DEVIL’S COVE PARTY GUIDE ON LAKE TRAVIS

Devil’s Cove is Lake Travis’ most iconic party spot, known for huge boat raft ups, floating mats, music, and a high energy social scene. Perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, or group lake days, this guide covers what to expect and how to get there stress free.

What Is Devil’s Cove

WHAT IS DEVIL’S COVE ON LAKE TRAVIS

Devil’s Cove is a famous party cove on Lake Travis where boats anchor and tie together to create a floating social scene. On peak weekends, you’ll see dozens sometimes hundreds of boats rafted up, with music, floating mats, and groups celebrating on the water.

It’s not a beach or dock Devil’s Cove is only accessible by boat, which is why captained rentals are the most popular way to experience it.

Find Your Perfect Party Boat

Best Boats for Devil’s Cove

Malibu 25 LSV

We have 4 wakeboards and they are included in the rental, 3 sets of skis, tubes, 2 pro slalom skis, a kneeboard, and a wake skate. All of our equipment is free and included in the rental. If you own your own boards, you’re more than welcome to bring them.

Included

35ft – Party Barge “LaBarge”

Included

26ft Premier Sunsation

Included

Tahoe

A spacious double-deck tritoon perfect for larger groups seeking comfort and fun on Lake Austin.

Included

JC 306 FLAGSHIP TRITOON – Red

A vibrant red tritoon built for fun on the water with bold styling and plenty of room.

Included

JC 306 FLAGSHIP TRITOON – Black

Included

Sunset cruises, fireworks, and more

Epic Lake Experiences For Big Tex Groups

Alcohol & Party Supplies Delivered to Your Boat!

Upgrade your Lake Austin or Lake Travis cruise with drinks and party essentials delivered straight to your boat at the Loop 360 bridge. Order at least 72 hours in advance and we’ll have everything chilled, prepped, and ready to go, ice included. Discount Code: BigTexBoatRentals Get $25 off your delivery fee. Order now and let the good times roll!

Restaurant & bar

Cruise up and enjoy exclusive perks at Austin’s top lakeside restaurants. Eat, drink, and vibe with your crew Big Tex gets you closer to the fun.

sunset cruise

End your lake day with a golden-hour cruise your group will never forget. Perfect for photos, celebrations, or just soaking in the Austin skyline.

Fireworks Tour

When Austin’s sky turns into a colorful celebration, your boat becomes the perfect viewing lounge. Our licensed captains position your group at just the right distance so you can focus on the music, photos, and the moment.

Public Surf Sessions

Enjoy a shared wakesurf experience on Lake Austin or Lake Travis. Perfect for individuals or small groups, these social sessions let you ride behind a premium surf boat without booking a private charter. Our expert captains create smooth, consistent waves for all skill levels.

Private Surf Sessions

Enjoy a fully customized wakesurf experience for your group with uninterrupted time on the water. Control the pace, music, and rotation while our expert captains deliver the perfect wave on Lake Austin or Lake Travis.

Lake Tours

Austin lake life is bigger than any map. These tours are crafted around your group’s vibe party energy, family relaxation, or quiet sightseeing. Captains guide you through hidden coves, clear swimming areas, scenic shoreline views, and optional restaurant or picnic stops.

Your Party Belongs at the Hottest Cove on the Lake

WHY PARTY AT DEVIL COVE WITH BIG TEX BOAT RENTALS?

Experience the energy of Lake Travis at its most iconic destination. Devil Cove is where the music is louder, the vibes are higher, and the party never slows down. With Big Tex Boat Rentals, your day at Devil Cove is seamless, elevated, and built for unforgettable memories.

From the moment you step onboard, our experienced captains take care of everything so you can focus on having fun. We navigate the crowds, secure the best spots, and keep the party flowing while you enjoy premium boats, top tier sound systems, and a stress free experience. Whether you are celebrating with friends, meeting new people, or soaking up the sun in the middle of the action, we handle the logistics while you live the moment.

Discover Austin's Best

The Best Restaurants in Austin for Your Celebration

La Piscina

Modern Mexican

Poolside rooftop setting, ceviches, and sizzling fajitas made over wood fire; easy cabana/large-party setups.

ATX Cocina

Modern Mexican

100% gluten-free kitchen with house-nixtamalized heirloom corn; elevated takes on Mexican classics.

Devil May Care

Mediterranean lounge

Shareable mezze, cocktails, and a supper-club scene with late hours, VIP tables, and bottle service (21+).

TenTen

Modern Japanese

Premium sushi, steak, and robata; group dining & private event options.

Geraldine’s

Contemporary American

Chef-curated share plates and frequent live music (including weekend jazz brunch).

Sunset cruises, fireworks, and more

Best Hotels in Austin

Hotel Van Zandt

Rainey St.

Rooftop pool with private cabanas and drinks, plus Geraldine’s on-site for live music, ideal for pre/post-Rainey hopping.

Fairmont Austin

Covention/Downtown

Austin’s largest rooftop pool with skyline views and the 7th-floor Rules & Regs bar; big-hotel energy for groups.

Thompson Austin

5th & San Jacinto

Wax Myrtle’s pool lounge with cabanas/daybeds and a social scene that swings from daytime hangs to night vibes.

Austin Proper Hotel

2nd St. District

Design-forward stay with a rooftop pool and poolside Tex-Mex at La Piscina; stylish cocktail spots (Goldie’s, Quill Room) for pregames.

The LINE Austin

Lakefront/Congress Bridge

Infinity pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the rooftop P6 bar for golden-hour cocktails; walkable to downtown.

W Austin

2nd St. District

Party-forward WET® Deck with day passes, cabanas, and weekend DJs; social Living Room Bar with DJs Fri–Sat; steps from ACL Live, perfect for pre/post-show hangs.

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?

No you can not drive the boat. For your safety and for insurance purposes, only Big Tex captains are allowed to drive and operate the vessel. All of Big Tex’s captains have their Texas boating license, Party Boat licenses, are trained, and have many hours of experience. Each of the captains are very familiar with the lakes and the boats they are captaining.

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.

Order Now >

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”.

Order Now >

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?

Plan ahead and book a rideshare for your group! Big Tex partners with top services like Fetii, Let’s Roll, Keys Shuttle Service, and Austin Vibes Party Bus for seamless transportation. Use our Fetii promo code “BIGTEX25” for 25% off your next ride, whether heading to the lake or around Austin!

Explore Different Options

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.