The Best Boat Rentals in Texas

Expect most pontoons to run about $100–$200 per hour in peak season, with some weekday or off-season options closer to $80–$150 per hour. Wake and surf boats commonly range from about $175–$250 per hour. On the coast and around Clear Lake/Galveston Bay, captained sailboats and catamarans are often $150–$350 per hour, and larger motor yachts usually start around $300 and can exceed $600 per hour depending on size and crew. Many listings have 3–4 hour minimums. Your rate often includes a licensed captain (if selected), standard safety gear, a Bluetooth sound system, and basic inflatables like a lily pad; fuel, cleaning, taxes, and gratuity may be extra, so always check the inclusions on the listing before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix to match your group and itinerary: roomy pontoons and double‑deck party barges for coves and sandbar days, wake and ski boats for surfing and tubing, bowriders and deck boats for casual cruising, sailboats and catamarans on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, and mid‑size to luxury motor yachts for celebrations and sunset cruises. Pick the style that fits your group size, vibe, and where you plan to cruise.

Both options are available. If you want a stress‑free day, book a captained charter and let a local pro handle the route, docking, and safety. If you prefer to self‑operate, you’ll need to meet Texas requirements and the owner’s standards; many owners will ask about your experience and may require a higher deposit. Holiday weekends and larger boats are often captained only. If you’re on the fence, choose a captain—trip planners consistently find it makes group outings simpler and safer.

Common, easy meeting points include Mansfield Dam Park and Safe Harbor Emerald Point on Lake Travis; the Loop 360 Boat Ramp and Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin; Kemah Boardwalk Marina and South Shore Harbour Marina on Clear Lake near Galveston Bay; and Safe Harbor Pier 121 on Lake Lewisville and Chandler’s Landing Marina on Lake Ray Hubbard in the Dallas area. Your captain will confirm the exact dock based on parking, water levels, and wind on the day of your trip.

Scenery varies by region: on Lake Travis and Canyon Lake you’ll cruise past Hill Country limestone bluffs, wide coves, and sunset vistas; on Lake Austin you’ll pass the Pennybacker (360) Bridge and waterfront homes; in Bay Area Houston you’ll see Kemah Boardwalk, sailboats on Clear Lake, and, on good days, dolphins in Galveston Bay; around Dallas‑Fort Worth you can idle near Party Cove on Lake Lewisville or enjoy evening lights around Rockwall Harbor and the I‑30 bridges on Lake Ray Hubbard.

Texas requires boater education for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a sailboat over 14 feet. If you’re at least 13 and meet that education requirement, you can operate; otherwise an adult 18+ who can legally operate must be on board. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need to worry about these rules—your captain handles the operation.

Yes, families with children are welcome. Boats include U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets for all guests, but be sure to enter each child’s age and approximate weight at booking so the captain brings the right sizes. Texas law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Most crews also carry a throwable device and basic first‑aid supplies. Strollers and hard‑soled coolers are best left on the dock to keep decks clear and safe.

Most charters allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler and ice. Glass is commonly discouraged or prohibited on docks and swim areas, so plan on cans and reusable bottles. If you’re celebrating, coordinate any decorations or cakes with your captain in advance, and ask about grilling or catering options if you want everything handled for you.

Pet policies vary by owner and boat type. Small, well‑behaved dogs are often allowed with advance approval and a cleaning fee; larger breeds or multiple pets may be restricted. If your pet is joining, bring a towel, a non‑shed mat, and fresh water, and keep them leashed at marinas and ramps. For hot summer days, consider a canine life jacket and plan extra shade breaks.

Summer brings heat, afternoon breezes, and occasional pop‑up thunderstorms; on the coast, wind and tides can shape the day. If conditions are unsafe, captains will typically reschedule or refund per the listing’s policy. To keep plans flexible, choose a morning start time and review the specific cancellation terms before you confirm. Your captain will monitor forecasts and advise on any adjustments.

Absolutely. Double‑deck pontoons with slides are great for birthdays and bachelor/bachelorette groups on Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lake Lewisville, while sailboats and motor yachts around Clear Lake and Galveston Bay create an elevated vibe for anniversaries or client events. Tell your captain your headcount and occasion—most can suggest route options, swim stops, music setups, and timing to match your plan.

Peak boating season runs roughly April through September, with the biggest demand on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day. Notable on‑water events include Yachty Gras and summer powerboat weekends around Clear Lake/Kemah, plus various lake fireworks shows across the state. For smoother water and easier parking, book weekday mornings; late‑afternoon trips are great for sunsets. If you’re targeting a holiday or a big event, reserve several weeks early; for standard weekends, one to two weeks is usually enough.

Yes—ask your captain about Devil’s Cove on Lake Travis for a lively raft‑up scene, Party Cove on Lake Lewisville for a social anchor‑spot, and easy coastal sails from Clear Lake out to Galveston Bay for seabirds and occasional dolphin sightings. Your crew will advise the best option for your group’s vibe and the day’s wind and water levels, and they’ll prioritize safe anchoring and respectful etiquette at shared coves.