A Lake Travis party boat runs roughly $45–$90 per guy for a half-day with a captain in a group of 10–12 — typically $700–$1,800 for the boat depending on size. You bring your own food and drinks, launch from the Hudson Bend / Hurst Harbor area near Devil's Cove, and book direct with no markup. It's the single biggest daytime line item of a lake weekend, and the easiest "everyone remembers this" moment to lock in.
Boat Options & Cost
| Boat type | Fits | Half-day (4 hr) | Per guy at 10–12 | BYOB | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon | 10–12 | $650–$1,000 | $55–$90 | Yes | Smaller crews, budget, easy cruising |
| Tritoon (3 pontoons) | 12–15 | $900–$1,400 | $60–$110 | Yes | Faster, more stable, room to move |
| Double-decker (with slide) | 15–25 | $1,300–$2,200 | $55–$110 | Yes | Big groups, the slide, the party scene |
| Yacht / cruiser | 20–40+ | $1,800–$4,000+ | $60–$130 | Usually | Premium, AC cabin, large crews |
Prices are typical Lake Travis 2026 rates for a weekend half-day with a captain. Gratuity (15–20%), fuel surcharge, and water-toy add-ons are usually extra — see below. A full day (6–8 hr) runs roughly 1.5–2x the half-day rate.
Lake Travis vs. Lake Austin
Both are bachelor-party-friendly. The honest difference:
| Lake Travis | Lake Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scene | Bigger, rowdier — Devil's Cove is the party | Calmer, upscale, no-wake in stretches |
| Vibe | Cliffs, coves, raft-ups, full sun | Mansions, glassy water, relaxed |
| Distance from downtown | ~45 min | ~25 min |
| Best for | The classic Austin bachelor boat day | A chill cruise, smaller or older crews |
For most bachelor parties, Lake Travis is the call — it's the bigger scene and the one people picture. Pick Lake Austin if your crew wants something calmer and closer in.
What It Actually Costs
- The boat — $650–$2,200 for most bachelor-sized groups (half-day, captain included). Split it across the crew and it's the cheapest big-ticket item of the weekend.
- Captain's gratuity — 15–20% of the boat price, in cash, end of the trip. Budget it up front.
- Fuel surcharge — some operators add $50–$150 depending on how far you run.
- Water toys — towable tube, lily pad, paddleboards: usually $50–$150 add-ons.
- Food & drink — you bring it (BYOB). Plan ~$25–$40 per guy for a cooler that lasts the afternoon.
- Deposit — typically 30–50% to hold the date, balance due before or on the day.
Net it out and a boat day is about $45–$90 per guy for the boat itself at a normal group size. See how it fits the whole weekend on the cost breakdown →
BYOB, Rules & Logistics
What to know
- BYOB is standard — you supply food, drinks, ice. No glass on most boats (cans only).
- Bring more ice than you think. Texas sun kills a cooler by 2pm.
- Uber to the marina. Nobody should drive home from a lake day — park at the house or rideshare.
- Devil's Cove etiquette — it's a raft-up of dozens of boats; the captain handles the anchor and the approach.
When to book
- Prime season: May–September, weekends fill first.
- Book 4–8 weeks out. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) go faster and cost more.
- Morning vs afternoon: mornings are calmer water; early afternoon is the peak party window.
- Have a backup plan for weather — most operators reschedule for storms, not for clouds.
Pair It With the Rest of the Weekend
A boat day works best as the Saturday afternoon anchor: lake house in the morning, boat from noon, back to the house to clean up, then dinner and Rainey or 6th Street at night. A lake house near Hudson Bend keeps the whole crew minutes from the marina.
Wire it together: find a lake house → · see a full weekend itinerary → · browse all activities →
Plan the whole weekend around the boat
Pick the boat day, the house, and your nights out — the free builder schedules it, totals real prices, and hands you a booking link for each. No markup, no middleman.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a party boat on Lake Travis for a bachelor party?
Expect $650–$2,200 for the boat for most bachelor-sized groups on a weekend half-day with a captain — roughly $45–$90 per guy at 10–12 people. Bigger double-deckers and yachts run more; gratuity and fuel are extra.
Can you BYOB on a Lake Travis party boat?
Yes. BYOB is standard — you bring your own food, drinks, and ice. Most boats allow cans only (no glass). The captain and fuel are included in the rental; the booze is on you.
How many people fit on a party boat?
Pontoons fit 10–12, tritoons 12–15, double-deckers 15–25, and yachts 20–40 or more. Pick the boat to your crew size — most bachelor groups land on a tritoon or double-decker.
Lake Travis or Lake Austin for a bachelor party?
Lake Travis for the classic, rowdier scene — Devil's Cove, cliffs, and the bigger party. Lake Austin for a calmer, more upscale cruise that's closer to downtown. Most bachelor parties pick Lake Travis.
How far in advance should we book a boat?
Book 4–8 weeks out for a summer weekend, and earlier for holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. A 30–50% deposit usually holds the date.