ATX DISCO CRUISE | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
ATX Disco Cruise & Austin Party Boats: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about disco cruises and party boats in Austin. Compare shared vs private options, explore Devil’s Cove, and discover why Tide Up Boat Rentals offers the ultimate private party boat experience.
What is an ATX Disco Cruise?
The ATX Disco Cruise has become one of Austin’s most popular party experiences, especially for bachelor and bachelorette parties visiting the city. But what exactly is it, and is it the right choice for your group?
🪩 ATX Disco Cruise Quick Facts
- Format: Shared party boat with multiple groups (up to 100 guests)
- Duration: 4-hour cruises on Lake Travis
- Schedule: Fridays 12-4pm, Saturdays 11am-3pm & 3:30-7:30pm
- Price: $80-90/person (women), $95-125/person (men)
- Includes: DJ, photographer, coolers with ice, lily pads, koozies, cups
- Season: March through October
- BYOB: Yes! Bring your own beverages
The disco cruise concept was created specifically for bachelorette and bachelor parties to join together on one large party barge. Multiple groups celebrate together, creating a high-energy social atmosphere with music, dancing, swimming, and mingling.
What Makes Disco Cruises Unique
- Social Atmosphere: Meet other celebrating groups from around the country
- Professional DJ: Keeps the party going with crowd-favorite music
- Photographer Included: Professional photos of your group captured
- Giant Disco Ball: The signature centerpiece that gives it the name
- All-Inclusive Setup: Coolers, ice, cups, name tags, floats all provided
💡 Is a Disco Cruise Right for You?
Great for: Bachelorette parties that want to meet other groups, high-energy social scenes, groups of 6-12 who want an affordable per-person option.
Consider alternatives if: You want privacy, control over music, a more intimate celebration, or have a larger group (10+ people where private charters become more cost-effective).
Austin Party Boats: Your Complete Overview
Austin party boats encompass a wide range of options beyond disco cruises. Whether you want a shared experience or a private charter, Austin’s lakes offer the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Shared Disco Cruises
Join other groups for a high-energy party experience. DJ, photographer, and social atmosphere included. Best for meeting people.
Private Party Boats
Exclusive use of the entire boat. Control the music, route, and vibe. Perfect for groups wanting privacy and customization.
Sunset Cruises
Evening charters with stunning Hill Country sunset views. Romantic and relaxed atmosphere. Great for special occasions.
Corporate Events
Team-building on the water. Large party barges accommodate 50+ guests. Catering and add-ons available.
Why Austin Party Boats Are So Popular
Austin has become one of the country’s top destinations for party boats, and for good reason:
- Two Amazing Lakes: Lake Travis (63 miles) and Lake Austin (22 miles) within 30 minutes of downtown
- BYOB Culture: Bring your own drinks and save hundreds compared to clubs
- Devil’s Cove & Party Cove: Legendary gathering spots where boats raft up together
- Year-Round Weather: 300+ days of sunshine means boating almost any time
- Professional Captains: Licensed captains handle everything so everyone can party
- Complete Packages: Boats come fully equipped with amenities
ATX Disco Cruise vs Private Party Boat
Which option is right for your group? Here’s a detailed comparison.
🪩 ATX Disco Cruise
$80-125 per person
- Multiple groups together (50-100 people)
- Professional DJ included
- Professional photographer included
- Great for meeting other groups
- Set schedule (Friday/Saturday only)
- Lake Travis only
- 4-hour fixed duration
- Can’t control music selection
- Less privacy for your group
- Best for groups of 6-10
🚤 Private Party Boat
$150-350 per hour
- Your group exclusively
- Bluetooth sound system—your music
- Captain photos on your device
- Complete privacy
- Any day, flexible times
- Lake Austin OR Lake Travis
- 3-8 hour options
- Full control of playlist
- Intimate celebration
- Better value for 10+ people
💰 Cost Comparison Example: 12-Person Bachelorette
Disco Cruise: 12 × $85 = $1,020 (shared boat, set time, can’t control music)
Private Charter: 4 hours × $250 = $1,000 ($83/person for EXCLUSIVE boat, your music, your route)
Winner: Private charter offers better value AND experience for groups of 10+!
