Top-Rated Lake Travis Boat Tours in Texas, USA

Lake Travis boat tours offer some of the most amazing water experiences in all of Texas. This huge lake stretches for miles and shows off beautiful views that will take your breath away. The clear blue water and tall limestone cliffs make every boat ride special.

As your hosts at Playcation Homes, we know Lake Travis like the back of our hands. Our lakehouse retreats sit perfectly close to the best boat tour spots. From our Cove Lakehouse property, you can reach the marina in just minutes. This means more time enjoying the water and less time driving around.

We've seen hundreds of guests start their mornings with us and head out for unforgettable boat adventures. The combination of staying at our peaceful lakehouse and exploring Lake Travis by boat creates the perfect vacation mix. You get to relax by our private pools in the evening after a day of water fun.

Top Lake Travis Boat Tour Companies

1. Austin's Boat Tours

Austin's Boat Tours has been the top choice since 2013. They're famous for their double-decker party boats and amazing themed events. You can pick from tropical luau parties, 1980s throwback themes, or classy cocktail affairs.

Their public lake cruises are perfect for first-time visitors. The 2-hour trips take you past Mansfield Dam, Devil's Cove, Hippie Hollow, The Island, and The Oasis. You'll see million-dollar homes sitting on beautiful cliffs. The sunset tours are especially popular because the colors reflect off the water in amazing ways.

⭐ Rating: Official Best of Texas since 2013

📍 Popular Stops: Mansfield Dam, The Island, Devil's Cove, The Oasis

🎉 Special Features: Double-decker party boats, themed event packages

⏰ Tour Length: 2-hour public cruises, custom private charters

2. Good Time Tours

Good Time Tours specializes in party boat rentals with licensed captains. Their boats come with all the fun stuff - aqua lily pads, water slides, bluetooth stereo systems, and ice chests. The captains do all the work while you relax and have fun.

They offer 4-hour minimum rentals from 10 AM to 10 PM every day. The boats hold up to 17 people, making them perfect for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and office parties. You can bring your own food and drinks (BYOB policy).

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars on Google Reviews

💵 Price Level: Mid-range with captain fees separate

📍 Location: 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734

📞 Contact: (512) 924-2911

⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Monday-Sunday

🎯 Capacity: Up to 17 people per boat

Learn more about Good Time Tours

3. ATX Boat Rentals

ATX Boat Rentals focuses on luxury experiences and top-quality service. They have over 3,000 five-star reviews, which shows how much people love their tours. The company offers both guided tours and boat rentals for people who want to explore on their own.

Their fleet includes modern boats with all the latest features. Safety comes first, but they make sure you have an amazing time too. The staff knows all the best spots on Lake Travis and can take you to hidden gems that most tourists never see.

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 3,050 reviews

📍 Location: 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734

📞 Contact: +1512-400-4252

⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

Learn more about ATX Boat Rentals

4. Wave In Water Austin

Wave In Water Austin offers some of the coolest boats on Lake Travis. Their fleet includes "The HULK 2900," "The SHARK," and "The BENTLEY'S." Each boat comes with powerful bluetooth stereo systems, aqua lily pad floats, and built-in coolers.

They have both captain and self-drive options. If you have boat experience, you can pilot yourself. If not, their experienced captains will show you around safely. They also offer special food tours that stop at dockside restaurants.

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 260 reviews

📞 Contact: +1512-789-0841

⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

🚤 Fleet Options: The HULK, The SHARK, The BENTLEY'S, Premier PTX

🎵 Sound System: KICKER 3000 WATT Bluetooth stereo

Learn more about Wave In Water Austin

5. Lake Travis Public Sunset Tour BYOB

This tour company specializes in sunset cruises with a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages) policy. The sunset tours are some of the most romantic and peaceful experiences on Lake Travis. The boats are smaller and more intimate than the big party barges.

The captains provide interesting commentary about Austin's history and local wildlife. You might see bats, birds, and other lake animals during your trip. The sunset views over the water create perfect photo opportunities.

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 291 reviews

📍 Location: 16200 Lakeshore Dr, Austin, TX 78734

📞 Contact: +1512-476-2628

⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily

🌅 Specialty: Sunset tours and BYOB policy

Learn more about Lake Travis Public Sunset Tour

6. Throw Back Charters

Throw Back Charters offers a more personal and laid-back experience. They focus on smaller groups and custom trips. The company prides itself on creating unique experiences rather than just standard tours.

Their captains work with you to plan the perfect day on the water. Whether you want to visit specific spots, try water sports, or just cruise around, they'll make it happen. The boats are well-maintained and come with safety gear and fuel included.

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 145 reviews

📍 Location: 4370 Mansfield Dam Rd, Austin, TX 78732

📞 Contact: +1512-910-7255

⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily

🎯 Specialty: Personalized, laid-back experiences

Learn more about Throw Back Charters

7. Austin Boat Adventures

Austin Boat Adventures combines sightseeing with water sports. They offer wake-surfing, wakeboarding, and tubing along with regular cruising. This makes them perfect for groups that want both relaxation and excitement.

The company operates on both Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Their boats are equipped for water sports with tow ropes, wakeboards, and safety equipment. The captains are skilled in both tour guiding and water sports instruction.

