Party Boats for Rent in Austin, TX

There’s no better way to experience Austin’s outdoor scene than from the deck of a boat. From low-key afternoon floats to bachelor blowouts and birthday cruises, Austin has options for every kind of gathering.

But before you book, keep these tips in mind:

• Bring your own drinks? Check what’s allowed. Most charters are BYOB, but glass containers are typically banned by ordinance.
  
  
• Noise rules apply. Some areas around Lake Travis enforce quiet hours, especially near residential docks.
  
  
• Cap your guest list smartly. Party boats must comply with Coast Guard capacity rules, so don’t over-invite.
  
  
• Parking can be limited. Ride-shares or carpooling are often the better move, especially on weekends.

Pro Tip: During big event weekends like SXSW, July 4th, or UT game days, booking fills fast and traffic to launch points can be unpredictable. Get to the marina early.

How to organize a party on a boat in Austin?

So, you’ve decided to wake your inner sailor and host a party on a boat? So now it’s time to plan it from scratch and sweep your guests away with an unforgettable experience! To help you out, we’ve prepared a short guide that covers all the elements you can’t miss to make a boat event to remember. So all you need to do is hop on board and start reading now!

Draw up a budget. To make the most of a boat party, you need to know how much you can pay for the whole event. Start with asking yourself about your expectations for the event. Are you looking for something more casual or formal? Do you need space for dancing or just lounging around with your friends? Once you know what kind of party you want to throw, it will be easier to figure out how much money you'll need to make it happen. You should feel confident that you know how much you should allocate to the boat rental, entertainment, decorations, catering, etc. before putting your plans into gear. 

Make a guest list. How many people are you planning to invite to your fantastic party on the ocean waves? 10? 20? Or maybe 70? An accurate number of people will help you figure out how much space you will need on the boat to make everyone ready to mingle. So make sure to draw up a guest list and keep the number in mind while browsing. 

Decide on the date. To kick off a fantastic party, choose the right date! It's best to agree on that early enough to avoid making any last-minute decisions. The best time of year to host your boat event is mid-July through mid-August. This is when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot or humid. If possible, try to avoid weekends and holidays when major events occur, such as college football games or concerts, as it can have a huge impact on attendance.

Pick the perfect boat. Now it’s time to pick the boat! When browsing through the offers, consider the boat’s size, type, layout, and whether it fits into your price range. If you’re afraid that chartering a yacht can be too much for your budget, why not pick a smaller vessel? Or you can browse through the listings for those boats which can break down the boat’s space and allow you to book only part of the event space! It’s the perfect solution for smaller events or when you have a limited budget. 

Plan out the menu. A full-course dinner, a cocktail party with finger foods, or a picnic? The food should be as exciting as the party itself! Having a party on a boat is a great chance to add even more kick to the whole experience and serve something less-obvious! Your options are pretty unlimited! Remember that whatever you're planning to serve should also be easy to prepare and eat – especially when you have limited space where it's impossible for everyone to sit and eat together.

Manage your space. How much space do you need for your planned activities during the party? Will the boat fit in with your number of guests? Will there be enough seats? If not, organize some folding chairs or fluffy pillows and blankets so everyone can sit wherever they like.  

Make sure you have the right boat crew. The crew can make or break your party. So be sure to check whether the crew of the boat you’ve picked is suited for the job. They should be friendly, knowledgeable of the area around the boat and how to handle it, and able to answer any questions your guests might have about what's happening or what's near them at that moment. Of course, your safety should be the main priority, so don’t spare extra dollars on that matter! It’s better to pay more for a qualified crew than opt for someone less experienced. 

And that’s it! You’re ready to experience a fantastic time on the boat with your guests! Just make sure to figure out your budget and guest list so you can start your hunt for the ideal boat! And how about using our smart engines to check what type of party boats we offer? We guarantee that you’ll be spoiled with options!

Our favorite party boats in Austin

Love and Boat – 2 seater Kayak, Mansfield - River Place
Cruise Lake Austin in a compact, comfy boat for two. This is Austin’s answer to date night on the water. A small but fully appointed electric boat built for two, perfect for couples who want a no-distraction float with direct access to Lake Austin. It’s quiet, simple to operate, and ideal for sunset rides or anniversary surprises.

Love and Boat – 6 seater Donut, Mansfield - River Place
A stylish private vessel made for low-key celebrations or catch-ups with friends. This boat includes shaded seating, Bluetooth speakers, and easy launch access from the River Place marina. Great for birthdays, proposals, or group outings where conversation matters as much as cruising.

Lake Travis Yacht Charters, Four Points
With seating for up to 12 and room for more to move around, this yacht is geared toward milestone events. Onboard amenities typically include coolers, floatation gear, and Bluetooth audio. You’re also free to bring your own drinks and snacks—just no glass or red wine. Popular on weekends, so plan early.