Licensed captain included
Every rental comes with a professional, licensed captain. You don't need a boating license, and you're never allowed to drive the boat yourself, it's built into the price for your safety.
Experience the Ultimate Day on the Water with Big Tex Boat Rentals
Whether you're planning a relaxing lake day with family or an exciting outing with friends, our fleet is designed for comfort, fun, and memorable group experiences on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.
Why Big Tex
Everything you need for a day on the water, included
Fuel included
Gas is included in the hourly rate. No surprise fuel charges waiting for you back at the dock.
Premium sound system and floats
A Bluetooth sound system, a large floating mat, and water floats come standard, so the party is ready the moment you cast off.
Safety equipment aboard
All required safety equipment is aboard and inspected before every charter, and pets are welcome if they're well behaved.
Cooler stocked with ice
A large Yeti cooler filled with ice comes free with every rental. Just bring your own drinks and snacks.
Our Fleet
Pontoons, party barges, wake boats, and yachts
Nineteen boats across Lake Austin and Lake Travis, from a budget-friendly pontoon to a 45 foot yacht with a slide. Every trip comes with a licensed captain, fuel, and a cooler full of ice.
9 services available
- Yacht
- Lake Travis
- Slide
45ft Destination Yacht Party Barge with Slide
Our largest charter, built for big groups who want room to spread out. Forty guests fit comfortably across the deck, with a slide straight into the lake for the kids, and the whole party.
$275/hr
- Party Barge
- Lake Austin
- Double Decker
30ft A&M Bulldog Wide Deck Double Decker with Dueling Slides
A wide deck double decker with two dueling slides, so nobody has to wait their turn. A favorite for birthdays and group hangouts on Lake Austin.
$200/hr
- Pontoon
- Lake Austin
- Wide Deck
30ft Premier Wide Deck Quadtoon
A four tube quadtoon with an extra wide deck, built for a smooth, stable ride even with a full group aboard. A comfortable, easygoing choice for a lake day on Austin.
$200/hr
- Party Barge
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier White
A 32 foot party barge with a clean white deck, plenty of shade, and comfortable seating for up to 19 guests. A dependable choice for a full day out on Lake Travis.
$250/hr
- Party Barge
- Lake Travis
32ft Premier Tan
The tan sibling of our 32 foot Premier barge, with room for up to 20 guests. Wide open deck space, comfortable seating, and easy handling for a relaxed day on Lake Travis.
$250/hr
- Pontoon
- Lake Travis
- Slide
28ft Premier Boundary with Slide
A 28 foot pontoon with a built in slide, sized right for a family outing or a smaller group who still wants the slide. Comfortable for up to 16 guests on Lake Travis.
$200/hr
- Party Barge
- Lake Travis
- Groups
34ft Lakewind
One of the larger barges in the fleet at 34 feet, with room for up to 25 guests. A popular pick for bachelorette parties and birthday groups on Lake Travis.
$250/hr
- Wake Boat
- Lake Travis
- Surf
30ft Solid Craft
Built for a day of wake surfing and wakeboarding on Lake Travis, with room for up to 22 guests to ride along and cheer from the deck.
$250/hr
- Pontoon
- Lake Travis
28ft Black Windjammer
A sleek black hulled pontoon for up to 15 guests, a great fit for a shorter outing or a smaller group looking for an easy afternoon on Lake Travis.
$200/hr
See Big Tex in action
Don't see what you need?
We also take on custom group outings, bachelorette parties, and corporate trips. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll match you with the right boat.
Every charter comes with a licensed captain, fuel, a premium sound system, and a cooler full of ice, so all you have to do is show up.
BT
Big Tex Boat Rentals
The Big Tex promise
Our Work
Real days on Lake Austin and Lake Travis
A look at the fleet and the guests who spend their day on the water with Big Tex.
By the Numbers
The top rated boat rental service on Lake Austin & Lake Travis
“Rated Excellent, 5.0 out of 5 stars, based on more than 3,000 Google reviews.”
Google ReviewsAggregate rating
“More than 43,000 happy guests have booked a trip with Big Tex Boat Rentals since launch.”
Big Tex Boat RentalsGuests since launch
“Recognized as the number one boat rental service on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.”
Big Tex Boat RentalsLocal recognition
Common Questions
What guests ask us before they book
Answers to the questions we hear most about renting a boat on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.
Ask us anything- 01
What's included with the boat rental?
Each rental comes with a licensed captain, fuel, a premium Bluetooth sound system, a large floating mat, water floats, all required safety equipment, and a spacious cooler stocked with ice.
- 02
Where is the pickup location for the boat?
Lake Travis pick ups are at Mansfield Dam Park or Paradise Cove Marina (fees apply), and Lake Austin pick ups are at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp ($5 cash per person).
- 03
Can I drive the boat myself?
No, you cannot drive the boat. For your safety and for insurance purposes, only Big Tex captains are allowed to drive and operate the vessel.
- 04
How much should I tip my captain?
A 20% gratuity (captain fee) is required and must be paid directly to the captain by the end of your boat charter.
- 05
What is the cancellation policy?
15 or more days before your trip, a full refund minus the 6% booking fee. 14 to 9 days before, a $100 cancellation fee plus the 6% booking fee. 8 to 3 days before, 50% of the total plus the 6% booking fee. Within 72 hours, no cancellations are permitted and the trip is charged in full.
- 06
What happens if it rains?
We don't cancel reservations based on forecasts alone. Final decisions are made on the day of your booking and only in cases of unsafe or severe weather.
- 07
Are pets allowed on the boat?
Yes, you can bring your well behaved furry friend with you.
- 08
What should I bring?
Pack ice, towels, sunscreen, cups, sunglasses, snacks, beverages, about $5 in cash per person, and plenty of water. We provide a large Yeti cooler filled with ice free of charge, so you don't need to bring your own.
- 09
Does gas cost extra?
No, gas is included in the hourly rate.
- 10
Do I need to bring identification?
Yes, the cardholder must provide a valid government issued ID (driver's license or state ID) matching the card on file.
Book Your Trip
Ready for your day on the water?
Check availability on Lake Austin or Lake Travis and see why Big Tex is rated 5.0 with more than 3,000 Google reviews.
- Licensed captain and fuel included on every trip
- Premium sound system, floats, and cooler included
- Serving Lake Austin and Lake Travis
- Rated 5.0 with 3,000+ Google reviews
A 6% online booking fee applies. Gas, captain, and safety equipment are always included.
