Lake Travis Sunset Cruise: BYOB Boat Tour & Live Guide

Summary

Hill Country evenings, limestone shores and BYOB sunset laughter on Lake Travis

You’ll feel right at home as you board your Lake Travis sunset cruise with new friends, cool drinks in hand, and a local captain sharing stories along the blue limestone shores. Enjoy 90 minutes of easy conversation, iconic views, and those little moments — like laughter echoing off the water — that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how our captain greeted everyone by name — or tried to, anyway. He grinned when he got mine wrong, and I just laughed. We’d barely left Hurst Harbor Marina when someone cracked open a cold drink and passed around chips. The air had that warm, slightly dusty Texas smell, and you could hear music from another boat drifting over the water. It felt like summer camp for grownups, except with better snacks and no counselors telling you what not to do.

As we cruised along Lake Travis, the limestone cliffs caught the last bit of sunlight — kind of a soft gold against the blue water. Our guide pointed out these wild-looking houses tucked into the hills (one belonged to some local celebrity, but honestly I was more interested in the way the light hit their dock). At one point he told this story about Starnes Island — or Monkey Island? Rattlesnake Island? Apparently it’s got more nicknames than people living on it. I tried to get a photo but my hands were sticky from sunscreen and chips. So yeah, bring napkins if you care about your phone.

The vibe was just easygoing — people swapping stories about Austin traffic or where they’d found the best tacos that week. There was a family with a toddler in a stroller, and an older couple who’d brought homemade sangria (they offered me some; I probably shouldn’t have said yes but it tasted like summer). When we drifted near that cove east of Mossy Hollow, music got louder from another party barge — someone waved at us with both arms like we were long-lost friends. Sunset itself wasn’t dramatic that night, just slow and gentle. I still think about how quiet it got for a minute when everyone stopped talking to watch the sky change colors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Travis public sunset cruise

• Board boat at Hurst Harbor Marina
• Set sail on clear Texas lake
• View luxurious homes and limestone shores
• Pass popular party cove near Mossy Hollow
• See Starnes Island landmark archipelago
• Enjoy iconic sunset on the lake

Top questions

Where does the Lake Travis sunset cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Hurst Harbor Marina on Lake Travis.

Is this Lake Travis boat tour BYOB?

Yes, you can bring your own drinks (alcoholic beverages welcome).

How long is the Lake Travis public sunset tour?

The boat cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Are pets allowed on this public sunset cruise?

No, pets are not allowed due to the public nature of this event.

Is there a guide or captain during the tour?

Yes, a fun local captain serves as your guide throughout the cruise.

Can infants or small children join this Lake Travis boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals permitted on board?

Service animals are allowed during this cruise.

If my friends book separately, can we sit together?

You can request special seating; they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; meet at Hurst Harbor Marina for departure.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute BYOB boat cruise departing from Hurst Harbor Marina with a local captain guiding you past limestone shores and city landmarks; group seating requests are welcome so friends can sit together if booked separately.