Overview
Come experience the beauty of Lake Austin on a public, partially guided pontoon boat tour equipped with a dual canopy for full sun shading!
Whether you choose morning, afternoon or sunset, you'll be accompanied by an engaging captain who will enhance your experience with insightful commentary.
Ideal for individual travelers, couples and small groups/families, this tour offers an affordable way to experience Lake Austin with other passengers without renting an entire boat.
Just a short drive from Downtown, Lake Austin offers 22 miles of great sightseeing views, including privately-owned waterfront and cliffside homes and popular shoreside restaurants.
Unique to Lake Austin is its clear, constant-level water and intimate setting, making for the most beautiful scenery for pictures & social media-worthy photos of the iconic Pennybacker Bridge. You may even catch sight of Austin's own professional wake surfing phenoms Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager!
Bottled water will be provided.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Bottled water
Use of life vests
Full overhead sun shading
2-Hour Boat Tour
Fuel
Boat Captain
$5 park entry fee per person, payable by cash only ($3 for ages 62+). No fee for ages 12 and under.
Hotel pick up and drop off
Captain gratuity (highly encouraged)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Please let the staff at the entrance booth know that you have a reservation with Wake Riderz.
• Present your ticket to the boat Captain prior to boarding the boat.
• Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for parking and entry.
• Late arrivals after departure time cannot be accommodated.
• There is a $5 park entry fee per person ($3 for ages 62+). No fee for ages 12 and under. This fee is collected by Travis County Parks, separate from your boat tour ticket(s) & payable by cash or check only.
• There is no restroom on the boat. Please use facilities prior to boarding. Restroom breaks are available on your tour if necessary.
• Food and alcoholic beverages are permitted. Note: Glass containers are prohibited.
• This is a non-smoking tour.
• This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different time/date or a full refund.
• Waiver of Release and Liability will be required to sign prior to departure.
• This is a public park and boat ramp operated by Travis County, from which we depart & return.
What to expect
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Lake Austin
2 hours
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.
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Pennybacker Bridge
2 hours
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.
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
2 hours
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.
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Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife
2 hours
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.
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Austin Country Club
2 hours
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.
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Tom Miller Dam
2 hours
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.
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Mount Bonnell
2 hours
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- 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.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading
Can I cancel Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Tour departs & returns at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp located under the south end of the Pennybacker Bridge.
What's included?
- Bottled water
- Use of life vests
- Full overhead sun shading
- 2-Hour Boat Tour
- Fuel
- Boat Captain
What's not included?
- $5 park entry fee per person, payable by cash only ($3 for ages 62+). No fee for ages 12 and under.
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Captain gratuity (highly encouraged)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge, The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria, Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife, Austin Country Club, Tom Miller Dam, Mount Bonnell.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Wake Riderz Boat Rental Lake Austin
