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

Experience the all-new 2026 Malibu 25 LSV, an elite luxury wake boat on Lake Austin. Designed for top-tier wake surfing and wakeboarding, it delivers perfectly shaped, customizable waves for all skill levels. Equipped with advanced ballast systems and Malibu’s signature surf technology, this boat combines high performance with a spacious, ultra-comfortable layout, perfect for both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax on the water.

Included

35ft – Party Barge “LaBarge”

Included

26ft Premier Sunsation

Included

34FT – 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

Unforgettable Lake Experiences for Big Tex Groups

Stock the Cooler. Skip the Store.

Beer, seltzers, and boat-ready cocktail kits delivered straight to Paradise Cove Marina — chilled, prepped, and ready to load. Order 48 hours in advance and we handle the rest.

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’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?

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 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.

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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”.

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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?

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

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.