Party Boat on Lake Austin: BYOB Celebration at Party Cove

Float at Party Cove with the Pennybacker Bridge and Mount Bonnell as your backdrop

A BYOB party boat on Lake Austin seats up to 12 guests for four hours anchored at Party Cove, the lake's social hub. You float, play music, and soak sun or shade while the captain takes group photos and the boat stays put at the party spot. Mount Bonnell rises 781 feet above the water. The Pennybacker Bridge stands 100 feet overhead: both frame the Texas Hill Country views around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Austin party boat experience

• Board the party boat
• Float on Lake Austin
• Pass by Austin Country Club Golf Course
• Pass by Mount Bonnell
• Pass by Pennybacker Bridge
• Drop anchor at Party Cove
• Celebrate with music and drinks
• Relax and enjoy scenic views

The experience

The boat anchors at Party Cove, Lake Austin's legendary gathering spot, so you're not cruising. You're stationary and surrounded by other boats, swimmers and the energy of the scene. Bring your own drinks and snacks. The cooler is onboard (ice is not). A Bimini Top shades half the deck, and USCG life jackets are available for anyone who needs one. The captain handles group photos, so you get the moment without managing the camera.

The four-hour window gives you time to settle in, float on a lily pad if you bring one, and watch the light move across Mount Bonnell and the Pennybacker Bridge. Ski Shores Cafe sits on the shore nearby if your group wants to stop by for burgers and a drink. The captain can arrange it. Children under 12 must wear life vests. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The boat holds up to 12 people at a fixed price, so you're not splitting costs per head.

Entry to the boat ramp costs five dollars cash per person, paid at the booth when you arrive. The captain's gratuity (20 percent is customary) goes directly to them at the end. You can request balloons or banners ahead of time to decorate the boat for a birthday, bachelor party, or any celebration.

What’s included

• Group photo requests by the captain.
• Bimini Top shade cover.
• USCG life jackets for all passengers.
• onboard cooler for your drinks and food.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day, 12 start times, from US$ 998 per group, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to Friday: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00Saturday and Sunday: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Austin Boat Adventures - Boat Rentals on Lake Austin

Is this one for you?The boat stays anchored at Party Cove for the full four hours, so this is a float-and-gather experience, not a sightseeing cruise. Pick this if your group wants to stay put, play music, and soak in the scene with Mount Bonnell and the Pennybacker Bridge as your view.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is Party Cove and why do people go there?

Party Cove is the social heart of Lake Austin where boats anchor and float together on summer days. It's where the lake party scene happens: swimmers, floats, music and groups gathering in the water and on boats.

Can I see Mount Bonnell and the Pennybacker Bridge from the boat?

Yes. Mount Bonnell rises 781 feet above the water and is visible from the boat's position at Party Cove. The Pennybacker Bridge stands 100 feet above Lake Austin and frames the view. It was completed in 1982 with a weathered rust finish designed to blend into the Hill Country landscape.

What happens if my group wants to leave the party spot and explore the lake?

The boat anchors at Party Cove for the duration, so it stays in one place. If your group wants to stop at Ski Shores Cafe on the shore, the captain can arrange that as a group decision.

Do I need to bring my own cooler and ice?

A cooler is provided onboard, but ice is not included. Bring ice or pre-chill your drinks and food before boarding.

What's the age requirement for kids on the boat?

Children under 12 must wear USCG life vests while on board. Infants can ride if they sit on an adult's lap.