LAKE TRAVIS BOAT DAY | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
🚤 Planning Guide
Lake Travis Boat Day
Your complete guide to planning the perfect day on Lake Travis – from morning departure to sunset return.
A Lake Travis boat day is a quintessential Austin experience. Crystal-clear water, beautiful Hill Country scenery, and endless ways to have fun make it the perfect escape. Here’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable day on the water!
Whether you’re a local looking for weekend fun or a visitor wanting the authentic Austin experience, a day on Lake Travis should be on your list. The 64-mile lake offers something for everyone – party coves, peaceful swimming spots, dramatic cliffs, and water warm enough to swim in for half the year.
Perfect Lake Travis Boat Day Itinerary
📅 Sample Full-Day Schedule (6 Hours)
Arrive & Load Up
Meet at the marina, load coolers, get situated. Quick safety briefing from your captain.
Depart & Cruise
Head out while the lake is calm. Enjoy the scenery, start the music, first drinks of the day!
First Swimming Stop
Anchor at a beautiful cove for swimming. The water is still fresh and uncrowded!
Lunch Break
Float or stay on the boat while you enjoy lunch. Refuel with food and drinks.
Explore Another Spot
Cruise to a second location. Maybe a party cove or quieter swimming hole.
Final Swim & Photos
Last swim session. Golden afternoon light is perfect for photos!
Cruise Back
Relaxed cruise back to the marina. Wind down, enjoy the views, pack up.
What Makes a Great Boat Day
Crystal Clear Water
Lake Travis is known for visibility up to 15-20 feet. Unlike muddy lakes, this water is actually inviting!
Multiple Destinations
Your captain can visit several coves in one day – from party scenes to peaceful swimming holes.
Captain Included
Everyone can enjoy the day. No one has to stay sober or stress about navigation.
BYOB Friendly
Bring your own cooler with drinks and food. No overpriced bar tabs – drink what you like!
Incredible Scenery
Limestone cliffs, clear water, Hill Country views – your photos will be amazing.
Your Music, Your Vibe
Bluetooth speakers mean you control the soundtrack to your perfect day.
Ready for Your Lake Travis Boat Day?
Book your boat and let the adventure begin!
What to Bring
📋 Lake Travis Boat Day Packing List
☀️ Sun Protection
- ✓ Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓ Sunglasses with strap
- ✓ Hat or cap
- ✓ Cover-up or rash guard
🍹 Food & Drinks
- ✓ Large cooler + lots of ice
- ✓ Drinks (cans only, no glass)
- ✓ Water bottles
- ✓ Easy snacks & lunch
🏊 Water Gear
- ✓ Swimsuit
- ✓ Towels for everyone
- ✓ Pool floats
- ✓ Waterproof phone case
🎵 Extras
- ✓ Bluetooth speaker
- ✓ Playlist downloaded
- ✓ Change of dry clothes
- ✓ Phone charger
💡 Ice Pro Tip
Bring 2-3x the ice you think you need. Texas heat melts ice fast! Layer ice on bottom, drinks in middle, ice on top. Frozen water bottles work great and give you cold drinks later.
Best Times for a Boat Day
Time of Day
- Morning (9-10am start): Calmest water, cooler temps, fewer crowds at popular spots
- Midday (11am-2pm): Warmest water for swimming, peak activity
- Afternoon (2-5pm): Can get windy/choppy, beautiful light for photos
Day of Week
- Weekdays: Much less crowded, easier to find quiet coves
- Saturdays: Busiest day, party coves are packed (fun if that’s your vibe!)
- Sundays: Moderate crowds, many people leaving by afternoon
Time of Year
- May-September: Prime swimming season, water 75-85°F
- April & October: Shoulder season – warm enough, fewer crowds
- Winter: Scenic cruises only, too cold for swimming
Lake Travis Boat Day FAQs
A half-day (4 hours) is perfect for swimming and cove hopping. A full day (6-8 hours) allows for more exploration, multiple swimming spots, and a more relaxed pace. Most groups find 4-6 hours ideal for a fun-filled day without exhaustion.
Morning departures (9-10am) offer calmer water, cooler temperatures, and beat the crowds to popular coves. Afternoon starts (1-2pm) mean warmer water for swimming but more boat traffic. For the best of both worlds, a 10am departure is ideal.
Popular spots include Devil’s Cove for parties, Starnes Island for swimming, Cypress Creek for scenic views, and various quiet coves for floating. Your captain will know the best spots based on current water levels and what your group wants to do.
Plan Your Perfect Boat Day
Sun, swimming, and good times await. Book your Lake Travis adventure today!
A Lake Travis boat day is more than just a day on the water – it’s an experience you’ll remember. Clear water, beautiful scenery, and quality time with your favorite people. Book with Tide Up and start making memories!