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Your Top Choice for Boat Rentals at Lake Austin & Lake Travis
Stop stressing over reservations. We offer the newest, best-maintained pontoons and wake boats in Central Texas. Whether you need a quick boat rental or a full-day party barge, we make your time on the Lake effortless.
Excellent
5.0 | 2086 reviews
The #1 Boat Rental Service on Lake Austin & Lake Travis
43,000+ Happy Guests Since Launch
Highest-Rated Captains in Austin
Top Boats
EXPERIENCE THE BEST PARTY BOATS IN AUSTIN
- 15 People
- 33ft
- 3-12 Hours
- Lake Austin & Lake Travis
JC 306 FLAGSHIP TRITOON – Black
- Starting at $175 / hr
- 16 People
- 34ft
- 2-12 Hours
- Lake Austin
34FT – Tahoe
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 11 People
- 25ft
- 3-10 Hours
- Lake Travis
25ft Avalon Funship W/ Slide
- Starting at $175 / hr
- 15 People
- 28ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Travis
28ft Avalon Windjammer w/Slide
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 16 People
- 28ft
- 3-12 Hours
- Lake Travis
28ft Premier Boundary
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 14 People
- 26ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Austin
26ft Premier Sunsation
- Starting at $175 / hr
- 16 People
- 30ft
- 2-12 Hours
- Lake Travis
30ft Premier Sunsation
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 12 People
- 26ft
- 2.5-10 Hours
- Lake Travis
26ft Godfrey Sweetwater
- Starting at $175 / hr
- 18 People
- 38ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Travis
38ft Monterey “Encima”
- Starting at $350 / hr
- 25 People
- 35ft
- 2-12 Hours
- Lake Austin
35ft – Party Barge “LaBarge”
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 22 People
- 30ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Travis
30FT – Solid Craft
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 25 People
- 34ft
- 2-12 Hours
- Lake Travis
34ft Lakewind
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 22 People
- 30ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Travis
30FT – Solid Craft II
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 15 People
- 28ft
- 3-8 Hours
- Lake Travis
28ft Black Windjammer
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 20 People
- 32ft
- 3-12 Hours
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier Tan
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 19 People
- 32ft
- 3-12 Hours
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier White
- Starting at $250 / hr
Sunset cruises, fireworks, and more
Epic Lake Experiences For Big Tex Groups
Sunset cruises, fireworks, and more
Epic Lake Experiences For Big Tex Groups
Lake Days for Every Occasion
Pick Your Perfect Day on the Water
Real lake moments, real party crews
Where Lake Days Come Alive
Austin Trusts Big Tex
TRUSTED PARTNERS
Happy Customers
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Commonly Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What comes with the boat rental?
Each boat comes with an experienced captain, gas, a premium Bluetooth sound system, a large floating mat, floaties, safety devices, a large cooler filled with ice, and more!
Where is the pick up location?
We are a commercially insured charter business with limited pick-up locations due to lake regulations. Lake Travis pick-ups are at Mansfield Dam Park or Paradise Cove Marina (fees apply), and Lake Austin pick-ups are at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp ($5 cash per person).
If you have a private dock or are staying on the lake, a pick-up may be arranged with prior notice.
Why is there a 6% charge for online bookings?
When booking online, a 6% processing fee is applied to cover additional platform and transaction costs. To avoid this charge, you can save by booking directly with us over the phone. Call us at (512) 680-9102 to make your reservation.
How much should I tip my captain?
A 20% gratuity (or captain fee) is required and must be paid directly to the captain by the end of your boat charter. Payment options include cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp. If you did not prepay the gratuity during your reservation, please ensure it is settled at the end of the charter.
Do you need a boating license? Can I drive the boat? Are the boat captains experienced?
How far in advance should I place my order for drinks and party essentials to be delivered to my boat?
To ensure timely delivery and that everything is chilled and ready for your Lake Austin or Lake Travis cruise, please place your order at least 72 hours in advance.
Is there a discount available for the delivery service fee?
Yes, you can enjoy $25 off your delivery fee when you use the discount code ” BigTexBoatRentals”.
Do you allow pets on the boat?
Yes, you can bring your well behaved furry friend with you. Just contact us before the trip so we can accommodate your dog or service animal. Make sure it has a life jacket as well.
Can I bring some festive decorations for my boat trip?
Absolutely! We want your time on the water to be as celebratory as possible. Balloons and other decorations are allowed, so feel free to decorate the boat for your lake day.
