Lady Bird Lake Boat Rentals: Can You Rent a Motorboat There? (And Where to Go Instead)

6 days ago

2 min read

Lady Bird Lake, still called Town Lake by many Austinites, is the river-lake that runs through downtown Austin. A lot of people search for a "Lady Bird Lake boat rental" expecting to rent a pontoon or party boat. Here's what you need to know before you plan.

Can you take a motorboat on Lady Bird Lake?

Generally, no. City of Austin rules prohibit most motorized boats on Lady Bird Lake. Electric motors of 5 horsepower or less are the main exception, and anything else needs city permission. Swimming in Lady Bird Lake is also prohibited.

That's why you won't find pontoon or party boat rentals there.

What you can rent on Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is great for paddling. City-permitted outfitters rent:

Kayaks
Canoes
Stand-up paddleboards

It's a calm, beautiful way to see the downtown skyline, and a fun option for a morning or an afternoon.

Where to rent a pontoon or party boat instead: Lake Austin

If you want a real boat day, with a captain, music, swimming and a lily pad, head a few miles west to Lake Austin. It's the next lake upstream on the Colorado River, and it's where Austin goes for pontoon and party boat trips.

Swimming is part of the fun. Anchor at Party Cove and jump in.
Mansions and views. Little Venice, lakefront estates and the Pennybacker Bridge.
Restaurants by boat. Stop at Hula Hut or Ski Shores Café.
Close to downtown. All our trips leave from the Loop 360 Boat Ramp under the Pennybacker Bridge.

Lady Bird Lake vs. Lake Austin at a glance

Motorboats: mostly not allowed on Lady Bird Lake; allowed on Lake Austin
Swimming: not allowed on Lady Bird Lake; a highlight on Lake Austin
Best for: paddling on Lady Bird Lake; boat parties, tours and sunset cruises on Lake Austin