Skip to main content
Beyond Austin

1 hr Lake Austin Boat Cruise. BYOB (Shared - Single Tickets)

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Austin, USA
Popular pick
Booked 20+ times last week!
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Ana_F ·
Jul 2026
The boat ride was absolutely amazing! The breathtaking views made the experience unforgettable, and the friendly tour guide Shane made it even more enjoyable.
· David_C ·
Jun 2026
Captain Tom was great, very knowledgeable of the area and relaxed around my special needs child, who had a great time. We should’ve taken a longer tour so we could swim as the weather was perfect. FYI There are extra fees per person at the boat ramp.

Overview

Getting out on Lake Austin doesn’t require booking a private boat. This shared BYOB cruise offers a more budget-friendly way to enjoy the water, with a captain to handle the navigation. Glide through the Texas Hill Country, passing waterfront homes and green shoreline, while you relax onboard, take in the views, and enjoy the convenience of the onboard coolers.
  • Discover Lake Austin with ease on this boat trip
  • Pick from different time slots throughout the day
  • Avoid expensive onboard bars: You can bring your own drinks
  • Benefit from having a captain to take care of navigating

What's Included

  • Bimini top (for shade)
  • Professional Captain
  • Cooler (no ice)
  • Fuel
  • Uscg approved Life Vests
  • Boat Ramp Entrance Fee - CASH ONLY
    $5.00 per person
  • 20% Captain Gratuity - pay in person to Captain at the end of your tour. Cash, Venmo, Zelle, cashapp
    $8.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Departure Point

  • You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.

Itinerary

Pickup/drop off: 5019 N capital of Texas Highway. The 360 bridge boat ramp is the pickup and drop off location.

6 Stops

4 Points of Interest

Duration: 1 hour

Operating Schedule: •Pickup/drop off location: 5019 N capital of Texas Highway. This is at the 360 bridge boat ramp and *the only pickup and drop off location. There is approx. 5-10 min boarding times. Please come early to avoid parking and booth line delays (30 min+). The total charter is 1 hr approx trip times, it goes quickly on the lake. Trips run on the hour. Captain will text you at least 1-2 hrs prior to help assist with arrival and boarding. -After departing from the 360 bridge boat ramp, we’ll cruise along Lake Austin passing several breathtaking landmarks • Including the Lakeside - Austin Country Club Golf Course, the towering cliffs of Mount Bonnell, see where the ‘Movie Stars’ live, charming lakeside restaurants, and the iconic 360 Bridge, perfect for photo opps with friends and family. •All the while, you’ll be surrounded by stunning greenery, graceful waterfowl, and pristine waters. Come see the best part of Austin from your own luxury pontoon boat. It's BYOB-so bring your favorite beverage. Cheers!

1

Loop 360 Boat Ramp

2

Austin Country Club

3

Bull Creek

4

Mount Bonnell

5

Ski Shores Cafe

6

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Points of interest passed by on this route

Loop 360 Boat Ramp

Austin Country Club

Mount Bonnell

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Meet the captain under the 360 Bridge, Guide will ask for Lead booking name at: 5019 N. Capital of Texas Highway.
  • Parking can be limited- best to use ride share service (Uber, Lyft, Waymo)

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 190 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Great, affordable boat ride

Suzanne_M, Jul 2026
Fabulous boat ride! Shane did a great job! Enjoyed the beautiful sights and stories. Will ride again if/when we come back to Austin

Very nice boat cruise!

Leah_J, Jul 2026
I enjoyed the experience. The boat captain was very prompt and met us at the docking point as outlined on the website. He safely operated the clean boat and even provided a brief narrative of some of the homes along the way. It was a really peaceful boat ride and neat to see all the lovely homes I can't afford. Lol. I would do it again, but next time book a sunset cruise for a different experience.

Enjoyable Boat Ride

Stan_M, Jul 2026
My wife and I had the opportunity to take an Austin Lake River Boat Tour yesterday, and we had a wonderful experience. The entire tour was relaxing, scenic, and well-organized from start to finish. The boat was clean and comfortable, the staff was friendly and professional, and the views of the lake and surrounding area were absolutely beautiful. It was a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying the natural beauty that Austin has to offer. Everything went smoothly, and we truly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere on the water. If you’re looking for a relaxing outing, whether with family, friends, or a spouse, I would definitely recommend this tour. Thank you to Shane for making it such an enjoyable experience!

Amazing View

Ana_F, Jul 2026
The boat ride was absolutely amazing! The breathtaking views made the experience unforgettable, and the friendly tour guide Shane made it even more enjoyable.

Austin boat tour

Caitlin_M, Jul 2026
I would recommend the longer version just to explore and learn more especially if your not from around here.

Relaxing tour

David_C, Jun 2026
Captain Tom was great, very knowledgeable of the area and relaxed around my special needs child, who had a great time. We should’ve taken a longer tour so we could swim as the weather was perfect. FYI There are extra fees per person at the boat ramp.

Nice relaxing Sunday...

VrushaliNikhil_K, Jun 2026
Nice relaxing Sunday evening ride with a good boat captain, that was accommodating of some senior needs and had a good sense of humor.

