How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boat in Austin? (2026 Prices)
One of the first questions we get is "how much does it cost to rent a boat in Austin?" Here are our real 2026 prices for captained boat rentals on Lake Austin, what changes the price, and how to get the best deal.
Our prices at a glance
All prices are for a private boat with a licensed captain, plus tax and tip.
Party Cove Pontoon (up to 15 guests)
3 hours: $294 Monday to Thursday, $374 Friday and Sunday, $499 Saturday
4 hours: $392 Monday to Thursday, $499 Friday and Sunday, $649 Saturday
Double Decker with two slides (up to 24 guests)
3 hours: $585 Monday to Thursday, $735 Friday and Sunday, $1,035 Saturday
4 hours: $780 Monday to Thursday, $980 Friday and Sunday, $1,380 Saturday
Sunset Cruise (up to 15 guests)
90 minutes: $260 for a private charter
Prices and available trip lengths can change, so the booking calendar always shows the current price for your date.
What's included
A licensed captain who drives, anchors and handles safety
Fuel
Large cooler, Bluetooth speaker and shade cover
Giant lily pad float
Life jackets for all ages
There's no per-person fee and no fuel surcharge. You pay sales tax, an online booking fee, and a tip for your captain.
What affects the price
Day of the week: Saturday is the most popular day, so it costs the most. Monday to Thursday is the best value.
Trip length: longer trips cost more in total, but you get more time at Party Cove and room for a restaurant stop.
Boat size: the double decker carries up to 24 people and has two slides.
Cost per person
Splitting the boat makes it surprisingly affordable. A 3-hour weekday pontoon trip at $294 split between 15 people is about $20 each before tax and tip. A 3-hour weekday double decker trip at $585 split 24 ways is about $25 each.
How to save
Book Monday to Thursday.
Fill the boat: the price is the same whether you bring 6 or 15 guests.
Check our last-minute specials for open dates.
Captained vs self-drive rentals
Some companies rent boats you drive yourself. A captained rental costs a little more, but nobody in your group has to drive, worry about docking, or skip the drinks. On a captained trip everyone gets to enjoy the day.
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