Austin's Luxury Boat Rental
Discover Austin’s Premier Boat Rental Services
It’s time for the ultimate lake adventure with Big Tex Boat Rentals, your gateway to an legendary experience in Austin, Texas, and beyond. Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday bash, bachelor or bachelorette party, corporate retreat, or any lakeside event, we’ve got the perfect vessel for your occasion.
We proudly offer top-notch boat rental services across an array of stunning water bodies, catering to Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the renowned Highland lakes region. This includes Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, and Lake Marble Falls.
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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.
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.
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?
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.