Rent a pontoon or party boat on Lake Austin with Tide Up Boat Rentals. We consistently earn repeat business because we sincerely focus on delivering the best Lake Austin pontoon and party boat rental experience in town. When boating on Lake Austin with Tide Up, we can guarantee that every boat is in excellent condition and clean. With every rental, we provide:
SAFETY EQUIP.
COOLER
CAPTAIN
BLUETOOTH
FUEL
AQUA LILY PAD
Book a pontoon excursion or BYOB sunset boat tour on Lake Austin with Tide Up Boat rentals.
Lake Austin Boat Rentals: Party Boats, Pontoons & BYOB Cruises
Experience Austin’s most scenic lake with BYOB boat rentals, bar crawls to Hula Hut & Ski Shores, stunning sunset cruises, and unforgettable celebrations. Captain included on every trip!
⭐ 5-Star Google Reviews
🧑✈️ Captain Included
🍺 BYOB Friendly
⏰ 2-4 Hour Rentals
🧑✈️ Captain Included
🍺 BYOB Friendly
⏰ 2-4 Hour Rentals
Why Choose Lake Austin for Your Boat Rental?
When it comes to Lake Austin boat rentals, Tide Up Boat Rentals delivers an experience that’s impossible to match. Unlike the larger, busier Lake Travis, Lake Austin offers a more intimate, scenic setting—perfect for those who want to combine beautiful water views with unforgettable waterfront dining stops.
Our boat rentals in Lake Austin give you access to iconic Austin destinations you can only reach by water. Imagine pulling up to Hula Hut for lakeside tacos and margaritas, cruising past the famous Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge) for stunning photo opportunities, or docking at Ski Shores Cafe for live music and cold drinks—all from the comfort of your private party boat.
Every Lake Austin party boat rental from Tide Up includes a professional, licensed captain who knows the lake inside and out. This means you can focus entirely on enjoying your time on the water—whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, hosting a birthday celebration, or simply enjoying a relaxing sunset cruise with friends. Our BYOB policy lets you bring your own drinks and snacks (just no glass containers!), and every boat comes equipped with a premium Bluetooth sound system, coolers with ice, and lily pad floats for swimming.
Lake Austin’s calmer waters make it the ideal choice for guests of all experience levels, including families with children. The lake is narrower than Lake Travis, which means less boat traffic and a more peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a pontoon rental for a casual afternoon, a party barge for your celebration, or a Coffee & Sunrise Cruise to start your day, we have the perfect Austin boat rental waiting for you.
Lake Austin Boat Rental Options
Choose from our fleet of premium vessels, each perfect for different group sizes and occasions on Lake Austin.
Most Popular
Pontoon Boat Rental
From $400 (Weekdays) | $450+ (Weekends)
Our spacious pontoon boats are perfect for groups of 12-15 guests looking to explore Lake Austin in style. Ideal for casual cruises, family outings, birthday celebrations, and smaller bachelorette parties.
- 12-15 Passengers
- Captain Included
- Bluetooth Sound System
- Lily Pad & Floats Included
Our large party barges accommodate up to 20 guests—perfect for bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, corporate outings, and big celebrations on Lake Austin.
- Up to 20 Passengers
- Captain Included
- Premium Sound System
- Large Lily Pad Included
Party Ready
Party Boat Austin
From $450 | BACH Packages Available
Our dedicated Lake Austin party boats are designed for celebrations! Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthday bashes, and group outings. Add our BACH Package for mimosa bars and themed floats.
- 12-20 Passengers
- BACH Package Add-On
- Photo Assistance
- Wedding Themed Floats
Luxury Experience
Austin Yacht Rentals
Premium Pricing | Contact for Quote
Elevate your Lake Austin experience with our premium yacht rentals. Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, corporate entertaining, and special occasions that demand something extraordinary.
- Premium Vessel
- Professional Captain
- Luxury Amenities
- Perfect for Special Occasions
Peaceful Morning
Coffee & Sunrise Cruise
From $400
Start your day with stunning sunrise views on Lake Austin. Our morning coffee cruises offer a peaceful, serene experience as you sip coffee and watch the sun rise over Austin’s beautiful landscape.
- Coffee Service Included
- Stunning Sunrise Views
- Captain Included
- 2-Hour Experience
Where to Go on Your Lake Austin Boat Rental
Lake Austin offers incredible waterfront destinations you can only reach by boat. Your captain knows all the best spots—here are the highlights you can visit during your rental.
Austin Icon
Hula Hut
Austin’s most famous waterfront restaurant! Pull up to Hula Hut by boat and dock right at their pier. Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites, tropical drinks, and stunning lake views. The fish tacos and frozen margaritas are legendary.
Live Music Spot
Ski Shores Cafe
A beloved Lake Austin institution with live music, cold beers, and a laid-back vibe. Dock your boat and enjoy the atmosphere at this hidden gem. Especially popular for our Lake Austin BARge Crawl experiences.
