Lake Austin & Travis Boat Rentals | Tide Up Boat Rentals - Austin

Lake Austin & Travis Boat Rentals | Tide Up Boat Rentals

Austineasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness level required; mostly seated recreational boating

Overview

Set sail on Lake Austin or Lake Travis with Tide Up Boat Rentals for sunrises, sunsets, and lively Friday night music cruises. Experience Central Texas waters like a local with captained pontoon boats sized for small groups to twenty passengers.

Details

On the sparkling waters of Lake Austin and Lake Travis, a day on the water with Tide Up Boat Rentals offers a refreshing and distinctly Texan adventure. Situated just outside downtown Austin, these reservoirs are central to the city’s outdoor playground. Lake Austin winds through limestone cliffs and quiet coves, while Lake Travis opens wide with deep blue expanses and rugged shoreline. Both lakes present a dynamic backdrop for boating trips, fishing excursions, and sunset cruises that capture Central Texas’ laid-back culture.

Tide Up Boat Rentals specializes in pontoon boat trips on these two iconic lakes, providing vessels that accommodate intimate groups or larger gatherings with pontoon sizes ranging from 12 to 20 passengers. Whether you're seeking an early morning sunrise cruise to watch the water light up beneath awakening skies or a Friday night music cruise where live tunes pulse over the lake, their trips meld comfort with a front-row seat to nature’s rhythms.

A standout offering is the captained sunrise and sunset cruises, where experienced skippers guide guests through tranquil stretches of water, giving time to appreciate limestone bluffs, native bald cypress trees, and occasional glimpses of herons and turtles. These calm passages contrast with the vibrant weekend energy when boaters gather for social outings or family celebrations on the water.

The lakes themselves are prized for their geological features—deep water carved through the Texas Hill Country—plus wild cove retreats perfect for a swim or fishing. Tide Up’s fleet and tailored trip options make it easy for both locals and visitors to enjoy Austin’s premier waterfront access without the hassle of owning a boat.

This company occupies an important role in Austin’s outdoor recreation scene, blending the city’s urban edge with its natural surroundings through memorable, approachable boating experiences. For visitors looking to add waterborne adventure to their Austin itinerary, Tide Up Boat Rentals offers an inviting gateway to two of the region’s best-loved lakes.

Adventure Tips

Book Early for Popular Time Slots

Sunrise and Friday night cruises can fill quickly—reserve your spot well in advance to secure your preferred departure.

Wear Layers for Morning and Evening Cruises

Temperatures on the lakes can be cool at dawn and dusk, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker.

Bring Sun Protection

Lakeside sun can be intense—pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, especially for midday outings.

Be Respectful of Noise Levels

Friday Night Music Cruises are lively, but other trips prioritize tranquility—respect cruising etiquette to preserve the natural atmosphere.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Hippie Hollow Park cove for a secluded swim
  • Pennybacker Bridge viewpoint from Lake Austin

Wildlife

  • Great Blue Herons
  • Texas Spiny Softshell Turtles

History

Lake Travis was formed in the 1940s by a dam on the Colorado River and has since become one of Texas’s largest reservoirs.

Conservation

Efforts to maintain water quality and preserve shoreline vegetation keep these lakes healthy for boating and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Sunrise
Sunset
Golden Hour

Best Viewpoints

  • From the pontoon on open water
  • Shoreline near the Horseshoe Bay
  • Below the Pennybacker Bridge

What to Photograph

Water reflections
Limestone cliffs
Bird species

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin from intense sun exposure during daytime cruises.

summer specific

Light Jacket

Essential

Keeps you comfortable against morning or evening lake breezes.

spring specific

Water Bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is crucial during any outdoor lake trip.

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare off the water to improve visibility and eye comfort.