How long is the Lake Austin Lights boat cruise?

The standard cruise lasts 45 minutes, with an extended 1.5-hour Sunset Cruise option available.

Where do I check in for the cruise?

Check-in is at Oyster’s Landing Marina located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX, and guests should arrive 20 minutes early.

Are restrooms available on the boat?

No, there are no restrooms on board. Use the marina facilities before boarding.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but unlimited hot cocoa and bottled water are provided. Additional holiday treats can be pre-ordered or purchased at Mozart’s Holiday Village.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair access is limited, and strollers must be left on the dock.

Can I bring pets on the boat?

Only service animals are permitted; pets are otherwise not allowed on the cruise.

Experience the Magic of Lake Austin Lights: Private Holiday Boat Cruises in Austin

Each winter, the calm waters of Lake Austin transform into a vibrant stage of festive enchantment. Located in Austin, Texas, this sparkling freshwater lake becomes the centerpiece of one of the city's most unique holiday traditions—the Lake Austin Lights private boat cruises. Perfect for families, friends, or corporate groups seeking an intimate way to celebrate the season, these cruises offer an exclusive pathway through a dazzling landscape of LED light displays, holiday-decorated lakefront homes, and shimmering decorations that seem to float on the water.

Departing from Oyster’s Landing Marina at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, the experience welcomes guests aboard private boats with capacities of 15, 22, or 44 passengers. The 45-minute journey (extendable to 1.5 hours with the Sunset Cruise option) glides through the centerpiece of the event: the 80-foot-long Floating Tunnel of Lights. This striking LED spectacle creates an immersive corridor of color, setting the tone for a magical cruise that continues along a shoreline festooned with 20-foot 3D LED holiday motifs and festively adorned boats.

What distinguishes this excursion is the seamless blend of holiday charm and natural beauty. The real water beneath and the night sky above contrast beautifully with the sparkling lights, while cozy blankets and unlimited hot cocoa ensure warmth against the crisp winter air. Thanks to a dedicated captain at the helm, guests can fully immerse themselves in the festive ambiance, accompanied by live holiday music that completes the mood.

The Lake Austin Lights cruise isn’t just about sights—it’s a cultural moment rooted in Austin’s community spirit. The event partners with Mozart’s Coffee’s Festival of Lights, an established holiday celebration, extending the festivities to the harbor-side Holiday Village with market stalls, treats, and savory food vendors like Salt Lake BBQ. This connection creates a full evening of seasonal fun, perfect for visitors wanting to experience local flavor alongside captivating sights.

Adding to the experience’s ease are convenient amenities: guests receive boarding wristbands at the marina, parking is available (though limited), and the vessels provide a safe, family-friendly environment with accessibility considerations. Guests should note there are no restrooms on the boats, so plan accordingly.

Lake Austin Lights private boat cruises excel because they deliver an intimate, memorable holiday experience unlike any other in Texas. The combination of festive lighting, comfortable accommodations, and picturesque surroundings on one of Austin’s most scenic lakes makes this a must-do winter attraction for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re booking an intimate outing or a large group celebration, these cruises offer an enchanting way to create lasting memories amid the magic of the season.

About Austin Rental Boats

Austin Rental Boats operates boat tours and private charters on Lake Austin, offering a range of shared and private cruises for locals and visitors. The company provides hourly shuttles to Ski Shores Cafe, scenic 1‑hour and 1.5‑hour sunset tours, fully captained Tritoon rentals, electric Duffy cruises with A/C, double‑decker barges with slides, and private luxury two‑hour charters.

Options include per‑person tickets for shared boats, BYOB scenic tours, and private party boats accommodating 15, 22, or 44 guests. Trips emphasize safe, relaxed cruising past waterfront homes, celebrity estates, swan habitats, and the Pennybacker Bridge. Captains are licensed and vessels are fully captained, with onboard life jackets and standard safety equipment.

Reservations can be made for private events like bachelorette parties, family outings, corporate gatherings, and holiday lights cruises. Seasonal experiences include Lake Austin Lights with an LED tunnel and holiday motifs, plus access to Mozart’s Holiday Village after the cruise. Many departures offer music, luxury seating, optional swimming stops, and flexible group amenities such as coolers and floating pads.

Austin Rental Boats partners with Quince Lakehouse and local marinas for exclusive departure points and maintains electric and gas-powered fleets to match guest preferences. Pricing varies by trip type — per‑person tickets for shared experiences and flat rates for private charters. Clear cancellation policies and booking details are provided at reservation. The company focuses on memorable, customizable lake experiences delivered with professionalism, safety, and local expertise. Guests can request custom music playlists, catering recommendations, and local sightseeing routes to personalize each cruise experience.