Please note: while decorations are welcome, glitter is not permitted, as it is difficult to clean and can damage the boats. We appreciate your help in keeping our fleet in great condition.
What should I bring on the boat?
Ice, towels, sunscreen, cups, sunglasses, food, drinks (expect to share), $5 cash per person, and please bring water to stay hydrated.
What should I "NOT" bring on the boat?
Please refrain from bringing any glass, Styrofoam, glitter, messy food, or bad attitudes! Everyone on the lake is here to have a good time and enjoy themselves.
What's the best transportation method?
Can we bring alcoholic drinks?
Yes, absolutely bring your own drinks. Just please refrain from bringing red wine as it can stain the seats and carpet if spilt. Glass beer bottles are not allowed on the Lake, please try to bring cans and plastic if possible.
Where can I park my car for my Lake Travis adventure?
We’ve got two pick-up locations to make your trip a breeze! Our main spot is at Paradise Cove Marina (17141 Rocky Ridge rd., Austin, TX 78734). They have plenty of parking and charge a fee of $5 per person to enter the marina, plus $20 per vehicle for parking (your awesome crew included!).
Our other option is Mansfield Dam. This is a cash-only location with a $5 per person entrance fee to the park itself. Keep in mind that we only have one boat picking up from Mansfield Dam at this time, so be sure to confirm your pick-up spot when you book your unforgettable Big Tex experience!
Do I need to bring a cooler?
No, we provide a large yeti cooler filled with ice for your drinks free of charge.
Do we need to pay for gas?
Gas is included in the hourly rate. If we are bringing the boat to a different lake other than Lake Austin or Lake Travis there will be a small fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are based on how far in advance you notify us:
• 15+ days before your trip: Full refund of your deposit minus a 6% booking fee
• 14–9 days before: $100 cancellation fee + 6% booking fee
• 8–3 days before: 50% of the total will be charged + 6% booking fee
• Within 72 hours: No cancellations permitted, 100% of the total will be charged
To cancel, contact us via email (info@bigtexboatrentals.com) or phone call
(512-680-9102)
What if it rains?
Big Tex Boat Rentals operates rain or shine and only cancels when we determine conditions are unsafe.
- We do not cancel based on forecasts alone, decisions are made on the day & start time of your
trip, based on the conditions on the lake during your reservation time (not before or after). - Unsafe conditions may include severe thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, or other hazards.
- Light rain, cloudy skies, warm winds, or intermittent showers are not unsafe and will not result in
cancellation. - If conditions require, we may adjust start times or shorten the trip for safety. If shortened, you will
only be charged for time used.
If we cancel your trip for safety: - You may receive a full refund (minus non-refundable booking fee), or
- Reschedule for another available date at no charge.
Final decision to operate or cancel is at the sole discretion of Big Tex Boat Rentals
Is there a captain fee?
A mandatory 20% captain fee is required for all charters. This may be:
- Pre-paid during booking, or
- Paid directly to the captain at the end of the trip
The captain fee is calculated based on:
- Hourly rental rate
- Add-ons (excluding taxes and booking fees)
- Additional tips are not required, but always appreciated.
What happens if we are late or don’t show up?
- No-Show = No contact 30 minutes after start time → 100% of trip price + 20% captain fee
charged to card on file. - There is no compensation for late arrivals or early returns
Can I reschedule my booking?
- All modifications or reschedule requests must be made 15+ days before your trip
- Subject to availability, we will do our best to accommodate changes, but availability is not
guaranteed. - Within 7 days of your reservation, reschedules are only permitted if Big Tex cancels due to
unsafe weather conditions.
Do I need to bring identification?
- The cardholder must provide a valid government-issued ID (DL/ID) matching the card on file
This may be:
- Uploaded during waiver completion, or
- Provided prior to the reservation
📌 This is required to prevent fraudulent transactions
Can you refuse service?
We may refuse service without refund if anyone in your party:
- Is unruly or excessively intoxicated
- Poses a danger to themselves or others
- Displays unsafe or disruptive behavior as determined by our staff or captain
Are we responsible for damages or cleaning?
- Guests are responsible for any damage to the boat, equipment, or property caused by their group during the charter.
- Damage repair costs will be charged to the card on file.
- Excessive cleaning fees will apply for spills, stains, trash left onboard, or any condition beyond normal use.
- Failure to follow the rules provided in your confirmation email may result in additional charges.