ATX BOAT RENTALS | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
ATX Boat Rentals & Austin Boat Rentals: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about renting a boat in Austin, Texas. From Party Cove adventures to sunset cruises under the 360 Bridge—discover why Tide Up Boat Rentals is Austin’s top choice.
What Are ATX Boat Rentals?
ATX boat rentals refer to boat charter services in Austin, Texas—”ATX” being the popular abbreviation locals and visitors use for the city. Whether you’re searching for “ATX boat rentals,” “Austin boat rentals,” or “after hours ATX boat rentals,” you’re looking for the same thing: an unforgettable day on the water in one of America’s most vibrant cities.
Austin sits at the confluence of two incredible lakes—Lake Austin and Lake Travis—both part of the Highland Lakes chain formed by the Colorado River. These crystal-clear waters, combined with Austin’s famous 300+ days of sunshine, create the perfect conditions for year-round boating.
🌊 Why “ATX Boat Rentals” Has Become So Popular
- Proximity to Downtown — Lake Austin is just 15-20 minutes from 6th Street
- BYOB Culture — Austin boat rentals let you bring your own drinks
- Captained Experiences — Professional captains handle everything so you can party
- Party Cove Scene — Austin’s legendary floating party destination
- Year-Round Boating — Texas weather means you can boat almost any day
Companies like Tide Up Boat Rentals have perfected the Austin boat rental experience, offering premium captained charters with all the amenities you need for an epic day on the water.
Why Lake Austin is Perfect for Boat Rentals
Lake Austin is a 22-mile stretch of the Colorado River that runs through the heart of Austin, created by Tom Miller Dam on one end and Mansfield Dam (which forms Lake Travis) on the other. Here’s why it’s become the go-to destination for Austin boat rentals:
Closest to Downtown
Just 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin. The 360 Boat Ramp is a quick Uber ride from 6th Street, making it perfect for day trips.
Consistent Water Levels
Unlike Lake Travis which fluctuates dramatically, Lake Austin maintains steady levels year-round for reliable boating conditions.
Party Cove Access
Home to Austin’s famous Party Cove near the 360 Bridge—the city’s hottest on-the-water social scene.
Stunning Scenery
Cruise past multi-million dollar homes, the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, Mount Bonnell, and beautiful Hill Country landscapes.
Lake Austin Quick Facts
- Length: 22 miles of navigable water
- Location: Runs through central Austin between Tom Miller Dam and Mansfield Dam
- Water Clarity: Clear, consistent levels maintained by dams
- Temperature: Swimmable from March through October
- Famous Landmarks: Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge), Mount Bonnell, Austin Country Club
Types of Boats Available for Austin Boat Rentals
Choosing the right boat is crucial for your ATX boat rental experience. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
| Boat Type | Capacity | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pontoon | 10-14 guests | Family outings, casual cruises, small groups | $100-200/hr |
| Tritoon | 13-19 guests | Groups wanting stability + speed, tubing | $175-275/hr |
| Double-Decker Pontoon | 14-22 guests | Bachelor/bachelorette parties, large celebrations | $200-350/hr |
| Wake/Surf Boat | 8-12 guests | Wakeboarding, wakesurfing, water sports | $175-300/hr |
| Party Barge | 24-50 guests | Corporate events, large group celebrations | $600-1500/charter |
| Luxury Yacht | 13-24 guests | VIP experiences, upscale celebrations | $400-900/hr |
💡 Pro Tip: Choosing the Right Boat
For most bachelor/bachelorette parties and group celebrations, a double-decker pontoon offers the best value. You get two levels of deck space, often a water slide, plenty of shade, and enough room for 14-22 people to spread out comfortably. Tide Up Boat Rentals specializes in these premium party boats.
