Adventure brief
30ft - Solid Craft Double Decker Party Barge w/ Dueling Slides (orange) II
Turn a Lake Travis afternoon into an all-day celebration aboard a 30ft double-deck party barge with dueling slides, a Wet Sounds stereo, paddleboards, and room for 22. Launches from Paradise Cove Marina for 3–8 hour rentals—perfect for large groups, family outings, or a high-energy lake party.
On Lake Travis, a wide sweep of the lower Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country, the 30ft Solid Craft Double Decker Party Barge w/ Dueling Slides (orange) II from Big Tex Boat Rentals delivers an any-season lake day that’s equal parts tailgate and mini-cruise. Launching from Paradise Cove Marina • 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734, USA, this 30-foot party barge fits up to 22 guests plus a mandatory captain, and it’s built for social hours, splashes, and playlists that follow the sun. The barge’s 10-foot beam creates a stable platform for lounging on bench seats and a sun lounge, for dancing beside a built-in Bluetooth stereo and a state-of-the-art Wet Sounds system, and for launching two dueling water slides into the clear, spring-fed water of Lake Travis.
Experienced captains take the wheel so you can rig paddleboards, climb the aqua lily pad, or drift on floats while someone else handles navigation and fuel. Lake Travis is carved into limestone and reef-like ledges that produce warm, shallow coves and dramatic cliffs—ideal terrain for seeking quiet swim spots or skipping out to a buoy for an afternoon anchor. The ecological backdrop includes typical Hill Country flora: live oaks and cedar that rim the shoreline and create shaded anchorages at the day’s edges; fish below often include largemouth bass and sunfish, while herons and ospreys patrol the air above.
The dam that formed Lake Travis at Mansfield Dam in the early 1940s reshaped this stretch of the Colorado River; today it’s a recreational corridor that balances boating culture with shoreline neighborhoods and preserved parkland. Practical perks matter: rentals come with fuel, life jackets, a large 140qt cooler, safety gear, and a captain who knows local no-wake zones and best swim ledges. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky entries, and a waterproof bag for phones.
Book rentals in blocks from three to eight hours—note a four-hour minimum on Saturdays and holidays—and expect weekend and holiday peak rates. This boat stands out in Austin’s crowded rental market because it’s designed for a large group, complete with two slides and an amplified sound system that turns a standard lake run into a memorable celebration. Whether you want a laid-back family cruise to a quiet cove or a full-on afternoon party with paddleboards and speaker-driven energy, this Solid Craft barge makes Lake Travis feel like your private slice of the Hill Country.
Expect a mandatory 20% captain fee payable to your captain at the end of your reservation; tips are appreciated. All equipment—slides, floats, paddles, and coolers—comes included, so bring food, drinks, and a sense of good timing. Reserve early for weekend summer dates to lock in the best slip and captain. today.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book weekend slots earlyessential
Summer weekends sell out fast; reserve your captain and slip at least 2–4 weeks ahead for peak dates.
- 02Bring reef-safe sunscreenessential
The sun on Lake Travis is intense—apply reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply after sliding or swimming.
- 03Secure valuableswarning
Keep phones and keys in a waterproof bag or locker on board; slides and lily pads are great but wet.
- 04Respect no-wake zonesinfo
Follow captain instructions and local no-wake areas near marinas and shallow coves to protect shoreline and swimmers.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin during long sun exposure and is safer for the lake environment.
summerEssentialWater shoes
Protect feet from rocky shorelines and make wet decks easier to navigate.
EssentialWaterproof phone case or dry bag
Keeps electronics and valuables dry while sliding, paddling, and swimming.
EssentialLight windbreaker
Evenings on the water can get breezy—layer up for late-afternoon chill.
springLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Small east-facing coves near Volente that quiet down by late afternoon, Shaded anchorages under live oaks on the north shore for calm swims
Local fauna
Great blue heron, Largemouth bass
Historic heritage
Lake Travis was formed when Mansfield Dam was built on the Colorado River in the early 1940s, transforming the canyon into a large reservoir and recreational lake.
Mindful exploration
Follow no-wake zones, pack out trash, avoid anchoring on submerged vegetation, and use reef-safe products to reduce impact on the lake’s ecosystem.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Upper deck facing the limestone cliffs, Bow while anchored in a quiet cove, Paradise Cove Marina dock (Slip E19) at launch
- Subjects
- Action shots of the slides and paddleboards, Shoreline limestone cliffs and oak-dotted coves, Candid group portraits with the Wet Sounds rig in frame
- Best times
- Golden hour, Midday for action shots, Late afternoon for warm light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Where do I meet the boat?
Check-in and pickup is at Paradise Cove Marina, E Dock, Slip E19 — Paradise Cove Marina • 17141 Rocky Ridge Rd, Austin, TX 78734.
How many people can the barge hold?
This 30-foot Solid Craft barge accommodates up to 22 passengers plus the mandatory captain.
Is a captain provided?
Yes — all rentals include a mandatory captain; expect a 20% captain fee payable to the captain at the end of your reservation unless prepaid.
What equipment is included?
Fuel, life jackets, a 140qt cooler, Bluetooth stereo/Wet Sounds system, two slides, paddleboards, floats, and safety gear are included.
Can we swim and anchor?
Yes—captains will choose safe anchorages and swim ledges; follow their guidance about depth, currents, and no-wake areas.
What are the booking windows and minimums?
Rentals range from 3–8 hours with a four-hour minimum on Saturdays and holidays; check the booking page for exact rates and availability.