Quick answers to the questions guests ask most about booking a Lake Austin boat charter. If your question is not here, get in touch and we will reply within the day.
Spring and summer weekends book out two to four weeks ahead. Fall and winter weekends are typically one to two weeks. Weekdays are easier and can sometimes be booked a few days out. The earlier you reserve, the better the time slot and captain availability.
Tell us your date, group size, and preferred time using our contact form, or send us an email. We will confirm availability within the day and send a 30% deposit link to lock the charter.
Weather cancellations get a full refund or free rebooking, your call. Guest-side cancellations more than 14 days out get a full refund minus a small processing fee. Cancellations within 14 days are subject to the deposit being held as credit toward a future trip.
Two-hour charters start at $750, four-hour at $1,000, and six-hour at $1,500. Extra hours are $250 each. Pricing includes the boat, captain, fuel, cooler, ice, snacks, and a few drinks. See our full pricing page for details.
There is no required gratuity. Many guests choose to tip the captain at the end of a great day, but it is never expected and never auto-added to the bill.
No. The price you see is what you pay. No fuel surcharge, no dock fee, no cleaning fee, no captain gratuity tacked on at the end.
Every Lake Austin Boat Rentals charter includes the captain, fuel, a stocked cooler with ice, snacks and a few cold drinks, Bluetooth sound system, swim ladder, life jackets for all guests, and a floating lily pad for swim cove stops.
Yes, BYOB is welcome. Skip glass bottles (boat safety rule) and red wine (it stains fabric). Otherwise bring whatever you want. We supply ice and a few starter drinks; you supplement with whatever your group prefers.
We can pick up at any public dock on Lake Austin: Walsh Boat Landing, Loop 360 Boat Ramp, Emma Long Park, Mary Quinlan Park, or your private dock if your rental house has one. Walsh is closest to downtown, Loop 360 has the iconic Pennybacker Bridge view, and Emma Long has the most parking.
Yes, if your rental property has a working dock we can pick up and drop off there. Send us the address when you book and we will confirm dock access.
Our boats fit up to 12 guests comfortably. Larger groups can split across two charter boats, which we tie together when you anchor in a swim cove. Contact us if your group is bigger than 12.
We check the forecast the morning of your charter. If conditions are unsafe (sustained thunderstorms, dangerous winds), we offer a full refund or free rebooking, your choice. Light rain or overcast skies do not cancel a charter unless you want to reschedule.
Most of the year, the water sits between 60 and 80 degrees. December through February is in the 50s to low 60s, so most guests skip the swim and go for a lunch or sunset cruise. Spring, summer, and fall are swim-friendly.
Yes, kids of any age are welcome. Coast Guard requires kids under 13 to wear a life jacket while underway; we provide the correct sizes. Most family charters anchor in a swim cove for a long midday stop.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Bring fresh water and a towel. We ask that dogs stay off the upholstery if they have been swimming.
Yes. Tell us in advance and we will time the slowdown, scout the most private cove that day, coordinate a photographer if you want one, and stash flowers or champagne. Our captains have done many proposals; your secret is safe.
Yes, bachelorette charters are one of our most-booked trips. We have a dedicated bachelorette page with what to expect, what to bring, and pricing.
Every captain on our roster is Coast Guard certified and has years of experience specifically on Lake Austin. We hire local captains who know the coves, the cliffs, the swim spots, and the dock-friendly restaurants. Most of our captains have been on the lake for over a decade.
Pontoon and charter boats with full shade canopies, Bluetooth sound systems, swim ladders, and seating for up to 12 guests. All boats are recent-model, well-maintained, and inspected before every charter.
Some of our larger charter boats have an enclosed head (boat-speak for bathroom). For shorter charters on pontoon boats, we make quick stops at public dock restrooms as needed. Let us know if a bathroom on board is important and we will assign accordingly.
Still have questions?
The fastest way to get a custom answer is to send us a quick message with your date and group size. We typically reply within a few hours during business days. You can also browse our sunset cruise, bachelorette charter, and celebrations and proposals pages for trip-specific details, or check our full charter pricing.
Planning a longer Austin trip? Our things to do on Lake Austin guide pairs well with this FAQ for planning a full day around the water.