Austin Boat Rental Pricing Guide
Understanding ATX boat rental pricing helps you budget for your perfect lake day. Here’s what to expect:
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $100 – $400/hour | Varies by boat type and size |
| Minimum Rental | 3-4 hours | Standard requirement for most companies |
| Weekend Premium | +$25-75/hour | Saturday/Sunday rates are higher |
| Holiday Premium | +$50-100/hour | Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day |
| Captain Gratuity | 15-20% | Standard, often mandatory |
| Ramp Entry Fee | $5/person | Cash only at 360 Boat Ramp |
💰 Sample Cost Breakdown
For a 12-person group on a pontoon boat:
- 4-hour rental at $175/hour = $700
- Captain gratuity (20%) = $140
- Ramp entry fee ($5 x 12) = $60
- Total: $900 ÷ 12 = ~$75/person
That’s an all-day party on the water for less than a nice dinner out!
Ready to Book Your Austin Boat Rental?
Tide Up Boat Rentals offers premium captained experiences on Lake Austin with all-inclusive pricing. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Lake Austin Party Cove: The Ultimate ATX Experience
No guide to ATX boat rentals would be complete without covering Party Cove—Austin’s legendary on-the-water gathering spot that transforms sunny weekends into floating festivals.
📍 Party Cove Quick Facts
- Location: Near the 360 Bridge (Pennybacker Bridge) and Bull Creek
- Also Known As: 360 Cove, Bull Creek Cove
- Best Days: Saturday and Sunday afternoons (1-6 PM)
- Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Vibe: Boats raft up together, music, swimming, socializing
What Happens at Party Cove
Party Cove is where the Austin boat rental community comes together. Here’s what to expect:
- Rafting Up: Boats anchor and tie together, creating a floating community
- Music Everywhere: Bluetooth speakers compete with dueling playlists
- Swimming & Wading: Shallow waters perfect for cooling off
- Socializing: People walk from boat to boat making new friends
- Photo Ops: The 360 Bridge creates stunning backdrops
- Lily Pad Lounging: Floating mats deployed everywhere for relaxing
Party Cove Tips from the Pros
Timing is Everything
Arrive between 12-2 PM on weekends to secure a prime spot. The cove fills up fast on sunny days.
Bring Good Speakers
While boats have Bluetooth, a waterproof backup speaker ensures your playlist keeps the party going.
Stock the Cooler
BYOB means bring plenty. Cans only, no glass. Don’t forget mixers and plenty of water.
Capture the Moment
Waterproof phone cases are essential. The 360 Bridge backdrop is Instagram gold.
Where Austin Boat Rentals Pick Up
Most ATX boat rentals depart from convenient locations near downtown Austin. Here are the primary pickup points:
Loop 360 Boat Ramp (Most Popular)
- Address: 5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
- Location: Under the iconic Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge)
- Distance: 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin
- Entry Fee: $5 per person (cash only)
- Parking: Free but limited; arrive early on weekends
- Best For: Lake Austin rentals, Party Cove access
Walsh Boat Landing
- Location: Near Lake Austin Boulevard in Tarrytown
- Distance: Just 8-10 minutes from downtown
- Best For: Groups staying downtown who want minimal travel
🚗 Getting There
From downtown Austin, take MoPac (Loop 1) north, exit at RM 2222, and head west to reach the 360 Boat Ramp under the Pennybacker Bridge. Uber/Lyft is recommended so everyone can enjoy the BYOB experience safely!
What’s Included with Austin Boat Rentals
Quality ATX boat rental companies like Tide Up Boat Rentals include everything you need for an amazing day:
Licensed Captain
Professional, experienced captain handles navigation, anchoring, and safety so you can focus on having fun.
Fuel Included
Gas for typical cruising and Party Cove trips is included—no surprise fuel surcharges.
XL Coolers + Ice
Large coolers pre-filled with ice to keep your beverages cold all day long.
Lily Pad / Float Mat
12-foot floating mats perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and socializing at Party Cove.
Bluetooth Sound System
Premium marine speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for your party playlist.
Safety Equipment
Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers, including child sizes upon request.
Many boats also include: floating beer pong tables, swimming noodles, water slides (on double-deckers), and sunshade bimini tops.
