How many people fit on the boat?

The pontoon accommodates up to 18 passengers; check booking details for exact capacity limits.

Is a captain included?

Yes — a mandatory captain operates the boat; a 20% captain fee is collected at check-out unless prepaid.

What are the hourly rates?

Rates vary by day: Monday–Thursday about $200/hr, Friday & Sunday ~ $225/hr, Saturday ~ $250/hr, and holidays can reach $300/hr.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, the operator supplies life jackets and will brief passengers on safety procedures before departure.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes; bring coolers and biodegradable waste bags. Follow captain guidance on glass, alcohol, and local regulations.

Ride the 30ft Double-Decker Pontoon on Lake Austin — Slides, Sun Deck & Party Rentals | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

Q: Where is the pickup location?

Pickup is at Loop 360 Boat Ramp, 5019 TX-360 Loop, Austin, TX 78746.

On Lake Austin, just off Loop 360 boat ramp at 5019 TX-360 Loop, Austin, Texas, the 30ft - A&M Double Decker w/Dueling Slides turns a summer day into a floating backyard party. This double-decker pontoon from Big Tex Boat Rentals seats up to 18 with a mandatory captain, two plunge slides, a sun deck, Bluetooth audio, RTIC cooler, GPS and depth finder—gear that makes it easy to anchor in a quiet cove, launch a lily pad, or run the shoreline with friends.

You’ll find practical comforts built into the rental: a swim ladder for easy climbs, a lunch table for spread-out snacks, and a powerful Bluetooth stereo for playlists that carry across the water. The mandatory captain fee ensures an experienced operator manages traffic and wind, leaving you to manage coolers, games, and the jumps. Rentals run 2–12 hours with a 4-hour minimum on busy days; weekend and holiday rates are higher, so plan reservations early for peak summer weekends.

Lake Austin is a Colorado River impoundment framed by limestone bluffs, live oaks, and the occasional bald cypress; the contrast of sculpted rock and rippling water creates small pocket coves perfect for swimming and socializing. Captains from Big Tex know the local channels, party cove etiquette, and where shallow shoals lie, so guests can relax while they steer.

Why this boat stands out: double-decker pontoons are uncommon on Lake Austin, and the dueling slides add a playful edge to a region more known for mellow cruising. The combination of a roomy upper sun deck and tactical accessories—GPS, depth finder, lily pad—makes it equally good for lazy afternoons or full-day celebrations. For visitors staying in Austin, an afternoon here is an easy way to trade city heat for riverside shade without leaving town.

Practical notes: pickup is at Loop 360 Boat Ramp, 5019 TX-360 Loop, Austin, TX 78746. Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a cooler with biodegradable waste bags, and a sense of timing—late-afternoon light casts the limestone into warm gold for photos. The crew enforces safety rules and local regulations, so expect a briefing at launch.

The boat carries up to 18 passengers; standard hourly rates vary by day—Monday through Thursday about $200 per hour, Friday and Sunday around $225 per hour, Saturdays typically $250 per hour, and holidays can reach $300 per hour. A 20% mandatory captain fee is collected at check-out unless prepaid. Reserve early in summer—weekend slots fill—and communicate special requests or gear needs to the operator before arrival.

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.