THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Austin’s Lady Bird Lake aboard the charming 1958 Trixie and Ethel retro boats. Perfect for small groups, this cruise blends a vintage vibe with scenic views and a unique adventure on the water.
Discover Austin’s Lady Bird Lake aboard the charming 1958 Trixie and Ethel retro boats. Perfect for small groups, this cruise blends a vintage vibe with scenic views and a unique adventure on the water.
Book with Retro Boats ATX
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Retro Boats ATX · Austin, Texas
Step back in time with the Trixie Retro Boat Daily Cruise, an unforgettable journey across Austin's scenic Lady Bird Lake. Operated by Retro Boats ATX, this private boating experience showcases two beautifully preserved vessels from 1958—Ethel and Trixie—each radiating vintage charm and style. Glide through calm waters surrounded by Austin’s skyline, parks, and nature in a way that feels both relaxing and exclusive. Whether you're celebrating with close friends or enjoying a unique outing, these boats offer an intimate setting perfect for making lasting memories. While fishing and swimming aren’t permitted to preserve the tranquility and safety of the lake, the focus here is purely on cruising, socializing, and soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. The design and comfort of these retro boats make the experience ideal for those seeking something beyond ordinary lake tours. Refreshments can be brought aboard to complement the laid-back vibe, so prepare to unwind as you explore one of Austin’s most popular urban lakes from a stylish vintage perspective.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required
Yes, guests are welcome to bring light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the cruise.
Children are welcome, but all passengers must be supervised and follow safety guidelines during the trip.
Life jackets are available and passengers are encouraged to use them, especially for young children or non-swimmers.
Pets are not permitted on the Trixie and Ethel retro boats to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
In case of inclement weather, Retro Boats ATX may reschedule or cancel cruises for safety reasons with advance notice.
No experience is required; a skilled captain operates the boat while guests simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Lady Bird Lake, formerly Town Lake, was created in the 1960s as a reservoir and is named to honor Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental efforts in Austin.
Retro Boats ATX actively supports sustainable boating practices to protect the lake’s ecosystem by prohibiting fishing and swimming during cruises.
Retro Boats ATX operates retro boat rentals and guided cruises on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. The business offers a fleet of vintage 1958 vessels — including Vali IV, Glastron Fireflite, Beeline Sapphire, Lonestar Meteor, Glass Slipper, and the two classic boats Ethel and Trixie — for daily and sunset cruises that showcase the Austin skyline and waterways. Trips accommodate small groups: most retro boats carry up to four passengers, while Blanche, a 21' Duffy Sun Cruiser, seats up to ten and includes 360° views, a shaded canopy, and a sundeck with a captain onboard to navigate. Bookings are captain-led and available as guided or private cruises on Lady Bird Lake; swimming and fishing are not allowed on these experiences. Sunset cruises emphasize city views such as the Congress Avenue Bridge and the downtown skyline, and select boats pass near the urban bat colony beneath the bridge. One rare vessel, Edith, is a 1958 Glass Slipper — one of only twenty ever made — offering a distinctive historic experience. Retro Boats ATX emphasizes safety and authenticity by operating maintained classic boats with experienced captains to provide relaxed, nostalgic outings for families, couples, and small groups. Reservations are accepted online and trips are suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, and small private events focused on relaxed sightseeing and vintage boating.
Book with Retro Boats ATX