Boat Rentals on Lake Austin & Travis with ATX Boat Rentals - Austin

Boat Rentals on Lake Austin & Travis with ATX Boat Rentals

Austineasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–6 hours

Fitness Level

Basic mobility and ability to board boats safely is needed; no advanced fitness required for casual cruising.

Overview

From wakeboarding wakes to relaxing pontoon cruises, ATX Boat Rentals puts you on the water at Lake Austin and Lake Travis with premium boats built for adventure and ease.

Details

Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin and Lake Travis present some of the most dynamic water playgrounds around Austin. ATX Boat Rentals offers an accessible and premium way to engage with these sprawling reservoirs through an impressive fleet, including the 2022 Malibu 23 LSV, 2020 Malibu 22 LSV, and Premier Sunspree 220 models. Whether you are amped for an adrenaline-infused day of watersports or a laid-back cruise along the shoreline, these boats handle the task with elegance and performance.

Lake Austin, running through the city’s western edge, is known for its steady currents, clear water, and urban-adjacent privacy. Its rocky bluffs topped with cypress and oak trees create intimate coves perfect for fishing, sunbathing, or waterskiing. Heading just a bit farther northwest, Lake Travis expands the experience with rugged limestone cliffs and deeper, wider waters ideal for wakeboarding and longer excursions.

ATX Boat Rentals stands out in Austin’s outdoor scene by providing quality, well-maintained vessels that accommodate a wide range of boating experience levels. The Malibu series is favored for wakeboarders with specialized ballasts and hull designs that create optimal wake shapes, while the Premier Sunspree 220 pontoon boats offer stable, spacious decks suited for groups seeking leisurely daytime outings or sunset viewing on the water.

Beyond the boats themselves, these lakes offer distinct natural elements: karst limestone formations around Lake Travis contrast with the shaded, tree-lined banks of Lake Austin. Local wildlife such as great blue herons and osprey often make appearances, adding an authentic connection to nature.

For visitors to Austin, ATX Boat Rentals provides a uniquely Texan way to connect with the great outdoors—on the water, under the wide Texas sky. It’s a destination unlike any other for boating enthusiasts or those simply looking to reset by the lake.

Adventure Tips

Check Water Conditions Before Launching

Wind and water levels can change quickly on both lakes; plan your trip according to weather forecasts for safety and comfort.

Bring Sun Protection

Texas sun on open water can be intense; bring sunscreen, hats, and polarized sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.

Follow Local Boating Regulations

Respect no-wake zones and speed limits around residential areas and public docks to ensure safety and community goodwill.

Reserve Your Boat Early

Peak weekends fill up quickly; secure your preferred boat and time slot ahead of your visit, especially during summer.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The secluded cove near Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin
  • Quiet fishing spots along Windy Point Peninsula on Lake Travis

Wildlife

  • Great blue herons
  • Osprey hawks

History

Lake Travis was completed in 1942 as part of a hydroelectric project and has since become a central feature of Austin’s recreation landscape.

Conservation

Both lakes are subject to strict water quality regulations to protect native species and maintain safe recreational use, with local groups managing shoreline preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
sunrise over the lake
late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Cliff overlooks at Lake Travis
  • Boat docks at Lake Austin
  • Shoreline near Mansfield Dam

What to Photograph

Sunlight reflecting on water
Limestone cliffs
Wildlife like birds in flight

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin from strong Texas sun when out on open water.

summer specific

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare off the water, improving visibility and comfort.

Water Shoes

Helpful for moving safely on boat docks and rocky shoreline areas.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable during cooler mornings and evenings on the lake.

fall|spring|winter specific