Photo Opportunity
Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge)
Austin’s most photographed landmark from a unique perspective! Cruise under the iconic 360 Bridge for incredible photo opportunities. The views are especially stunning during golden hour.
Swimming Spot
Party Cove (Lake Austin)
Lake Austin’s best swimming and floating spot! Drop anchor, deploy the lily pad, and enjoy time in the water. The cove offers calm, clear water perfect for swimming and cooling off.
Scenic Views
Walsh Boat Landing
Beautiful scenic area with stunning cliffside views and peaceful waters. A favorite stop for those who want to take in the natural beauty of Lake Austin away from the busier areas.
What’s Included with Every Lake Austin Boat Rental
No hidden fees—here’s exactly what you get when you book a Lake Austin boat rental with Tide Up.
Professional Captain
Licensed, experienced captains handle all navigation so you can relax and enjoy your time on the water. They know Lake Austin inside and out.
Bluetooth Sound System
Connect your phone and play your own playlist. Premium speakers ensure your music sounds great on the water.
Coolers with Ice
We provide coolers stocked with ice to keep your BYOB drinks and snacks cold throughout your Lake Austin cruise.
Lily Pad & Floats
Giant lily pad floats for swimming and lounging in the water. Perfect for photos and relaxation at Party Cove!
Life Jackets
Coast Guard approved life jackets for all passengers. Safety is our top priority on every Lake Austin trip.
Fuel Included
No surprise fuel charges. The price you see includes all fuel for your Lake Austin boat rental period.
Lake Austin vs Lake Travis: Which is Right for You?
Both lakes offer incredible boat rental experiences, but they each have their own unique vibe. Here’s how to choose.
Lake Austin
Lake Travis
- Calmer, more intimate waters
- Waterfront dining (Hula Hut, Ski Shores)
- Pennybacker Bridge photo ops
- Less boat traffic
- Great for families & all ages
- Scenic sunset cruises
- Bar crawl by boat experiences
- Famous Devil’s Cove party scene
- Larger lake, more open water
- Multiple swimming coves
- Cliff jumping spots
- More party atmosphere
- Beachside Billy’s waterfront
- Great for bachelor/bachelorette parties
Bottom Line: Choose Lake Austin if you want a more relaxed, scenic experience with waterfront dining stops. Choose Lake Travis if you want the party atmosphere and famous coves. Either way, Tide Up has you covered!
Lake Austin Boat Rentals for Every Occasion
From intimate celebrations to large group outings, Lake Austin provides the perfect backdrop for your special event.
Bachelorette Parties
BACH packages, mimosa bars, themed floats for the bride tribe
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Austin Boat Rentals
Lake Austin boat rental prices range from $400-$600+ depending on the boat size, day of the week, and duration. Weekday pontoon rentals start around $400, while weekend party barge rentals average $500-$600. All Tide Up rentals include a professional captain, Bluetooth sound system, coolers with ice, and lily pad floats—no hidden fees!
Yes! Hula Hut has boat docks available for customers arriving by water. Your captain will navigate to their dock and help you tie up. It’s one of the most popular stops on Lake Austin boat rentals. We recommend calling ahead on busy weekends to ensure dock availability, though your captain can also help coordinate.
Absolutely! Lake Austin is actually one of the best choices for families. The lake is calmer and narrower than Lake Travis, which means less boat traffic and smoother waters. Kids love swimming off the lily pad, and the scenic cruise to Pennybacker Bridge is exciting for all ages. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for children of all sizes.
Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake are actually the same body of water—the Colorado River—but different sections. Lady Bird Lake is the section through downtown Austin where motorized boats are prohibited (only kayaks, paddleboards, etc.). Lake Austin is the section west of Tom Miller Dam where motorized boats ARE allowed, and that’s where Tide Up operates our boat rentals.
Yes! Tide Up offers BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) boat rentals on Lake Austin. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks, snacks, and food. We provide coolers with ice to keep everything cold. Just remember: glass containers are not allowed on the boats for safety reasons. Many guests bring charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and their favorite beverages.
Our Lake Austin boat rentals depart from 5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746. This location provides easy access to all of Lake Austin’s best destinations including Hula Hut, Ski Shores, Pennybacker Bridge, and Party Cove. Free parking is available at the launch location.
We offer 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour Lake Austin boat rentals. A 2-hour rental is perfect for a quick cruise and swimming. 3 hours allows time for a restaurant stop at Hula Hut or Ski Shores. 4 hours gives you the full experience—cruise, swim, eat, and explore at a relaxed pace. Most groups book 3-4 hours for the complete Lake Austin experience.
Ready to Book Your Lake Austin Boat Rental?
Join thousands of happy customers who’ve experienced the best boat rentals on Lake Austin. Whether it’s a bar crawl to Hula Hut, a peaceful sunrise cruise, or a celebration on the water—Tide Up has you covered!
Explore More Lake Austin Experiences