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A Lake Travis bachelorette party boat, in four lines
What to know before comparing Austin boat rentals.
- Estimated cost
- $95 a headFor a chartered afternoon at about ten people, as a Revelwick estimate. Boats are priced per boat, so it moves with the group
- Capacity
- Ask in writingGet the rated passenger capacity before paying a deposit
- Operator
- LicensedA hired boat 30 feet or longer with more than six passengers needs a licensed operator in the state
- Getting there
- About 30 minutesTravis County puts its Lake Travis parks about a 30 minute drive from downtown Austin
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Lake Travis party boat rentals compared
The three boats a bachelorette party usually compares. Ask each operator for the rated capacity in writing.
| Party barge | Pontoon | Yacht | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | A larger party that wants to anchor and swim | A smaller group on a budget | A private, upscale cruise |
| Shade | Often a canopy or upper deck | Often a canopy | Varies by boat |
| Extras | Sometimes a slide or swim platform | Sometimes a swim ladder | Lounge seating and cabins |
| Operator | Usually included | Included or self-drive, depending on the rental | Included |
| What to confirm | Capacity, hours, fuel and gratuity | Capacity and who drives | Capacity, catering and gratuity |
A bachelorette group belongs on a barge or a pontoon, and the way to get it wrong is to book on the photograph rather than on the capacity line.
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How to plan a Lake Travis bachelorette party boat
Steps to get ready in advance.
Pick the date and time slot
Weekend boats fill first in summer, so reserve early.
Count the guests
Everyone coming, then check the boat's rated capacity.
Choose a private charter or a rental
A private charter with a licensed operator, or a self-drive rental for a small group where allowed.
Confirm what is included
Captain, fuel, cooler space, floats, a speaker, gratuity and cancellation terms.
Book transportation both ways
A shuttle or sprinter van from Austin to the marina and back.
Plan the rest of the day
A relaxed dinner after, rather than a second booked activity.
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What Lake Travis boat rentals offer
Add-ons to ask about when comparing rentals for bachelorette parties.
Floating mats and lily pads
A fun, floating spot for the girls to relax in the cove.
Coolers and ice
Ask whether the boat comes with coolers and ice or you bring your own.
A sound system
Bluetooth speakers so the bride picks the playlist.
Decorations
Some rentals will decorate the boat for a special celebration.
Catering
Snack boards or lunch delivered to the dock.
Photos
A photographer on board for the perfect group shot.
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Lake Travis boat party ideas
Ways to celebrate and enjoy the experience on the water.
Anchor in a party cove
Floats and swimming with other boats nearby, in coves such as Devil's Cove.
Matching swimsuits
White for the bride and a color for the guests, for photos on the deck.
A giant float
A lily pad or a swan float for the bride.
A sunset cruise
A late afternoon slot for golden hour.
A joint bachelor and bachelorette boat
One bigger boat for both parties.
A catered snack board
Wraps, fruit and cheese that hold up in the heat.
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What to bring on the boat
A packing list for a day on Lake Travis.
Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
Shade is limited on many boats.
Plenty of water
More than seems necessary in the Texas heat.
Drinks in cans
Ask the operator about its glass and alcohol policy before you pack.
Towels and a cover-up
For the ride back to Austin.
A dry bag for phones
For photos without losing a phone to the lake.
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Planning a Lake Travis bachelorette boat day
The rules, safety and the budget.
A Lake Travis bachelorette party boat is a private cruise on the lake outside Austin: a party barge, pontoon or yacht with a licensed operator, a few hours anchored in a cove, floats, music and swimming. Reserve early, confirm the capacity and arrange transportation from Austin.
Captains and safety
Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Party Boat Operator License and an annual safety inspection for a charter vessel that carries more than six passengers, is 30 feet or longer and operates on inland waters, unless the operator holds a Coast Guard credential. Nobody in the group should drive the boat.
Rules on land
Travis County parks ban glass containers and the public display of drinking, and LCRA rules bar intoxicated people and loud amplified music on LCRA land between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Hippie Hollow is a clothing-optional county park.
Budget
Boats are priced by the boat and the hour, with a minimum. Ask whether the captain, fuel and gratuity are included, then divide by the group; about $95 a head for ten is a Revelwick estimate.
The lake level
Lake Travis is a reservoir and its level changes, so confirm the departure point with the operator close to the date.
A licensed operator, the capacity in writing, and a ride back to Austin.
The boat ruleBefore booking
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Lake Travis bachelorette party boat, answered
What the crew asks before reserving.
How much is a Lake Travis party boat for a bachelorette party?
About $95 a head for a chartered afternoon at about ten people, as a Revelwick estimate.
Boats are priced per boat and per hour.
How far is Lake Travis from Austin?
Travis County puts its Lake Travis parks about a 30 minute drive from downtown.
Reserve a shuttle both ways.
Do we need a captain?
For a hired party boat 30 feet or longer with more than six passengers, Texas requires a licensed operator.
Nobody in the group should drive.
How many people fit on a party boat?
It depends on the boat's rated capacity; ask for it in writing.
Count everyone coming.
Can you bring alcohol on a Lake Travis boat?
Ask the operator about its policy. County parks ban glass and public drinking on land.
Pack cans, not glass.
How long should we book the boat?
About four hours is a common choice for a relaxed afternoon.
Leave the evening free.
What should we bring?
Sunscreen, water, towels, a cover-up and a dry bag.
Floats if the boat does not include them.
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What to read next
A Florida boat day, party buses, the Austin weekend and chartering a boat anywhere.
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Where this comes from
The cost is a Revelwick estimate. The rules are cited.
What the figures are
The $95 a head figure is a Revelwick editorial estimate for a chartered afternoon at about ten people. Operators set their own prices, so check current rates.
The rules
Party boat licensing is from Texas Parks and Wildlife, park rules and drive times from Travis County Parks, and land use rules from LCRA's Land and Water Use Regulations.