The Essential Packing List

Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)

Bring sunscreen SPF 30+ (multiple bottles for the group, reef-safe preferred), sunglasses with croakies or a retainer, hats (baseball caps or bucket hats), and UV shirts or rashguards for guys who burn easily.

Clothing and Gear

Wear swim trunks as the uniform for the day. Pack a change of dry clothes for dinner after, boat shoes or sandals with non-marking soles, towels (the boat might not provide them), and a dry bag for phones, wallets, and car keys.

Tech and Documentation

Essential items include a waterproof phone case for photos without risk, portable charger to keep devices alive, Bluetooth speaker as backup, GoPro or action camera for water footage, and cash for captain tip (15-20%) and marina purchases.

Drinks and Cooler Strategy

Cooler Math

Plan for 2-3 drinks per person per hour on a hot day. For a 6-hour boat day with 10 guys, that’s 120-180 drinks. Better to over-prepare than run dry. Most boats allow BYOB—confirm with your charter company.

What to Bring

Stock up on beer (cans only, no glass—light beers hydrate better in heat), seltzers for lower alcohol content pacing, premade cocktails like ranch waters and margaritas in cans, liquor in plastic bottles if allowed, and way more water than you think you need. Sports drinks with electrolytes help with the sun and alcohol combo.

Ice Strategy

Buy ice the morning of—don’t rely on last night’s ice surviving Texas heat. Plan for roughly 1 pound of ice per drink, more if you’re packing food that needs to stay cold. Pre-chill coolers the night before and layer ice between drinks.

Food That Works on a Boat

The Best Boat Foods

Stick with sandwiches and subs (pre-made, individually wrapped), chips and dip, fruit like grapes and watermelon chunks, cheese and crackers, jerky for protein, trail mix and nuts, and granola bars that won’t melt.

Foods to Avoid

Skip anything requiring utensils or plates, foods that spoil fast in heat, messy foods that’ll stain the boat, strong-smelling foods (nobody wants tuna on a rocking boat), and anything with too much mayo left in the sun.

Entertainment and Extras

Water Toys

Bring floaties and pool loungers, a football or frisbee for throwing in the water, snorkels for spots with decent visibility, and poker chips for floating poker games.

Music

Create a shared playlist in advance. Let multiple people add songs. Download it offline in case of poor signal on the lake. Agree on general vibe to avoid playlist wars.

Bachelor Party Gear

Consider matching shirts or hats for the crew, embarrassing items for the groom like an inflatable crown or sash, group games with waterproof cards, and banners or decorations if the boat allows.

What to Leave Behind

Don’t bring glass anything (most boats prohibit it and it’s dangerous), expensive watches or jewelry (water and valuables don’t mix), white clothing (it will get dirty or wet), drugs (illegal is illegal even on water—Coast Guard doesn’t care about your party), drama (leave any crew tension on shore), or rigid expectations (go with the flow as conditions change).

Things to Do in Austin Texas for Bachelor Party

The boat day should be the centerpiece, but Austin has plenty more to offer before and after:

Day Activities

Top Golf for competitive fun without exhaustion, BBQ pilgrimage to Franklin, Terry Black’s, or la Barbecue, gun ranges around Austin, golf at numerous courses, and brewery tours at Jester King, Live Oak, or Meanwhile.

Night Activities

6th Street for the classic Austin bar crawl, Rainey Street for house-bars and food trucks, East Austin for cocktail bars and hipster vibes, comedy clubs like Cap City and Vulcan Gas Company, and live music everywhere since it’s Austin.

Sample Weekend Schedule

Friday: Arrive, steakhouse dinner, Rainey Street warmup. Saturday: Lake Travis boat day, recovery dinner, 6th Street. Sunday: Brunch, Top Golf or brewery, flights home.

Book the Boat, We’ll Help with the Rest

You’ve got the bachelor party essentials list—now you need the boat. Lake Travis boat rentals from Tide Up are perfect for bachelor parties of any size. Our captains know exactly where to go for the best experience.

Call Tide Up at 737-248-0177 or book online at tideupboatrentals.com/lake-travis-boat-rentals.