Types of Austin Party Boats
From intimate pontoons to mega party barges, here’s what’s available for your Austin celebration:
| Boat Type | Capacity | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pontoon | 10-14 guests | Small groups, family outings, casual cruises | $100-200/hr |
| Tritoon | 13-19 guests | Groups wanting stability, tubing, comfort | $175-275/hr |
| Double-Decker Pontoon | 14-22 guests | Bachelor/bachelorette parties, water slides | $200-350/hr |
| Party Barge | 24-50 guests | Large groups, disco cruises, corporate events | $600-1500/charter |
| Luxury Yacht | 13-24 guests | VIP celebrations, upscale parties | $400-900/hr |
🎀 Most Popular for Bachelorette Parties
The double-decker pontoon is the sweet spot for bachelorette parties. You get two levels of deck space, often a water slide, plenty of shade, room for 14-22 guests, and that “wow factor” for photos. Tide Up Boat Rentals specializes in these premium party boats.
Austin Party Boat Pricing Guide
Shared Disco Cruise Pricing
| Time Slot | Day | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Friday | $80-85/person | $95-100/person |
| 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Saturday | $85-90/person | $100-110/person |
| 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Saturday | $85-90/person | $110-125/person |
Private Party Boat Pricing
| Boat Type | Hourly Rate | 4-Hour Minimum | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pontoon | $100-200/hr | $400-800 | 10-14 |
| Premium Pontoon | $175-275/hr | $700-1,100 | 13-19 |
| Double-Decker | $200-350/hr | $800-1,400 | 14-22 |
| Party Barge | Flat rate | $600-1,500 | 24-50 |
💡 Smart Booking Tip
For groups of 10+ people, private charters almost always offer better value than per-person disco cruises. You get exclusivity, control, and often a lower cost per person. Get a quote from Tide Up Boat Rentals for your group size.
Ready for Your Austin Party Boat Experience?
Skip the shared cruise and get your own private party boat. Control the music, the route, and the vibe. Tide Up Boat Rentals offers premium captained experiences on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.
Devil’s Cove & Austin’s Party Spots
No matter which party boat option you choose, you’ll likely end up at one of Austin’s legendary party coves. Here’s what you need to know:
Devil’s Cove (Lake Travis)
🔥 Devil’s Cove Quick Facts
- Location: North shore of Lake Travis, near Jonestown
- Distance: ~30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Peak Crowds: 200+ boats on holiday weekends
- Ranking: Top 5 party coves in the United States
- Vibe: The ultimate floating party—boats raft up, music everywhere
Party Cove / 360 Cove (Lake Austin)
- Location: Near the Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge)
- Distance: Only 15-20 minutes from downtown
- Vibe: More intimate than Devil’s Cove, local favorite
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for wading and lounging
- Photo Ops: Iconic 360 Bridge makes stunning backdrops
Other Popular Lake Travis Spots
- Starnes Island: Popular for larger party barges, slightly less crowded
- Hippie Hollow: Texas’ only clothing-optional public park (adults only)
- The Oasis: Famous lakeside restaurant with epic sunset views
- Volente Beach: Waterpark and party destination
Austin Party Boats for Bachelorette Parties
Austin has become the #1 bachelorette party destination in Texas, and party boats are the highlight of most celebrations. Here’s how to choose the right option:
Small Group (6-10)
Disco cruise offers affordable per-person pricing with built-in social scene. Private pontoon works too for more intimacy.
Medium Group (10-18)
Private double-decker is ideal. Better value than disco cruise, complete privacy, and control over everything.
Large Group (18-30+)
Party barge or multiple boats. Full customization, private experience, group stays together.
Bachelorette Party Boat Essentials
- Matching swimsuits or coverups for the squad
- Bride sash, veil, or tiara for the guest of honor
- Custom koozies with the party hashtag
- Champagne in plastic bottles (no glass!)
