Where do I meet the boat?

Check-in and pickup is at Paradise Cove Marina, E Dock, Slip E19 — Paradise Cove Marina • 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734.

How many people can the barge hold?

This 30-foot Solid Craft barge accommodates up to 22 passengers plus the mandatory captain.

Is a captain provided?

Yes — all rentals include a mandatory captain; expect a 20% captain fee payable to the captain at the end of your reservation unless prepaid.

What equipment is included?

Fuel, life jackets, a 140qt cooler, Bluetooth stereo/Wet Sounds system, two slides, paddleboards, floats, and safety gear are included.

Can we swim and anchor?

Yes—captains will choose safe anchorages and swim ledges; follow their guidance about depth, currents, and no-wake areas.

What are the booking windows and minimums?

Rentals range from 3–8 hours with a four-hour minimum on Saturdays and holidays; check the booking page for exact rates and availability.

Lake Travis Party Barge: 30ft Double-Decker with Dueling Water Slides | Boat Tour | Water Activities

Adventure Brief

Turn a Lake Travis afternoon into an all-day celebration aboard a 30ft double-deck party barge with dueling slides, a Wet Sounds stereo, paddleboards, and room for 22. Launches from Paradise Cove Marina for 3–8 hour rentals—perfect for large groups, family outings, or a high-energy lake party.

3–8 hours

easy

From $856.88

On Lake Travis, a wide sweep of the lower Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country, the 30ft Solid Craft Double Decker Party Barge w/ Dueling Slides (orange) II from Big Tex Boat Rentals delivers an any-season lake day that’s equal parts tailgate and mini-cruise. Launching from Paradise Cove Marina • 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734, USA, this 30-foot party barge fits up to 22 guests plus a mandatory captain, and it’s built for social hours, splashes, and playlists that follow the sun. The barge’s 10-foot beam creates a stable platform for lounging on bench seats and a sun lounge, for dancing beside a built-in Bluetooth stereo and a state-of-the-art Wet Sounds system, and for launching two dueling water slides into the clear, spring-fed water of Lake Travis. Experienced captains take the wheel so you can rig paddleboards, climb the aqua lily pad, or drift on floats while someone else handles navigation and fuel. Lake Travis is carved into limestone and reef-like ledges that produce warm, shallow coves and dramatic cliffs—ideal terrain for seeking quiet swim spots or skipping out to a buoy for an afternoon anchor. The ecological backdrop includes typical Hill Country flora: live oaks and cedar that rim the shoreline and create shaded anchorages at the day’s edges; fish below often include largemouth bass and sunfish, while herons and ospreys patrol the air above. The dam that formed Lake Travis at Mansfield Dam in the early 1940s reshaped this stretch of the Colorado River; today it’s a recreational corridor that balances boating culture with shoreline neighborhoods and preserved parkland. Practical perks matter: rentals come with fuel, life jackets, a large 140qt cooler, safety gear, and a captain who knows local no-wake zones and best swim ledges. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky entries, and a waterproof bag for phones. Book rentals in blocks from three to eight hours—note a four-hour minimum on Saturdays and holidays—and expect weekend and holiday peak rates. This boat stands out in Austin’s crowded rental market because it’s designed for a large group, complete with two slides and an amplified sound system that turns a standard lake run into a memorable celebration. Whether you want a laid-back family cruise to a quiet cove or a full-on afternoon party with paddleboards and speaker-driven energy, this Solid Craft barge makes Lake Travis feel like your private slice of the Hill Country. Expect a mandatory 20% captain fee payable to your captain at the end of your reservation; tips are appreciated. All equipment—slides, floats, paddles, and coolers—comes included, so bring food, drinks, and a sense of good timing. Reserve early for weekend summer dates to lock in the best slip and captain. today.

About Big Tex Boat Rentals

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.