LAKE TRAVIS BACHELOR PARTY | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
Lake Travis Bachelor Party & Bachelorette Party Complete Guide
Plan the ultimate Lake Travis celebration with our expert guide to party boats, Devil’s Cove, pricing, and insider tips for an unforgettable Austin bachelor or bachelorette party.
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Why Lake Travis is Austin’s Ultimate Party Destination
Lake Travis has become the ultimate destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties in Texas. Just 30 minutes from downtown Austin—the Live Music Capital of the World—this stunning 63-mile reservoir offers natural beauty, legendary party culture, and unforgettable experiences.
🌟 Why Groups Choose Lake Travis
- Devil’s Cove – One of the Top 5 party coves in the entire United States
- Perfect Weather – 300+ days of sunshine, warm lake temps March-October
- Privacy + Party – Your own floating venue that can mingle with others or stay secluded
- Complete Packages – Captain, fuel, amenities all included—just bring your crew
- Continue the Party – Austin’s Rainey Street and 6th Street are 30 minutes away
Companies like Tide Up Boat Rentals have hosted thousands of bachelor and bachelorette parties, perfecting the art of the Lake Travis celebration.
Lake Travis Bachelor Party: The Ultimate Groom Send-Off
A Lake Travis bachelor party is the perfect way to celebrate the groom’s last days of freedom. Picture your crew on a double-decker party boat, cold drinks in hand, music pumping, cruising to Devil’s Cove where you’ll tie up with other party boats and make new friends.
BYOB Party Vibes
Bring your cooler stocked with the groom’s favorites. No glass, cans preferred. The boat provides ice and XL coolers.
Premium Sound Systems
Blast your party playlist on professional Bluetooth speakers. Your boat, your music, your vibe.
Water Activities
Swimming, jumping off the boat, water slides, lily pad lounging, and floating beer pong competitions.
Social Scene
Anchor at Devil’s Cove and meet other party boats. Bachelor parties often tie up with bachelorette groups!
Bachelor Party Boat Recommendations
- Double-Decker Party Boats (14-22 guests) – Most popular with water slides, two levels, maximum party space
- Party Barges (25-50 guests) – Perfect for larger groomsmen squads, includes grills and bathrooms
- Multiple Boats – Groups over 22 can book multiple boats that tie up together at Devil’s Cove
💡 Bachelor Party Pro Tips
- Book a Saturday afternoon slot for maximum party atmosphere at Devil’s Cove
- Coordinate with your captain to anchor near other bachelor or bachelorette parties
- Bring a waterproof speaker as backup and floating games like beer pong
- Plan dinner at The Oasis after your boat trip for sunset views
- Book party bus transportation to continue celebrating on 6th Street
Lake Travis Bachelorette Party: Celebrate the Bride in Style
A Lake Travis bachelorette party is the ultimate way to celebrate the bride-to-be. From Instagram-worthy photos to champagne toasts at sunset, Lake Travis offers everything a bachelorette bash needs.
Champagne & Mimosas
BYOB means you can bring the bride’s favorite bubbly. Many groups set up DIY mimosa bars on board.
Photo-Perfect Moments
Stunning lake backdrops, matching swimsuits, and golden hour lighting create unforgettable memories.
Themed Decorations
Bring balloons, banners, and bride-themed props. Most boats allow decorations (no glitter though!).
VIP Treatment
Your captain handles everything while you focus on celebrating. Many offer photography services!
Bachelorette Party Themes That Work
- “Bride and Boujee” – Matching white swimsuits, gold accessories, champagne aesthetic
- “Nautical But Nice” – Sailor hats, navy and white stripes, anchors everywhere
- “Last Splash” – Mermaid vibes, iridescent everything, tropical cocktails
- “Disco Cowgirl” – Austin’s country-meets-glam aesthetic, cowboy hats and sequins
- “Tropical Paradise” – Flamingo floats, Hawaiian prints, frozen drinks
💖 Bachelorette Party Must-Haves
- Matching swimsuits or coverups for the squad
- Bride sash, veil, or tiara for the guest of honor
- Custom drink koozies with the party hashtag
- Floating champagne bucket or drink holder
- Waterproof phone pouches for everyone
- Bachelorette games like “Who Knows the Bride Best”
Sample Bachelorette Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Arrival & Welcome
Check into your Airbnb or hotel, welcome drinks, dinner on Rainey Street.
Saturday Morning: Brunch
Late brunch at Josephine House or June’s All Day. Prep the cooler, get matching outfits ready.
Saturday Afternoon: Lake Travis Boat Party
Board your party boat at 1pm, cruise to Devil’s Cove, 4-6 hours of swimming, floating, champagne toasts!
Saturday Evening: Sunset & Dinner
Watch the sunset from the boat or The Oasis, dinner at a lakeside restaurant, back downtown for nightlife.
Sunday: Recovery & Farewell
Pool day at your rental, spa treatments, or casual brunch before departing.
Lake Travis Party Boats: Your Complete Guide
Choosing the right Lake Travis party boat is crucial for your celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about the available options.
