The Best Boat Rentals in Georgetown

Expect most casual pontoon and tritoon rentals around Lake Georgetown to run about $100–$200 per hour on weekdays and closer to $175–$300 per hour on busy weekends and holidays. Captained wake and surf boats commonly range from roughly $175–$400 per hour depending on the day, boat size, and whether water sports gear is included. Jet skis usually fall near $100–$150 per hour, and small fishing boats often land around $70–$150 per hour. Captained charters frequently include the captain, required safety gear, fuel, and often a large cooler with ice; self-operated listings include safety gear, while fuel and cleaning fees vary by owner. Taxes, platform fees, and gratuity (for captained trips) are typically extra, and holiday pricing may be higher.

The most common options for Lake Georgetown are spacious pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxed cruising and swim stops, wake and ski boats set up for tubing and wakesurfing with a captain, jet skis for quick spins, and fishing boats for casting along the coves. Larger yachts and sailboats are uncommon on this smaller Hill Country reservoir, so for groups and celebrations, pontoons and wake boats are the go-to choices.

If you want a low-stress outing or plan to wakesurf, tube, or celebrate with a group, a captained charter is the easiest route—your captain handles the driving, anchoring, and all the logistics. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, Texas requires a boater education certificate for operators born on or after September 1, 1993 when running most motorboats; some owners may also set their own experience requirements. For trip planners coordinating guests, music, and food, booking with a captain often makes the day simpler and keeps the focus on fun.

Common pickup points are the public boat ramps managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Cedar Breaks Park, Jim Hogg Park, and Russell Park on Lake Georgetown. These concrete ramps are open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with 24-hour exit, and each has a limited number of parking spaces. When a ramp’s lot fills, launching may pause until a space opens, so plan to arrive early on weekends and holiday mornings. A day-use/launch fee is typically required per vehicle at these parks.

You’ll cruise past classic Hill Country scenery—limestone bluffs, juniper and live oak shoreline, and teal coves along the Goodwater Loop trail. Wildlife sightings can include great blue herons, ospreys, white-tailed deer near the banks, and spring wildflowers along the ridgelines. Many routes also pass the Lake Georgetown dam and the Crockett Gardens area, where a spring-fed waterfall feature meets the lake after seasonal rains.

Texas law requires anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to have a boater education certificate to operate a motorboat over 15 horsepower, a personal watercraft, or a sailboat over 14 feet. If you don’t have certification—or simply prefer to relax—choose a captained charter. Bring a government-issued ID, and keep your boater education card on you if you’ll be operating.

Yes. Most listings welcome families and provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for the stated capacity. Texas law requires all children under 13 to wear a properly fitted life jacket while a vessel under 26 feet is underway. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, confirm availability of child-sized PFDs in advance; some hosts ask you to bring your own for the best fit. Your captain or owner will also carry required safety equipment like a throwable device on larger boats.

Nearly all private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages; many provide a large cooler with ice. Choose cans and reusable bottles instead of glass to keep decks and swim areas safe, and secure everything in soft-sided coolers to save space. If you’re operating the boat yourself, the operator must remain sober; captains always have the final say on onboard safety and what’s allowed.

Leashed pets are allowed in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks around Lake Georgetown, but not in the designated swim beach at Russell Park. Whether dogs are welcome on a specific boat is up to the owner—many do allow well-behaved pups with advance approval and may charge a cleaning fee. Bring a towel, a non-slip mat, and a life jacket sized for your dog, and keep pets off seats unless your captain says otherwise.

Central Texas summers can bring heat, afternoon breezes, and isolated thunderstorms; captains watch radar and will adjust or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Water levels and park operations can change seasonally, and launch parking is limited at each ramp; when lots are full, launching temporarily stops until a space opens. To reduce stress, book morning departures in summer, build in buffer time for park entry, and confirm your host’s weather and cancellation policy before your trip.

Peak boating season runs roughly April through October, with warm water and the longest days. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are the busiest on the lake and at the ramps; book early and expect higher prices and minimums. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures. Spring brings green shorelines and wildflowers, summer afternoons are best for coves and swimming, sunsets are lovely from late summer into fall, and mild winter days can be peaceful if you’re comfortable with cooler water.

Absolutely. Pontoons and wake boats are popular for celebrations, and many charters include float mats, Bluetooth sound, coolers with ice, and easy meetup at a public ramp. Share your headcount and desired vibe (relaxed cruise, swim cove, or water sports) in the booking request so your captain can tailor the route. Remember that park entry and launch areas are public—build a few extra minutes into your arrival for gate queues, parking, and load-in.

Your captain will take you to calm coves for safe swim stops away from boat traffic; always wear a life jacket when anchored. On shore, Russell Park has a designated swim beach that’s typically open seasonally (spring through early fall) with no lifeguards on duty and no pets allowed at the beach itself. Shoreline swimming elsewhere is discouraged due to unknown depths and underwater hazards, so it’s best to swim in coves under your captain’s guidance.

Yes—many cruises pass the Crockett Gardens area along the south shore near Cedar Breaks, where a spring-fed flow reaches the lake. The feature has changed in recent years after freeze damage, but it’s still a scenic shoreline stop to view from the water when lake conditions are favorable. There is no dock at the falls area; your captain will advise on the safest nearby cove for idling or swimming and how close you can reasonably approach while respecting hikers and the shoreline.