile. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates, while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.
The 10 Most Popular Boating Cities in Texas
In this report, we explore Texas's top 10 boating cities, examining the unique features that make each location an exceptional destination for boaters. We also evaluate the average pricing for boat rentals and the most popular vessel style enjoyed in each.
Comparing this to the 2025 list, the cities of Pottsboro, Galveston, and Grand Prairie have been replaced by Volente, Hickory Creek, and Little Elm.
Below is an overview of each city, including available data and statistics on boating activities:
1. Austin
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 154
Austin remains the top boating destination in Texas for the third consecutive year, boasting popular water bodies such as Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. The city offers numerous marinas and boat ramps, supporting a vibrant boating community.
Pontoons are the most popular boat rental here since they enable bigger groups to go to the lakes, tie up in party coves, and enjoy comfortable cruising. In recent years, Austin has become a popular destination for celebrations like bachelor and bachelorette parties, creating the demand for captained pontoon and yacht charters on the lakes.
2. Canyon Lake
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 28
Maintaining its spot at #2 on the list for 2026, Canyon Lake is renowned for its clear waters and scenic surroundings, making it a favored spot for boating enthusiasts. The lake supports various water activities, including fishing, waterskiing, and sailing. Enjoy a cruise on Canyon Lake and cool off from the Texas heat, all while taking in views of the surrounding rolling hills covered in trees.
3. Lewisville
Most Popular Style of Boat: Motor Yachts
Number of Boats Available: 81
Lewisville comes in 3rd place out of the busiest cities in Texas for boat rentals for the 3rd consecutive year. Located near Dallas, Lewisville Lake is a hub for recreational boating and is one of North Texas’s largest and most popular recreational lakes with nearly 30,000 acres of water and more than 230 miles of shoreline for cruising, watersports, fishing, and more.
Motor yachts and powerboats for watersports are popular here, and most boats come with a floating mat to roll out for a relaxing float to cool off from the heat. The lake's extensive shoreline and facilities accommodate a range of activities, from jet skiing to sailing.
4. Rockwall
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 23
Rising from #7 on the list last year to #4, Rockwall is known as a boating hub thanks to its situation on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard. Rockwall offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddlesports. The city's waterfront features marinas and charter services, catering to casual boaters and fishing enthusiasts, and jet ski rentals are also popular here. It’s also a notably affordable city for a boat rental, with many starting at $100/hour or less.
5. Leander
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 24
Located between Lake Travis and Lake Georgetown, Leander provides access to boating opportunities in the Highland Lakes region. The area's natural beauty and water resources attract numerous boating enthusiasts.
6. Little Elm
Most Popular Style of Boat: Deck Boats
Number of Boats Available: 26
Little Elm, Texas is an excellent city for boating and boat rentals thanks to its prime location on the shores of Lake Lewisville. With ample shoreline, scenic views, nearby beach and water activity spots (like Little Elm Beach and paddleboard/kayak rentals at local outfitters), and a vibrant lake lifestyle, Little Elm combines accessible boating infrastructure with a fun, family-friendly waterfront atmosphere that keeps water enthusiasts coming back year after year.
7. Montgomery
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 24
Montgomery provides access to Lake Conroe, a popular destination for boating and fishing. It’s a 21,000-acre lake on the shores of Sam Houston National Forest, which surrounds the reservoir with beautiful foliage and provides a lot of appeal to exploring the area, both on the water and on land. The area boasts several marinas and services for boaters, supporting a thriving community on the water.
8. Hickory Creek
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 28
Hickory Creek, Texas is a great city for boating and boat rentals because it sits directly on Lake Lewisville. The community has multiple public boat ramps and lake access points managed through its parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including Westlake Park, Arrowhead Park, Sycamore Bend, and Point Vista, making it easy for boaters to launch pontoons, ski boats, and other watercraft into open water.
With easy access from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, scenic waterfront parks, nearby rental services launching from Hickory Creek and neighboring towns, and abundant opportunities for family fun on the water, Hickory Creek offers both locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible boating destination
9. The Colony
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Boats Available: 37
Located along the southeastern shores of Lewisville Lake, The Colony has emerged as a notable spot for boating activities. The city's facilities support a variety of water sports and recreational boating. It’s a new city on the list for 2026, indicating a rising interest and demand for boat rentals on Lewisville Lake.
10. Volente
Most Popular Style of Boat:
Number of Boats Available:
Located right on the scenic Lake Travis, Volente offers wide open water perfect for cruising, watersports, fishing, and sunset excursions in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Its quieter, more relaxed lakeside vibe. Offering easy marina access and a variety of rental options from pontoons and jet skis to party boats, both families and groups can enjoy a day on the water without long drives or crowded ramps. Volente blends big-lake adventure with small-town charm for a compelling boating destination that keeps visitors coming back.
In Summary
Texas offers incredible boating opportunities across its cities and waterways. From the massive lakes and reservoirs to the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, there are ample locations for enjoying boat rentals and charters. Each of these cities stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and commitment to environmental conservation, making them must-visit destinations for boating enthusiasts.
About Getmyboat
Getmyboat is the world's largest marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boat rentals. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have used the platform to get out on the water with 180,000+ boats across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. You can find a boat to rent and navigate yourself or browse charters with professional captains — which account for 70 percent of all Getmyboat trips — so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your boat day.
Citing This Report
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