- Waterproof phone cases for everyone
- Decorations (banners, balloons—no glitter!)
- Bachelorette games for on-the-water fun
💖 Why Private Beats Shared for Bachelorettes
While disco cruises are fun, a private charter from Tide Up Boat Rentals lets you: play YOUR bride’s favorite songs, take unlimited photos without strangers in the background, decorate the boat for the bride, and create intimate moments that wouldn’t be possible in a shared environment.
What’s Included on Austin Party Boats
Standard Private Charter Inclusions
Licensed Captain
Professional, experienced captain handles all navigation, anchoring, and safety. You focus on celebrating.
Fuel Included
Gas for typical cruising to party coves and back. No surprise fuel surcharges.
Coolers + Ice
Large coolers pre-filled with ice for your BYOB beverages. Refills available.
Sound System
Premium Bluetooth speakers with marine-grade audio. Connect your phone and DJ your own party.
Lily Pad / Float Mat
Giant floating mat for lounging in the water. Perfect for photos and relaxation.
Water Slide
Double-decker boats feature water slides for endless entertainment. Splash into the lake!
What to Bring to Your Austin Party Boat
✅ Essential Items
- Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
- Towels (2 per person)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ (apply before arriving!)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Hat or visor
- Waterproof phone case
- Cash for gratuity (20%) and parking ($5-20/person)
- Beverages in CANS (BYOB!)
- Snacks and lunch
- Plenty of bottled water
✅ BYOB Rules — What You CAN Bring
- Beer, hard seltzers, canned cocktails
- Wine in cans or plastic bottles
- Champagne bottles (often only glass exception)
- Mixers in plastic bottles
🚫 What NOT to Bring
- Glass bottles (except champagne on some boats)
- Red wine (stains upholstery permanently)
- Hard liquor (prohibited on many boats)
- Glitter or confetti (impossible to clean)
- Styrofoam containers
How to Book Your Austin Party Boat
Step 1: Decide Shared vs Private
For groups under 10 wanting to meet others, disco cruises work. For 10+ or groups wanting privacy, book a private charter.
Step 2: Choose Your Lake
Lake Travis: Devil’s Cove mega party, larger boats, 30 min from downtown.
Lake Austin: Party Cove at 360 Bridge, more intimate, 15-20 min from downtown.
Step 3: Pick Your Boat
Match boat capacity to your group size. Don’t overpay for space you don’t need, but don’t cram either.
Step 4: Book Early
- 4-8 weeks ahead: Holiday weekends, peak season
- 2-4 weeks ahead: Regular weekends May-September
- 1-2 weeks ahead: Weekdays during peak season
- A few days: Off-season or weekday mornings
Step 5: Complete Your Reservation
Book online at Tide Up Boat Rentals, pay deposit, complete waivers, and get ready to party!
Pro Tips for Austin Party Boats
Timing is Everything
For Party Cove crowds, book 12-4 PM on Saturdays. For calmer waters and better photos, try weekday mornings or sunset cruises.
Plan Transportation
Since you’ll be drinking, arrange Uber/Lyft or a party bus to/from the marina. Don’t drink and drive.
<h4″>Stay Hydrated
Texas sun + alcohol = dehydration fast. Bring more water than you think. 1-2 bottles per person per hour.
Protect Your Phone
Waterproof cases are essential. Lake water destroys phones instantly. Bring a backup charger too.
🏆 Ultimate Pro Tip
For the best of both worlds, book a private party boat that can still anchor at Devil’s Cove or Party Cove. You get exclusivity AND the party atmosphere. Your captain knows exactly where to position you for the best experience. Tide Up Boat Rentals captains are experts at this.
Book Your Private Austin Party Boat Today
Why share when you can have the whole boat to yourself? Tide Up Boat Rentals offers premium captained party boats on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Austin Party Boat Adventure Awaits
Whether it’s a bachelorette celebration, birthday bash, or just because—Tide Up Boat Rentals delivers unforgettable private party boat experiences.