We’re Big Tex Boat Rentals Austin’s Trusted Lake Adventure Experts
From Lake Travis parties to scenic Lake Austin cruises, we offer premium boats with professional captains, unforgettable experiences, and hassle-free bookings every single time.
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
Who We Are
Built for Better Boat Days in Austin
- Locally owned Austin boat rental company serving Lake Travis and Lake Austin
- Created to eliminate the stress and confusion of traditional boat rentals
- Premium boats with professional, licensed captains included
- Simple, smooth booking with hands-on customer support
- Ideal for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, corporate events, and casual lake days
- Clean boats, reliable service, and consistent quality that guests return for.
- Focused on easy, memorable, and unforgettable lake experiences.
Popular Boats
Discover Austin’s Top Party Boat Experiences
- 19 People
- 3-12 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier White
A luxury 32-foot double-decker tritoon featuring spacious lounge areas, an upper-level water slide, and a premium sound system, perfect for lively lake parties and smooth, elevated cruising.
Included
- Captain Included
- Premium Bluetooth sound system
- Large RTIC Cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 20 People
- 3-12 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier Tan
A stylish 32-foot double-decker tritoon with expansive lounge space, an upper-level water slide, and premium sound, perfect for energetic lake days and unforgettable group outings.
Included
- Captain provided
- Premium Bluetooth sound system
- Large RTIC Cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 15 People
- 3-8 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
28ft Black Windjammer
A premium double-decker tritoon featuring a fun water slide, wide-open lake views, and a high-quality Bluetooth sound system, perfect for laid-back cruising and memorable group outings.
Included
- Captain provided
- Premium Bluetooth sound system
- 110qt RTIC cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, floats & noodles
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 22 People
- 3-8 Hours
- All Ages
- Two Water Slides
- Lake Travis
30FT – Solid Craft II
A spacious 30-foot luxury party barge with powerful sound, comfortable seating, and smooth cruising, ideal for energetic group outings and unforgettable lake days.
Included
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Stereo
- Large Cooler (140qt RTIC)
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 25 People
- 2-12 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
34ft Lakewind
A spacious double-decker party boat with plenty of seating, smooth cruising, and an open layout, perfect for large groups and full-day fun on the water.
Included
- Captain provided
- Premium Bluetooth sound system
- Large 140qt RTIC cooler
- Floating mat & Lily Pad
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 22 People
- 3-8 Hours
- All Ages
- Two Water Slides
- Lake Travis
30FT – Solid Craft
A fun, spacious party pontoon with multi-level seating, smooth cruising, and a social-friendly design, perfect for group celebrations and unforgettable days on the water.
Included
- Captain provided
- Bluetooth sound system
- Large 140qt RTIC cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, floats & noodles
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 25 People
- 2-12 Hours
- All Ages
- Lake Austin
35ft – Party Barge “LaBarge”
A spacious 35-foot party barge offering open deck space, steady cruising, and a fun, social layout, ideal for large group celebrations and relaxed outings on the lake.
Included
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Premium Stereo
- Large Cooler (140qt RTIC)
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $250 / hr
- 12 People
- 2.5-10 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
26ft Godfrey Sweetwater
A comfortable mid-size pontoon with spacious seating and smooth performance, ideal for relaxed group outings.
Included
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Premium Stereo
- Large Cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $175 / hr
- 16 People
- 2-12 Hours
- All Ages
- Slide Included
- Lake Travis
30ft Premier Sunsation
A roomy 30-foot pontoon offering upgraded space and stability, perfect for larger groups seeking comfort on the water.
Included
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Premium Stereo
- Large RTIC Cooler
- Aqua Lily Pad, Floats & Noodles
- Starting at $200 / hr
- 14 People
- 3-8 Hours
- All Ages
- 10-foot Slide Included
- Lake Austin
26ft Premier Sunsation
A sleek mid-size pontoon with cozy seating and smooth handling, ideal for relaxed cruising with friends and family.
Included
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Audio, Subwoofer
- Yeti Cooler
- Lily Pad, Sun Deck, Bimini Top, GPS
- Starting at $175 / hr
Book a Charter Today
Serving Lake Austin & Lake Travis
We know the lakes like the back of our hand and spcialize in hosting unforgettable experiences on Austin’s best waters.
LAKE AUSTIN
Discover the wonders of Lake Austin with Big Tex Boat Rentals. Immerse yourself in a world of waterfront dining, celebrity homes, and the iconic 360 bridge all just a boat ride away.
LAKE TRAVIS
Explore the stunning beauty of Lake Travis with Big Tex Boat Rentals, offering luxurious pontoons, wake boats, and party barges for unforgettable adventures. Perfect for group outings.
Our Crew
MEET OUR CAPTAINS
Austin Trusts Big Tex
TRUSTED PARTNERS
Happy Customers
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Commonly Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s included with the boat rental?
Each rental comes with a licensed captain, fuel, a premium Bluetooth sound system, a large floating mat, water floats, all required safety equipment, and a spacious cooler stocked with ice, plus everything you need for a fun and hassle-free day on the water.
Where is the pickup location for the boat?
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.
What is the reason for the 6% online booking fee?
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 I need a boating license, can I operate the boat myself, and are your captains experienced?
How early should I order drinks and party essentials for boat delivery?
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.
Are there any discounts available for the delivery service fee?
Yes, you can enjoy $25 off your delivery fee when you use the discount code ” BigTexBoatRentals”.
Are pets allowed 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 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 with me?
Be sure to pack ice, towels, sunscreen, cups, sunglasses, snacks, beverages, about $5 in cash per person, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
What items are prohibited on the boat?
Please avoid bringing red wine, glitter, messy foods, glass beer bottles, and anything that might disrupt a positive atmosphere.
What is the best way to get there?
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
Yes, alcohol is allowed; however, red wine and glass beer bottles are not permitted. Please opt for cans or plastic containers instead.
Where should I park 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 happens if it rains?
Our team closely monitors weather conditions leading up to your trip. We don’t cancel reservations based on forecasts alone, final decisions are made on the day of your booking and only in cases of unsafe or severe weather. If a cancellation is necessary, you’ll receive a full refund or have the option to reschedule.
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.
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?
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can contact us before 7 days of your scheduled trip to receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled trip will result in a 50% charge upon the agreed total. Cancellations within 48 hours of your scheduled trip are not permitted and will result in 100% charge of the agreed upon total.
What if it rains?
The weather forecast will be carefully watched by our team. We do not cancel our trips based on weather forecasts. Trip cancellation is determined on the day of your rental reservation and only in unsafe or severe weather conditions. In the event we must cancel the boat reservation, you will receive a 100% refund or allowed to reschedule.