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 258 reviews

📍 Location: 5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746

📞 Contact: +1512-387-3069

⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily

🏄 Water Sports: Wake-surfing, wakeboarding, tubing

Learn more about Austin Boat Adventures

8. Capital Cruises

Capital Cruises operates mainly on Lady Bird Lake downtown, but they also offer Lake Travis tours. They're famous for their bat watching tours, where you can see thousands of bats fly out from under bridges at sunset.

Their boats are comfortable and offer great views of Austin's skyline. The tours include fun commentary about Austin's history and local landmarks. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 stars

⭐ Review Count: 1,500 reviews

💵 Price Level: Moderate

📍 Location: 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

📞 Contact: +1512-480-9264

⏰ Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

🦇 Specialty: Bat watching tours

Learn more about Capital Cruises

Popular Lake Travis Tour Destinations

Devil's Cove

This is the most famous party spot on Lake Travis. Boats anchor together to create floating parties. The water is usually calm and perfect for swimming. Many tour companies include Devil's Cove as a main stop.

Hippie Hollow

This clothing-optional park offers beautiful cliff views and clear water. Even if you're not into the clothing-optional aspect, the scenery is amazing. Many boats stop here for swimming and photos.

The Island

A popular sandbar that creates a natural beach in the middle of the lake. When water levels are right, you can walk around on the sand. It's a great spot for swimming and meeting other boaters.

Mansfield Dam

The dam creates impressive views and shows the engineering behind Lake Travis. Many tours go near the dam so you can see how massive it is. The water is usually very deep and clear in this area.

The Oasis

Known as the "Sunset Capital of Texas," The Oasis restaurant sits high above the lake. Many sunset tours time their trips to arrive here during golden hour. The views are incredible from the water.

Tips for Your Lake Travis Boat Tour

As hosts who've helped hundreds of guests plan their Lake Travis adventures, we've learned what makes tours amazing versus just okay. Here are our insider tips:

Book Early: The best tour companies fill up months ahead, especially during summer and weekends. We always tell our Playcation Homes guests to book tours when they reserve their lakehouse stay.

Bring Sun Protection: Texas sun reflects off the water and can burn you quickly. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Our lakehouses have extra supplies if you forget anything.

Pack Smart: Most tours allow BYOB, but check glass policies first. Bring snacks, towels, and waterproof phone cases. Our kitchens are fully stocked for packing trip supplies.

Arrive Early: Tour companies require arrival 30 minutes before departure. Your time starts when scheduled, not when you arrive. Staying at our nearby properties makes this easy - no rushing across town.

Choose the Right Tour: Party boats are fun but loud. Sunset tours are romantic but smaller. Water sports tours are active but might not include much sightseeing. Think about what your group wants most.

Tip Your Captain: Captains work hard to make your day special. They handle safety, provide entertainment, and often grill food. Most guests tip 15-20% of the booking price.

For more planning help, contact us anytime. We love helping guests create perfect Lake Travis experiences.

Conclusion

Lake Travis boat tours create memories that last forever. The combination of clear Texas water, beautiful cliffs, and endless sunshine makes every trip special. Whether you choose a party barge with friends or a quiet sunset cruise, you'll understand why people call this area magical.

Staying at one of our Playcation Homes lakehouse retreats makes your boat tour experience even better. You start each morning by our private pools, grab supplies from fully equipped kitchens, and return each evening to peaceful waterfront views. Our properties like Cove Lakehouse offer the perfect base for Lake Travis adventures.

The short drive from our lakehouses to the marina means more time enjoying tours and less time dealing with traffic. After a day on the water, you'll love coming back to comfortable beds and quiet spaces where you can relax and share stories about your adventure.

Ready to experience Lake Travis boat tours for yourself? Browse our lakehouse rentals and start planning your perfect water getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Lake Travis boat tours cost?

Prices vary by company and tour type. Public sunset tours start around $30-50 per person. Private party boat rentals range from $200-800 for 4-hour minimums, plus captain fees (usually 20% of booking price). Water sports tours and luxury charters cost more.

What should I bring on a Lake Travis boat tour?

Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, towels, and waterproof phone cases. Most tours allow BYOB (your own drinks), but avoid glass containers. Pack snacks, swimming gear, and cash for captain tips. Our Playcation Homes kitchens have everything you need for packing supplies.

When is the best time for Lake Travis boat tours?

May through September offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions. Sunset tours are beautiful year-round but especially stunning in fall and spring. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season dates.

Can kids go on Lake Travis boat tours?

Most tour companies welcome children, but policies vary. Some party boats require everyone to be 21+. Family-friendly options include sunset tours and sightseeing cruises. All passengers need signed waivers, and children under 3 may not be allowed on certain boats.

How long are Lake Travis boat tours?

Public tours typically last 2-3 hours. Private rentals usually have 4-hour minimums. Full-day charters can last 6-8 hours. Sunset tours often run 2-2.5 hours to catch golden hour. Consider your group's attention span and comfort level when choosing tour length.

What happens if weather cancels my Lake Travis boat tour?

Tour companies have different cancellation policies for weather. Most offer rescheduling or refunds for severe weather like thunderstorms or high winds. Light rain usually doesn't cancel tours since you're already on the water. Check each company's specific weather policy when booking.