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.
Booking one? Our featured partner Big Tex Boat Rentals (paid partner, we earn a commission if you book through this link) runs 25ft to 45ft hulls on both lakes from $175/hr with a captain included, or see every Lake Travis operator and their real prices compared.
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.