What to Bring to Your Austin Boat Rental
✅ Essential Items
- Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
- Towels (2 per person recommended)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ (reef-safe preferred)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Hat or visor
- Cash for ramp entry ($5/person) and captain gratuity
- Waterproof phone case
- Beverages (BYOB – cans only!)
- Snacks and lunch
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
✅ BYOB Rules — What You CAN Bring
- Beer and hard seltzers in cans
- Wine in cans or plastic bottles
- Pre-mixed cocktails in cans
- Champagne bottles (often the only glass exception)
🚫 What NOT to Bring
- Glass bottles (except champagne on some boats)
- Red wine (stains upholstery)
- Hard liquor (prohibited on many boats)
- Glitter or confetti
- Styrofoam containers
How to Book an ATX Boat Rental
Booking your Austin boat rental is simple. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Choose Your Lake
Decide between Lake Austin (closer, Party Cove, consistent water levels) or Lake Travis (larger, Devil’s Cove, bigger boats).
Step 2: Select Your Boat
Consider your group size and what you want to do. Pontoons for casual cruising, wake boats for water sports, double-deckers for parties.
Step 3: Pick Your Date & Time
Most rentals require a 3-4 hour minimum. Popular time slots are 12-4 PM (peak Party Cove hours) and 4-8 PM (sunset cruises).
Step 4: Book Online
Visit Tide Up Boat Rentals to check availability and complete your reservation. You’ll typically pay a 50% deposit to secure your booking.
Step 5: Complete Waivers
All passengers need to sign e-waivers before the trip. Share the waiver link with your group.
Step 6: Show Up & Party!
Arrive at the designated pickup location with your group, cooler, and everything you need for an amazing day.
⏰ Booking Timeline Tips
- 4-6 weeks ahead: Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day)
- 2-4 weeks ahead: Peak season weekends (May-September)
- 1-2 weeks ahead: Weekdays during peak season
- A few days: Off-season (October-April) or weekday mornings
Best Time for Austin Boat Rentals
By Season
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, warming water, smaller crowds. Book early for Memorial Day.
- Summer (June-August): Peak season! Hot days, warm water, biggest Party Cove crowds. Book well in advance.
- Fall (September-November): Still great weather, thinning crowds, excellent sunset cruises. Best value season.
- Winter (December-February): Off-season but still doable on warm days. Best prices and easiest availability.
By Day of Week
- Saturday: Biggest Party Cove atmosphere, highest prices, book earliest
- Sunday: Great vibe, slightly calmer than Saturday
- Friday: Building weekend energy, afternoon/sunset slots popular
- Weekdays: Calmest waters, best prices, perfect for families and water sports
Lake Austin vs Lake Travis: Which is Right for You?
🌊 Lake Austin
- Distance: 15-20 min from downtown
- Size: 22 miles long
- Party Spot: 360 Cove / Party Cove
- Water Levels: Consistent year-round
- Vibe: More intimate, local scene
- Famous For: Pennybacker Bridge, Mount Bonnell
- Best For: Quick trips, sunset cruises, smaller groups
🌊 Lake Travis
- Distance: 30 min from downtown
- Size: 63 miles long
- Party Spot: Devil’s Cove (200+ boats)
- Water Levels: Fluctuates seasonally
- Vibe: Mega-party atmosphere
- Famous For: Devil’s Cove, The Oasis
- Best For: Large groups, all-day parties, party barges
🎯 Our Recommendation
For most visitors and first-timers, Lake Austin offers the best experience. It’s closer, has consistent water levels, and Party Cove delivers that authentic Austin vibe without the longer drive. Tide Up Boat Rentals specializes in Lake Austin experiences that maximize your time on the water.
Your Perfect Austin Boat Day Awaits
From Party Cove adventures to stunning sunset cruises under the 360 Bridge, Tide Up Boat Rentals delivers unforgettable Lake Austin experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATX Boat Rentals
Book Your ATX Boat Rental Today
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a corporate event, or just want to experience the best of Austin on the water—Tide Up Boat Rentals is ready to make it happen.