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- English
Come experience the beauty of Lake Austin on a small-group, partially guided pontoon boat tour — equipped with a dual canopy for full sun shading and comfort! Whether you choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure, you'll be joined by an engaging captain with insightful commentary.
This tour is ideal for individuals, couples, and small groups or families looking for an affordable way to explore Lake Austin without booking an entire boat. Cruise alongside other adventure-seekers as you take in miles of scenic shoreline — just a short drive from downtown Austin.
Along the way, you'll pass iconic sights like the Pennybacker Bridge, the historic Tom Miller Dam, and a stunning stretch of private, luxury waterfront and cliffside homes. The lake’s constant-level water and intimate setting offer incredible photo ops and views.
Whether for the sights, the sounds, or the stories, this boat tour offers a relaxing and memorable way to experience one of Austin’s most beautiful waterways.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Tour departs & returns at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp located under the south end of the Pennybacker Bridge. Parking underneath the bridge is free. $5 entry fee per person ($3 for ages 62+) collected by & paid to Travis County Parks. Cash only. No entry fee for ages 12 and under.
Itinerary
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1
This beautiful & scenic 22-mile public lake known for its clear, constant-level water features privately owned waterfront and cliffside homes, several shoreside restaurants, is home to world champion wake surfers Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager & just a 20 minute drive from downtown Austin.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This steel arched bridge built in 1982 is an iconic Austin landmark. Spanning the distance of Lake Austin (1,150 ft long), it connects the North & South sections of the Capital of Texas Highway. The bridge's arched design was created to avoid having support columns that would otherwise interfere with water skiers, wake surfers and boaters on the 22 miles of water below.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This Italian-style lakeside villa built in 1916 was home to Clara Driscoll, a philanthropist who was instrumental in the preservation of the Alamo. Today the 14 acre site is home to The Contemporary Austin and is comprised of an outdoor sculpture park, the Laguna Gloria art museum and an art school.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This 35-acre wildlife preserve located on Lake Austin's waterfront is a refuge for rare, endangered or threatened species and is open to the public through guided tours.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This private golf club is located on the banks of Lake Austin. It features a challenging 18-hole course and hosts tournaments, including the popular WGC Dell Match Play. It was designed by architect Pete Dye and is home to golf legend Harvey Penick.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This dam, named after a former Mayor of Austin, began operation in 1940. It was constructed for the purpose of flood control & hydroelectric power generation. On its upstream side is Lake Austin and on its downstream side is Lady Bird Lake. Both reservoirs are a result of the dam's construction.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This beautiful 5-acre park located almost 800 feet over Lake Austin. The cliffs of Mount Bonnell provide a vista for viewing not only the Lake from atop, but the expansive hills surrounding Austin.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for parking & entry
- There is no restroom on the boat - please use facilities prior to boarding
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Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for parking & entry
- There is no restroom on the boat - please use facilities prior to boarding
- Food and alcoholic beverages are permitted (glass containers are prohibited)
- Waiver of Release and Liability will be required to sign prior to boarding
- This is a public access boat ramp operated by Travis County, from which we depart & return only. Parking is limited on weekends. We HIGHLY encourage using a ride share service on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Smoking is not permitted
- $5 park entry fee per person, payable by cash only ($3 for ages 62+). No fee for ages 12 and under.
- The boat is equipped with an overhead (front to back) dual canopy for full sun shading. As with any outdoor activity, we do recommend coming weather prepared with sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc).
- Any changes made less than 24 hours* before the experience's start time will not be accepted. *Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours* before the experience's start time or no call/no show the day of the experience, the amount you paid will not be refunded. *Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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