The Ultimate Guide to Lake Travis Boat Parties
Lake Travis is Austin's playground, and a boat party on its sparkling waters is a quintessential Texas experience. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette weekend, or just gathering friends for an epic day, this guide covers everything you need for the perfect lake day.
At Party On Delivery, we help hundreds of boat parties stock up every season. This comprehensive guide shares everything we've learned about making lake days unforgettable.
Why Lake Travis?
Lake Travis offers the perfect setting for boat parties:
- 65+ miles of shoreline with countless coves and beaches
- Crystal clear water perfect for swimming
- Waterfront restaurants and bars for docking and dining
- Boat rental options for every group size and budget
- Year-round boating (though spring and fall are ideal)
- BYOB friendly culture throughout the lake
Planning Your Boat Party
Essential Checklist
Before you hit the water, make sure you've covered all the bases:
- Sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes
- Coolers with ice (lots of ice—it's Texas)
- Drinks and snacks (most boats are BYOB)
- Waterproof phone cases and floating keychains
- Cash for tips and docking fees
- First aid kit and motion sickness remedies
Choosing Your Boat
The type of boat sets the tone for your entire day. Options range from intimate pontoons to massive double-decker party barges. Popular rental companies include Just For Fun Watercraft Rental, Good Time Party Boats, and Premier Party Cruises.
| Boat Type | Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pontoon Boat | 8-12 people | $400-600/day |
| Single-Deck Party Barge | 15-25 people | $800-1,200/day |
| Double-Decker Barge | 25-50 people | $1,500-3,000/day |
| Private Yacht | 10-20 people | $1,000-2,500/day |
Timing Your Trip
Lake Travis conditions vary throughout the year. Timing your trip right makes a huge difference.
Peak season: Memorial Day through Labor Day Best weather: April-May, September-October Avoid: July-August afternoons (extreme heat)
Budgeting
Between the boat rental, food, drinks, and extras, costs add up. Smart planning keeps the party affordable. Split costs among the group, bring your own drinks instead of dockside purchases, and consider weekday rentals for lower rates.
Food and Drinks
BYOB Strategy
Most Lake Travis boat rentals are BYOB, which means stocking up strategically is essential.
Drink essentials:
- Canned beer and seltzers (no glass on most boats)
- Pre-mixed cocktails in cans
- Plenty of water and hydration drinks
- Coolers with lots of ice
Pro tip: Party On Delivery can deliver directly to many Lake Travis marinas. Stock up without the hassle of hauling cases from the store.
Birthday Celebrations
Lake Travis is perfect for birthday celebrations. The combination of sun, water, and friends creates unforgettable memories. Many boat rental companies offer birthday packages with decorations, and you can arrange cake delivery to the marina.
What to Bring
Packing List
What you bring can make or break your boat day. Don't forget the essentials.
Must-haves:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Sunglasses with straps
- Towels
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case
- Cash for tips
The Perfect Playlist
Great music is essential for any boat party. Create a collaborative Spotify playlist and download it offline before you head out—cell service can be spotty on the lake. Mix summer hits, country classics, and crowd favorites.
Safety First
Responsible Boating
Fun on the water requires responsibility. Safety should never be an afterthought.
Key safety points:
- Designate a sober captain (or hire one)
- Have life jackets for everyone
- Know where the fire extinguisher is
- Stay hydrated in the Texas heat
- Establish a buddy system for swimming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a boating license to rent on Lake Travis?
A: Texas requires a boater education course for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who operates a boat with 15+ horsepower. Many rental companies provide captains, which solves this requirement.
Q: Can I bring glass bottles on a boat rental?
A: Most rental companies prohibit glass for safety reasons. Stick to cans and plastic containers. Party On Delivery can help you find canned alternatives for your favorite drinks.
Q: How early should I book a boat for a weekend party?
A: For peak season weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day), book 4-8 weeks in advance. Popular double-decker barges book up even earlier. Weekday rentals have more last-minute availability.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Most rental companies have weather policies. Light rain usually means you can still go out (it can actually be refreshing). Severe weather or lightning means rescheduling. Check cancellation policies when booking.
Q: Can Party On Delivery deliver to the marina?
A: Yes! We deliver to many Lake Travis marinas and boat ramps. Coordinate delivery timing with your rental pickup, and your drinks will be cold and ready.
Stock Up for Your Lake Day
Skip the crowded liquor stores and let Party On Delivery handle your boat party beverages. We'll deliver canned beers, seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more directly to you.
Shop boat party essentials and focus on having fun on the water.
This guide is part of our Austin Event Planning series. Explore our other comprehensive guides for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, corporate events, and weddings.
Allan Henslee
Founder & CEO of Party On Delivery, helping Austin celebrate in style since 2023.