The moments of an unforgettable experience are often forgotten in the sheer atmosphere of the event.
It’s a great dramatic irony: The sun splashes down, the stereo echoes on the lake, and the smells, sounds, and feelings of warmth are embedded as sensory memory. A party cruise is such an event, and the recreational lakes surrounding Austin provide plenty of opportunity. It’s even better when you can choose from a full fleet of barge selections that can set the tone for your party.
Here’s a full guide for how to rent a party barge in Austin, Texas.
Where to Go for a Party Cruise Near Austin, Texas
Austin is close to multiple popular lakes that are perfect for cruising, fishing, and water sports. You have two main options for party cruises:
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is conveniently located in the city. However, because of the urban area, it is rather narrow and small (about 1,599 acres). Because of the lake’s size, most Lake Austin party boat rentals have a 10- to 25-person capacity. If you’re hosting a more intimate event, Lake Austin can be a good choice. But if you want a real rager, consider a day trip to Lake Travis.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is about a half-hour drive from Austin, and with over 18,900 acres of water, it has plenty of room to party! The 50-person party barges on Lake Travis make it a go-to destination for family reunions, fraternity or sorority events, bachelorette parties, and birthday parties.
What to Look For in an Austin, Texas Party Boat Rental
Look for a party boat rental in Austin, Texas that has everything you need for a memorable event:
- Capacity. Capacity is the first thing to consider when you are renting a party barge in Austin, TX. A tritoon rental can handle a small hangout (around 10 guests), and larger pontoons can work for intimate gatherings with 12 to 25 people. However, for big celebrations, you’re going to want a larger, 50-person party barge.
- Captain. If you don’t want to be the designated driver, you’ll need a Lake Travis boat rental with a captain and crew. The best crews on Lake Travis serve as drivers, chefs, and your all-knowing Central Texas travel guide.
- Food and drinks. See what your food and drink options are. Does your rental include coolers or kegs? Some party barges even come equipped with a grill so that you can enjoy a juicy burger on the water.
- Music. What’s a party without music? See if your boat is equipped with a sound system and Bluetooth speakers so you can blast your favorite tunes.
- Furniture. Having nowhere to sit is definitely a party foul! Most pontoons and tritoons have bench seating, but for party barges, look for one that comes with chairs and tables.
- Restrooms. Sometimes nature calls. If you don’t want to have to come ashore for a bathroom break, find a party barge with a private restroom on board.
Party Barge on Lake Travis Cost and Fees
The exact cost of a party barge on Lake Travis depends on a few factors:
- Your reservation date. Party barges are generally more expensive on weekends and holidays. However, boat rental companies often offer discounts for weekday or off-season reservations.
- The size of your vessel. In general, the larger your party boat, the more you should expect to pay. Tritoon rentals cost about $150/hour, and larger party barges run closer to $350/hour.
- The length of your reservation. Most boat rentals are charged per hour. Party cruises in Austin typically offer three- to eight-hour reservations.
- Extra fees. Keep an eye out for extra fees like tax, gas, propane, or gratuity. Ask your boat rental company whether there are any additional charges before you commit.
When you make your party boat reservation, you should expect to pay a deposit.
Meet the VIP Fleet: 50-Person Party Barges on Lake Travis
VIP Lake Travis is one of the most popular marinas on Lake Travis, known for its exceptional customer service and prime location, and we offer a wide variety of 50-person party barges in Austin, Texas. Every vessel is captained by one of our expert guides, who will also double as a personal chef if you bring your own food, and VIP’s crews help ensure you have everything you need throughout the voyage.
VIP Lake Travis’s 50-person party barges are designed to keep the good vibes going – complete with two decks, a water slide, a flattop grill, two large coolers, and furniture – but they each have a unique flair. No matter what mood you’re going for, we have the perfect Lake Travis party boat rental for you. An unheralded perk of a legitimate party barge host is you get to match your event’s personality with a barge from an entire fleet.
Island Time: Your Spring Break Party Cruise in Austin
When UT Austin lets out for spring break – or even just the weekend – hop on board Island Time! With a six-foot swim platform and a 50-person capacity, you can bring your dormmates, fraternity brothers, or sorority sisters. For a classic college party experience, we also have kegs of domestic, import, and specialty beers available. Just contact our management before you confirm your order.
Stars and Stripes: A Holiday Party Boat Rental on Lake Travis
Whether you’re kicking off summer with a Memorial Day cruise or celebrating the Fourth of July, Stars and Stripes is the perfect way to let freedom ring. Cook an all-American barbecue on the flattop grill!
Bahama Mama: The Best Bachelorette Party Boat in Austin
Bahama Mama is ideal for bachelor or bachelorette parties. Its striking aquamarine deck has plenty of space for dancing and games, and Bahama Mama also has two large coolers with plenty of space for cocktails and mocktails.
Big Tex: The Perfect Austin Party Boat for Family Reunions
If you’ve got a family as big as Texas, Big Tex is the party barge for you. Invite up to 50 of your siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents for a memorable family reunion. Big Tex lets you show your love for Texas while giving your out-of-town family members some classic Southern hospitality.
Off-Duty: Celebrate Service Members with a Party Cruise on Lake Travis
Off-Duty is our tribute to our armed forces and veterans. Reserve Off-Duty to send your service member on a tour in style or welcome them home with all the fanfare they deserve. Off-Duty is also perfect for Memorial Day parties and we’ll even welcome you for a mid-November Veteran’s Day cookout.
Tequila Sunrise: A Fan Favorite Austin Party Cruise
Tequila Sunrise is a favorite among VIP Lake Travis members. This versatile vessel can bring everyone together for a relaxing cruise, or it can pump up the volume for an unforgettable party. On Tequila Sunrise, you’ve got a dual versatility: You can go tequila, or you can go sunrise.
Contact VIP Lake Travis today to learn more or make a reservation.
FAQs
How much does a 50-person party barge on Lake Travis cost?
VIP Lake Travis’s 50-person party barges start at $863 (including fees) for “peak season” weekdays and $1,262 for peak weekends. You can expect the average “peak” weekend trip to cost around $1,900. All our prices include gas, tax, crew, and safety equipment. Check out our up-to-date pricing guide.
Does a party boat rental on Lake Travis come with a captain?
Each VIP Lake Travis party boat rental comes with a captain who will guide you around the lake. You can just kick back and relax!
Can you cook on an Austin, Texas party boat?
Every VIP Lake Travis party boat comes with a flattop grill and two large coolers, perfect for burgers and hot dogs. Guests must provide their own food, but the captain will be happy to cook it for you.
When should you rent a 50-person party barge in Austin, Texas?
50-person party barges are perfect for a wide range of events, including bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, graduation parties, birthday parties, and holidays.