Beautiful ride. Shane...

Angela_S, Jun 2026
Beautiful ride. Shane was a great host and captain. Thank you for a great Fathers day activity. Will definitely plan to go again!

Unforgettable

Joshua_R, Jun 2026
I really enjoyed my experience. The captain was nice very educational. It was relaxing, so yes, it was very good. I love it.

It was nice. The huge,...

Rodger_J, Jun 2026
It was nice. The huge, rolled up mats in the back of the boat prevented us all from sitting together and talking. Not sure why they had to stay there. But, the ride was nice.

Amazing and relaxing lake tour

Yolanda_R, Jun 2026
We had a wonderful lake tour experience! The scenery was beautiful, and the captain was friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining. We enjoyed learning about the area while relaxing on the water. The boat was clean and comfortable, and the entire tour was well organized. It was the perfect way to spend an hour enjoying Austin's natural beauty. Highly recommend this tour to visitors and locals looking for a fun and relaxing outing.

It was very nice and...

Jenny_P, Jun 2026
It was very nice and beautiful! The only thing that I was not aware of is there a fee for entry to get to the boat and another fee for the driver of the boat after the ride. I would have liked to know about the fees upfront not after.

Shane was great!

Sandra_H, Jun 2026
It was a very relaxing cruise around the lake with Shane pointing out the most interesting houses and who they belong to was very informative.

Nice - but not worth the...

Ramesh_C, May 2026
Nice - but not worth the price ! High Price + park entry fee per person + mandatory tip ask at 20% per person !

Spring Serene

Kenniya_P, May 2026
This boat tour was so serene and on a perfect sunny day soaking up the rays on the rear facing seat in the back. The splashes of water was just enough to cool you down if too hot. There was also overhead shade cover for rear seats. We brought snacks and beer. Shane was communicative and patient. He pointed out some beautiful estates, celebrity history and fun facts. This would have costed over $100 in Los Angeles so this was a steal of a deal. Remember to exit ramp right before bridge and bring $5 cash per person for park fee.

The cruise was relaxing...

Madison_P, May 2026
The cruise was relaxing and perfect for friends/family. Captain Tom was very friendly, good spirited, and accommodating.

Great boat ride....

Linda_H, May 2026
Great boat ride. Especially enjoyed “little Italy”Big Tom answered questions and was very cordial. A marked waiting are with benches would be nice and nicer restrooms.

Great Captain Big Tom

Dave_S, May 2026
It was a blast. There is a 5.00 cash fee to get into the park. Bring a hat and drinks.Captain Big Tom is an exceptional guide.

Perfect, short cruise!

Tanya_L, May 2026
Our Captain, "Big Tom" was on time, engaging, and informative, which made our cruise all the more enjoyable! The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely!

Pleasant. It was a quiet day on the lake and This was a nice way to spend some time

Rosemary_O, May 2026
Parking is limited. The parks dept have a fee that the company does not have control of. Bring sun screen

It was a very pleasant...

Dinknesh_A, May 2026
It was a very pleasant experience, our tour guide Tom was very fun to listen and knowledgeable of the surrounding , I will give him 100%

Great scenery relaxing boat ride!

Tiffany_S, May 2026
Very enjoyable evening ride. Shane was informative and great conversation while enjoying a glass of wine on the lake.

The boat cruise person...

VIMALA, Apr 2026
The boat cruise person delayed by 10 minutes and became 50 minutes trip, loud music and no communication during trip and mandatory 20% tip demanded at the end of the trip.

We really enjoyed the...

Robert_M, Apr 2026
We really enjoyed the boat trip. It was nice and relaxing and perfect afternoon. We went during the week mid day so there was no one on the lake.

It was so relaxing. The...

Deb_M, Apr 2026
It was so relaxing. The boat was very clean and comfortable. Shane was so pleasant and informative, stopping the boat for pictures. Would take the cruise again.

Nice Lil Vibe

Ann_L, Mar 2026
A nice way to chill out on a Sunday. We enjoyed the intimacy along with the nice views and the atmosphere. Everything was top tier.

Enjoyable boat ride

Kristi_U, Mar 2026
Captain Adam was knowledgeable and helpful! My husband and I enjoyed our short little boat ride on Lake Austin taking in all the sights.

Pretty Cool Lake!

Eulisha_B, Mar 2026
Pretty Cool Lake , we are from Colorado and we loved Lake Austin! Definitely a must see when visiting!

Initial boat ran out of...

Carlos_A, Mar 2026
Initial boat ran out of gas as it was pulling in from previous tour. Switched boats. 2nd boat ran out of gas 10 minutes into tour. Had to switch again. I dont think gas can be an issue if your doing boat tours.

Relaxing ride on the river

Candy_R, Mar 2026
It was a nice relaxing boat ride. The scenery was great and the boat Captain was nice. Use the restroom before your ride porta potties didn't have toilet paper.

From $39.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
1 hr Lake Austin Boat Cruise. BYOB (Shared - Single Tickets)


1 hour
Free Cancellation
From
$39.00
Groovy Gruene Scavenger Hunt


2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$20.00