How many people can the boat hold?

The vessel can host 25 passengers with a solo captain; up to 40 passengers are allowed if you add a deck hand.

Is a captain included?

A licensed captain is mandatory and included; a 20% captain fee is customary at trip end unless prepaid.

Can we bring food, alcohol, or hire catering?

Yes — the boat has a grill, refrigerator, and catering options are available through the operator; confirm specifics when booking.

Are life jackets provided?

Life jackets should be available onboard; still, bring appropriately sized flotation for young children and non-swimmers and follow the captain’s guidance.

What if weather cancels the trip?

Cancellation and rescheduling follow the operator's policy; check booking details or contact the provider directly for their current cancellation terms.

Big Days on Lake Travis: 45ft Double Decker Destination Yacht Party Barge

Q: What is the pickup location?

Pickup is at Paradise Cove Marina — A Dock, Slip A3, 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734, USA.

On Lake Travis just west of Austin, Texas, the 45' Destination Yacht Double Decker Party Barge delivers unmistakable lake-day energy: a 45-by-14-foot floating platform built for big groups, sun-soaked games, and back-bay hangs. This is a rental you choose when you want a high-capacity, all-ages boat that doubles as a mobile gathering place — think top-deck water slide, broad sun beds, a full grill, and a bar area that keeps the party moving from cove to cove. Pick up is at Paradise Cove Marina — A Dock, Slip A3, 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734, USA. The boat’s architecture is the story: a double-decker layout with a slide that drops into warm lake water, roomy lower salon with shaded seating, private bathroom, refrigerator and microwave, and generous storage for coolers and gear. Electronics include Bluetooth sound and a DJ deck plug-in; extras like a paddleboard and lily pad extend how you play off the stern. It accommodates 25 passengers with a solo captain, and up to 40 when you add a deck hand — ideal for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette trips, family reunions, and corporate outings. Rental windows run 2–12 hours so you can plan a sunrise calm, a full-day circuit to Devils Cove, or a sunset cruise. Lake Travis is a Hill Country reservoir formed after construction of Mansfield Dam in the early 1940s; its shoreline alternates shallow limestone shelves and cedar-and-oak ridgelines that frame pockets of sheltered water. Those limestone bluffs and juniper outcrops create dramatic faces for cliff jumping and late-afternoon light, while coves like Devils Cove gather crowds of anchored boats seeking calm swimming zones and social moors. This party barge stands out because it combines scale with creature comforts: a private head, a grill large enough for communal cookouts, multiple sun platforms, and the ability to host live playlists or a plugged-in DJ. Arriving in Devils Cove on one of the largest chartered boats on the lake changes the dynamic—you get space to dance, room to towel, and storage for bulky coolers and gifts. Practical notes: a licensed captain is mandatory, and a 20% captain fee is customary at trip end unless prepaid; rates vary by day of week and holiday schedules can raise prices. The vessel picks up at Paradise Cove Marina, A Dock, Slip A3, and parking near the marina fills quickly on summer weekends. There is no lifeguard on duty, so assign water watchers, keep life jackets accessible, and supervise younger swimmers. Be mindful of wake zones, avoid running aground on shallow limestone shelves, and pack out trash. Book a day on this barge to combine sun, swim, music, and grilling with room for everyone. Lake Travis made simple and unforgettable today.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–12 hours.

Fitness level

Low to moderate; you should be able to board a ladder, climb stairs to the top deck, and stand for several hours.

Wildlife

Great blue heron
Osprey

History

Lake Travis is a reservoir formed by Mansfield Dam in the early 1940s, reshaping the Colorado River valley into the recreational lake seen today.

Conservation

Pack out all trash, use designated anchoring zones to avoid sensitive shorelines, and minimize idling near cliffs to protect nesting birds and shoreline vegetation.

Big Tex Boat Rentals is Austin's premier boat rental company specializing in luxury outings on Lake Travis and Lake Austin. The fleet features a range of well-maintained vessels including 34-foot and 52-foot Sea Ray Sundancer yachts, double-decker tritoons like the 28' Premier Boundary and Avalon Windjammer with slide, a 33-foot fifteen-passenger luxury tritoon, JC 306 speed tritoon, and family-friendly options with an 18' Aqua Lily Pad. Trips include three- to eight-hour private charters, sunrise cruises, festive Christmas Lights Boat Parade rides, and dedicated wake surf sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. All rentals include experienced captains, necessary safety gear, coolers, and premium sound systems; select yachts include a deck hand and multiple entertaining areas. Big Tex Boat Rentals offers turnkey outings with fuel included on many trips and fun extras such as floats, sun-beds, and slides for groups of varying sizes—boats accommodate intimate groups up to larger parties of 25 guests. Popular experiences range from luxury yacht days aboard "The Good Vibes," to party cove cruises and action-packed wake surf sessions with ATX Wakesurf. Booking is straightforward with online reservations and clear scheduling for seasonal events like the Lake Travis Christmas Lights Boat Parade on December 3rd and 10th. Safety-focused and locally trusted, Big Tex Boat Rentals emphasizes experienced crews, well-equipped boats, and hassle-free lake adventures for families, groups, and boating enthusiasts. Customizable packages, group discounts, and themed itineraries are offered to fit budgets and occasions, making every charter a tailored, memorable lake experience for families and groups today.

Base locationAustin, Texas

Tours offered25+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace