AUSTIN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sun, Shade, and a Lilypad: A Day Aboard a 12‑Passenger Pontoon on Lake Travis
A 2–4 hour pontoon rental from Tide Up Boat Rentals that comes with a captain, fuel, life vests and an 18‑ft lilypad—this guide lays out what’s included and how to plan the outing.
Sun, Shade, and a Lilypad: A Day Aboard a 12‑Passenger Pontoon on Lake Travis.
Lake Travis opens as a wide, sun-drenched playground off Austin’s northwest edge; aboard a 12‑passenger pontoon you slip into that expanse with a local captain, shade from a Bimini top, a Bluetooth stereo, and an 18‑ft lilypad for anchored lounging—an easy, social way to spend two to four hours on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Captain Included — Relax and Enjoy
Every rental comes with an experienced captain, so groups can relax and focus on sun, swimming and social time rather than navigation or docking.
Turnkey Boat: Fuel, Safety and Comfort
Rentals arrive ready: a full tank of gas, life vests for everyone, a Bimini top for shade, a Bluetooth stereo and a cooler are all included to keep the group comfortable on the water.
An On‑Water Hangout — the 18‑ft Lilypad
The included 18‑foot lilypad turns an anchoring stop into a portable swim platform for lounging, floating and socializing; guests may bring their own food and drinks (with a few container restrictions).
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Boarding at the launch, you leave the shoreline bustle for broad water and scattered coves; with a captain at the helm the group finds a shaded place to drop anchor, unfurl the lilypad and let the day unfold around swimming, music and shared provisions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical rentals run between 2 and 4 hours; contact the operator for custom booking times.
Pick up and drop off take place at 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732.
Guests may bring their own food and drinks; avoid red wine, glass bottles and styrofoam cups. Consider sun protection, towels and swimwear.
The rental includes an experienced captain, a full tank of gas, one cooler, life vests for everyone, a Bimini top for shade, a Bluetooth stereo and an 18‑ft lilypad; an optional large cooler with ice and bottled waters is available.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical rental?
Rentals are typically 2 to 4 hours; for custom booking times you should call or text the operator.
Where do we meet the boat?
Pick‑up and drop‑off take place at 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732.
Is a captain provided?
Yes—every boat rental includes an experienced captain.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes—guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but red wine, glass bottles and styrofoam cups are not permitted.
What safety gear is supplied?
Life vests are provided for everyone on board.
What extras are available?
An optional large cooler with a 20‑pound bag of ice and bottled waters is available for passengers.