From The Current

Where to Rent a Boat on Lake Travis

Pontoons for the slow days, ski boats for the show-offs, and party barges for when half the neighborhood is coming — here's where to book.

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You don't have to own a boat to have a boat day. The marinas ringing Lake Travis rent just about everything that floats — pontoons, runabouts, tritoons, WaveRunners, party barges, and full captained charters — so you can pick the vessel to match the plan, not the other way around. Prices, minimums, and capacities vary by company and swing higher on weekends and holidays, so confirm the details directly before you put money down. And a friendly reminder from a neighbor: reserve early. The good boats go fast once the temperature climbs.

Before you book: Decide on your crew size and the kind of day you want first — a lazy float and a wakeboarding session call for very different boats. Most marinas list weekend and holiday minimums (often two to four hours), and reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups. Check the current lake level before you go, since it can affect ramp access and conditions.

The Marinas & Rental Companies

From a single kayak to a 50-person party barge — and most everything in between.

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From $20/hr

Lakeway Marina

The everything store of the lake — paddle a kayak or load up a barge for fifty of your closest friends.

  • Party barges hold up to 50, four-hour minimum — $987.24 weekdays, $1,620.90 weekends/holidays
  • Runabouts (up to 8) and jet skis at $150/hr, two-hour weekend minimum
  • Pontoons (up to 10) $150/hr; paddleboards & kayaks from $20/hr

Rents: Barges, runabouts, jet skis, pontoons, kayaks  |  Rentals & pricing

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From $150/hr

Briarcliff Marina

WaveRunners, tritoons, and water toys — the spot to book when the plan is "go fast, get wet."

  • WaveRunners (up to 2) listed at $150/hr
  • 24-ft pontoons & tritoons (10–12 people) from $200/hr
  • Ski boats (6–8 people) from $200/hr; kneeboards, tubes & skis extra

Where: 406 Sleat Drive  |  Boat rentals

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Call for pricing

Lake Travis Marina

One of the closest full-service marinas to downtown — and yes, they'll strap you to a flyboard.

  • Party boat rentals, boat charters & water activities
  • Flyboarding for the adventurous (or easily dared)
  • Prices aren't posted online — contact the marina for availability & group options

Where: 16200 Lakeshore Drive  |  Contact

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Charters from $625

Hurst Harbor Marina

A launch pad for captained charters — hand over the wheel and let someone else do the navigating.

  • Self-drive rentals via Float On Boat Rentals
  • Yacht & party boats via Lake Travis Yacht Rentals (from $625–$725)
  • Sailing with Sail Austin Charters; private trips with Pleasure Hunter Charter

Where: 16405 Clara Van St.  |  Note: charter companies operate independently — book each directly  |  Charters

A Few Things Before You Cast Off

Pack the basics: sunscreen, towels, more water than you think you need, snacks, sunglasses, a hat, a dry bag, and water-friendly shoes. The Texas sun does not negotiate.

Designate a sober driver and keep an eye on the sky — Central Texas weather can turn quickly, and a calm morning doesn't promise a calm afternoon.

Confirm the fine print: minimum rental times, capacity limits, fuel policies, and deposits all vary by company. A two-minute phone call beats a surprise at the dock.