EXPERIENCE LAKE AUSTIN & LAKE TRAVIS LIKE NEVER BEFORE
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Tide Up Boat Rentals offers the ultimate pontoon boat and party barge experiences in Austin, perfect for group outings, bachelor party boat or bachelorette party boat celebrations, and unforgettable lake parties. Whether you need a 20-person party boat on Lake Travis or Lake Austin, we’ve got you covered. Our party boat with captain lets you relax while cruising Devil’s Cove, taking in the Pennybacker Bridge, or celebrating on the water. If you’re searching for pontoon rentals, a lake party boat, or a memorable BYOB sunset boat tour, Tide Up Boat Rentals is your top choice for fun, adventure, and lifelong memories in Austin!
EMBARK ON A PARTY BARGE CRAWL: TASTE, TOAST & TOUR LAKE AUSTIN & LAKE TRAVIS
REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL ADVENTURES ON THE LAKE
Rented for birthday, we all had such a good time! Perfect birthday celebration. The captain was awesome, he took great care of us. Great staff, very accommodating. Boat was nice, played music, had a lily pad, everything we wanted! Definitely recommend!
– Riki R. | Google Reviews
We rented a boat through Tide Up for a friend’s birthday and everything was amazing! Management was very helpful and quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. Will definitely book again in the future!
– Cassey R. | Google Reviews
Wes was absolutely amazing! He made sure we were all safe and comfortable throughout our entire boat tour. We were so lucky to have him as our captain! Definitely recommend this company for anyone looking for a good time in Austin!! :)
– Kristen C. | Google Reviews
Picked up the slack when our original driver cancelled. Couldn’t be more considerate to make sure we have a good time, and also stayed safe. He saved the day and we were so thankful!
– Caroline M. | Google ReviewsCELEBRATE IN DEVIL’S COVE WITH A CAPTAINED PARTY BOAT IN AUSTIN
Ready for an elevated Lake Travis experience? Tide Up Boat Rentals specializes in captained pontoon boat rentals at Austin’s famous Devil’s Cove— the local hot spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Our spacious 12- to 20-passenger fleet is fully equipped with a Bluetooth sound system, a lily pad for floating fun, and coolers for your drinks. Perfect for groups looking to relax and enjoy the water, our professional captains handle the navigation so you can focus on making memories. From Lake Austin to Lake Travis, we ensure your day on the lake is stress-free, safe, and unforgettable. Let us show you why Tide Up Boat Rentals is the go-to choice for party barges and pontoon boat rentals in Austin, Texas!
Lake Travis & Lake Austin Boat Rentals
Tide Up is the only boat rental company operating on both Austin lakes. Choose your vibe — party or scenic.
Lake Travis Boat Rentals
Austin’s Party Lake — 64 Miles of Adventure
Texas’s legendary party lake with crystal-clear water, famous coves, and the biggest boat party scene in the state. Home to Devil’s Cove, where 200+ lake travis boat rentals tie up on summer weekends.
- Devil’s Cove — Texas’s #1 party cove
- Party Cove & Starnes Island
- Beachside Billy’s bar stops
- Crystal-clear deep blue water
- Friday Night Music Cruise — from $800
Lake Austin Boat Rentals
Austin’s Scenic Lake — 21 Miles of Beauty
The closer, calmer lake with stunning Hill Country scenery, waterfront dining, the Pennybacker Bridge, and Little Venice canals. Perfect for sunset cruises and relaxed outings just 15 minutes from downtown. Book your Lake Austin Boat Rental Today!
- Hula Hut & Ski Shores waterfront dining
- Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge) views
- Little Venice canals & mansions
- 15 minutes from downtown Austin
- BYOB Sunset Cruises from $450
Lake Travis & Lake Austin Boat Rental Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Boat Rentals
Q1: How much does a boat rental on Lake Travis cost?
Lake Travis boat rental prices range from $395–$700+ depending on the boat size, day of week, and duration. Tide Up Boat Rentals offers weekday pontoon rentals starting at $395 for 12 passengers. All rentals include a professional captain, fuel, Bluetooth sound system, lily pad, coolers with ice, and safety equipment — no hidden fees. Weekend rates for our 14-person party barge start at $595, and our 20-person party boat starts at $700. For a group of 12 on a weekday, that’s just $33 per person.
Q2: Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Austin?
No! All Tide Up boat rentals come with a professional licensed captain, so you don’t need any boating license or experience. Your captain handles all navigation, docking, and safety — you just bring your drinks, food, and good vibes. This is also the safest option since Texas BWI (Boating While Intoxicated) laws are strict — with a captain, your entire group can enjoy drinks freely.
Q3: Can you bring alcohol on the boat? Is it BYOB?
Yes! Tide Up offers BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) boat rentals on both Lake Travis and Lake Austin. Bring your own beer, wine, seltzers, or mixed cocktails. We provide coolers with ice. Just remember: no glass containers allowed on boats for safety. Many guests stock up at a local H-E-B or Total Wine before heading to the lake.
Q4: What is Devil’s Cove and how do I get there?
Devil’s Cove is Lake Travis’s most famous party destination — a natural cove where boats anchor together for swimming, floating, and socializing. On summer weekends, 200+ boats gather here making it the biggest outdoor party in Texas. The easiest way to visit is booking a captained boat rental with Tide Up. Our captains know the best spots to anchor and will handle all navigation. We depart from 16120 Stewart Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734.
Q5: What’s the difference between Lake Travis and Lake Austin?
Lake Travis is Austin’s party lake — 64 miles long with Devil’s Cove, Party Cove, open water, and the biggest boat party scene in Texas. Lake Austin is the scenic lake — 21 miles long with waterfront dining (Hula Hut, Ski Shores), the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, and the Little Venice canals. Choose Lake Travis for high-energy celebrations. Choose Lake Austin for sunset cruises and relaxed outings. Lake Austin is also closer to downtown (15 min vs. 30–40 min). Tide Up operates on both.
Q6: How many people can fit on your boats?
Tide Up’s fleet accommodates 12 to 20 passengers per boat. Our 12-person pontoons are great for smaller groups and family outings. Our 14-person party barges are the most popular for bachelorette and bachelor parties. Our 20-person party boats are ideal for large celebrations and corporate events. For groups over 20, we can arrange multiple boats sailing together — we’ve hosted groups up to 40+ across multiple boats.
Q7: What’s included with a Tide Up boat rental?
Every rental includes: professional licensed captain, all fuel, Bluetooth sound system with premium speakers, lily pad float for swimming, coolers with ice, life jackets and all safety equipment. Optional add-ons include sunrise/sunset tour timing and captain photo packages. You bring your own food, drinks (BYOB — no glass), and sunscreen. No hidden fees, no fuel surcharges.
Q8: When is the best time to rent a boat on Lake Travis?
Peak season runs April through October, with the busiest months being May–September. Weekdays offer the best prices (from $395) and less crowded coves. Summer weekends and holidays — Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day — book up 2–4 weeks in advance. Sunset cruises are popular year-round. Pro tip: September and October offer perfect weather with significantly fewer crowds and lower prices.