Types of Party Boats Available
| Boat Type | Capacity | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pontoon | 12-14 guests | Small groups, intimate celebrations | $150-200/hr |
| Double-Decker Pontoon | 14-22 guests | Bachelor/bachelorette parties (most popular) | $200-350/hr |
| Tritoon | 13-19 guests | Groups wanting stability + speed | $175-275/hr |
| Party Barge | 24-50 guests | Large groups, corporate events | $600-1500 (4hr) |
| Luxury Yacht | 13-24 guests | Upscale celebrations, VIP experience | $400-900/hr |
What’s Included with Party Boat Rentals
✅ Standard Inclusions
🚤 Why Choose a Captained Boat
- Everyone can party – No designated driver needed in your group
- Local expertise – Captains know the best spots, coves, and conditions
- Safety first – Professional handling of anchoring, tying up, navigation
- Stress-free – The captain handles logistics while you celebrate
Devil’s Cove: The Heart of Lake Travis Parties
No Lake Travis bachelor party or bachelorette celebration is complete without experiencing Devil’s Cove—the legendary party spot ranked among the Top 5 party coves in the entire United States.
📍 Devil’s Cove Quick Facts
- Location: North shore of Lake Travis, near Jonestown
- Distance: ~30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Typical Crowd: 200+ boats on peak weekends
- Water Depth: 15-60 feet depending on lake levels
- Peak Days: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Saturday/Sunday afternoons
What to Expect at Devil’s Cove
When your captain navigates to Devil’s Cove:
- Your captain anchors the boat and ties up with other party boats in a row
- Lily pads and floating mats get deployed for swimming and lounging
- Music fills the air from dozens of boats with competing playlists
- People walk from boat to boat, making friends and socializing
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties often connect for photos and fun
Other Popular Lake Travis Spots
- Starnes Island – Popular alternative for party barges, slightly less crowded
- Hippie Hollow – Texas’ only clothing-optional public park (adults only)
- The Oasis – Famous for stunning sunset views and lakeside dining
- Mansfield Dam – Scenic cruise destination, great for photos
Lake Travis Party Boat Pricing Guide
| Cost Category | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $150 – $400/hour | Varies by boat size/type |
| Minimum Rental | 3-4 hours | Standard requirement |
| 4-Hour Charter | $600 – $1,600 | Most common booking |
| 6-Hour Charter | $900 – $2,400 | Full afternoon experience |
| Captain Gratuity | 20% of rental | Standard, often mandatory |
| Weekend Premium | +$25-50/hour | Sat/Sun higher than weekdays |
💰 Cost-Per-Person Example
For a 14-person bachelorette party on a double-decker boat:
- 4-hour rental at $300/hour = $1,200
- Captain gratuity (20%) = $240
- Total: $1,440 ÷ 14 people = ~$103/person
That’s an all-day party experience for less than a nice dinner out!
🎉 Planning a Bachelor Party?
Send the groom off in epic style with a Lake Travis boat party he’ll never forget.
💍 Planning a Bachelorette?
Give the bride the ultimate celebration with champagne, sun, and stunning lake views.
Lake Travis Party Planning Checklist
4-8 Weeks Before
- Confirm your date and headcount with all attendees
- Book your party boat through Tide Up Boat Rentals
- Reserve accommodations (downtown Austin or lakeside Airbnb)
- Plan transportation to/from the marina
2-3 Weeks Before
- Collect payments from all attendees
- Plan your party theme and decorations
- Order matching swimsuits or t-shirts
- Make dinner reservations
- Create your party playlist
1 Week Before
- Confirm all bookings (boat, transportation, dinner)
- Purchase beverages, snacks, and decorations
- Check the weather forecast
- Share the itinerary with all guests
What to Bring to Your Lake Travis Party
Essential Items
✅ BYOB Guidelines – What You CAN Bring
- Beer and seltzers in cans
- Wine in plastic bottles or cans
- Pre-mixed cocktails in cans or plastic
- Champagne bottles (only glass exception)
🚫 What You CANNOT Bring
- Glass bottles (except champagne)
- Hard liquor (many boats prohibit)
- Red wine (stains upholstery)
- Glitter or confetti
- Styrofoam containers
Activities & Ideas for Your Lake Travis Party
Water Slides
Double-decker boats feature water slides for endless entertainment and epic photos.
Lily Pad Lounging
Float on giant lily pads attached to your boat, perfect for sunbathing and socializing.
Floating Beer Pong
Many boats include floating beer pong tables for friendly competition on the water.
Sunset Cruises
Book an evening slot and cruise past The Oasis for stunning Texas Hill Country sunsets.
Beyond the Boat: Austin Activities
- Lake Travis Zipline Adventures – The longest and fastest zipline in Texas
- Rainey Street – Bar-hopping in converted bungalows with backyards
- 6th Street – Austin’s famous entertainment district with 50+ bars
- The Oasis – Multi-level restaurant with the best sunset views in Austin
- Wine Tasting – Texas Hill Country wineries are just 45 minutes away
Safety Tips & Rules
- Trust your captain – They’re licensed, trained, and sober
- Stay hydrated – The Texas sun + alcohol can be dangerous
- Wear sunscreen – Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- Use the buddy system – Keep track of each other in the water
- Know your limits – Pace yourself throughout the day
- Wear life vests – Especially if you’re not a strong swimmer
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Lake patrols actively monitor Devil’s Cove and conduct safety inspections
- Never swim alone or under the influence
- Water depth varies from 15-60 feet—don’t assume it’s shallow
- Arrange transportation to/from the marina—never drink and drive
Ready to Plan Your Lake Travis Celebration?
Book your bachelor or bachelorette party boat today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Lake Travis Celebration Awaits
From Devil’s Cove parties to sunset cruises, Tide Up Boat Rentals has everything you need for the ultimate experience.