When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Big Tex Boat Rentals

Why Big Tex Boat Rentals is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big Tex Boat Rentals stands out as Austin's favorite and most trusted boat rental company, offering an unmatched gateway to the stunning waters of Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Whether you're seeking a peaceful family outing, a lively party, or a special celebration like a bachelorette party, Big Tex provides the perfect boat to suit your needs. Their extensive fleet includes sleek pontoon boats, exhilarating wake boats, luxurious yachts, and versatile party barges, each meticulously maintained for cleanliness and safety to ensure a premium experience. Located in the heart of Austin, Big Tex combines affordability with first-class service, making it an ideal spot for friends to meet up and enjoy the lake's scenic beauty. Rental options come with accessories such as wakeboards, skis, and tubes, allowing guests to customize their adventure with exciting water sports activities or simply relax on a comfortable boat. Big Tex is also renowned for their attentive, friendly captains who enhance every outing with local knowledge and hospitality. Whether cruising the iconic 360 bridge on Lake Austin or exploring the expansive waters of Lake Travis, visitors are guaranteed a memorable day filled with fun, relaxation, and breathtaking views, making Big Tex Boat Rentals the go-to destination for aquatic enjoyment in Austin.
Here's what people think of Big Tex Boat Rentals
As of recent, Big Tex Boat Rentals holds a 5-star rating based on 1759 reviews.
User reviews for Big Tex Boat Rentals overwhelmingly reflect a perfect 5.0-star rating based on over 1,700 reviews, emphasizing a consistently outstanding customer experience. Positive feedback frequently highlights the pristine condition and high quality of the boats, with many praising the spaciousness and luxurious amenities such as large swim platforms, coolers, and on-board comforts. Numerous reviewers commend the knowledgeable and personable captains who go above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed, safe, and entertained, often sharing insider tips about the best lake spots. Users also appreciate the professionalism of the staff, the flexibility in accommodating last-minute bookings, and the reasonable rental prices. On the rare side of constructive criticism, some mention logistical challenges like the distance from the parking area to the dock, suggesting the practicality of bringing wheeled coolers. However, these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall positive impression. The collective tone of reviews is highly enthusiastic and loyal, indicating many customers return and recommend Big Tex to others for lake outings, celebrations, and memorable parties. In summary, Big Tex Boat Rentals garners praise for excellent service, immaculate boats, attentive captains, and a seamless rental process, cementing its reputation as a premier boat rental service in Austin, Texas.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shanna D. Schultz
What a great experience! This was my first time out on Lake Travis and Captain Bre showed us the best time. Her communication about what to expect was clear and her ability to provide us with an experience tailored just for us was unmatched. I would highly recommend!
Zoe Zard
We had such a kick ass time out on the lake with big Tex boat rentals. Hudson was our captain and he was incredibly communicative, friendly and fun! Totally worth the cost for how much time you get out on the water. Highly recommend!
Maricela Esmeralda
We had an amazing experience with Big Tex Boat Rentals! The boat was nice, well-equipped, and perfect for our group. Our captain Thomas made sure we were safe while still letting us have an incredible time. The views were beautiful, the water was perfect, and the entire experience felt personalized and memorable. Customer service was outstanding — friendly, responsive, and genuinely invested in making our day special. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a fun, relaxing day on the lake, I highly recommend Big Tex. We’re already planning our next outing! Thank you for a fantastic time!
Kathryn Anderson
Captain Jessica was the best!! She drove all the way out to Marble Falls to help me and my crew of 12 have the best day out on the lake. She was communicative and friendly. She made sure we had so much fun on the lake that day. I’ve used other rental companies and Big Tex was by far the easiest and most efficient. Messaged them on Instagram and they replied immediately to help me make a plan for my weekend with very short notice. Would highly recommend and use them again for any of my boat rentals in Austin moving forward!
Macy Graham
We had the best experience for our bride to be! Our captains were very accommodating, friendly, and FUN. We ended up being out on the lake all day. Definitely worth it!
Shanna D. Schultz
What a great experience! This was my first time out on Lake Travis and Captain Bre showed us the best time. Her communication about what to expect was clear and her ability to provide us with an experience tailored just for us was unmatched. I would highly recommend!
Zoe Zard
We had such a kick ass time out on the lake with big Tex boat rentals. Hudson was our captain and he was incredibly communicative, friendly and fun! Totally worth the cost for how much time you get out on the water. Highly recommend!
Maricela Esmeralda
We had an amazing experience with Big Tex Boat Rentals! The boat was nice, well-equipped, and perfect for our group. Our captain Thomas made sure we were safe while still letting us have an incredible time. The views were beautiful, the water was perfect, and the entire experience felt personalized and memorable. Customer service was outstanding — friendly, responsive, and genuinely invested in making our day special. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a fun, relaxing day on the lake, I highly recommend Big Tex. We’re already planning our next outing! Thank you for a fantastic time!
Kathryn Anderson
Captain Jessica was the best!! She drove all the way out to Marble Falls to help me and my crew of 12 have the best day out on the lake. She was communicative and friendly. She made sure we had so much fun on the lake that day. I’ve used other rental companies and Big Tex was by far the easiest and most efficient. Messaged them on Instagram and they replied immediately to help me make a plan for my weekend with very short notice. Would highly recommend and use them again for any of my boat rentals in Austin moving forward!
Macy Graham
We had the best experience for our bride to be! Our captains were very accommodating, friendly, and FUN. We ended up being out on the lake all day. Definitely worth it!
Macy Graham
We had the best experience for our bride to be! Our captains were very accommodating, friendly, and FUN. We ended up being out on the lake all day. Definitely worth it!
Shanna D. Schultz
What a great experience! This was my first time out on Lake Travis and Captain Bre showed us the best time. Her communication about what to expect was clear and her ability to provide us with an experience tailored just for us was unmatched. I would highly recommend!
Zoe Zard
We had such a kick ass time out on the lake with big Tex boat rentals. Hudson was our captain and he was incredibly communicative, friendly and fun! Totally worth the cost for how much time you get out on the water. Highly recommend!
Maricela Esmeralda
We had an amazing experience with Big Tex Boat Rentals! The boat was nice, well-equipped, and perfect for our group. Our captain Thomas made sure we were safe while still letting us have an incredible time. The views were beautiful, the water was perfect, and the entire experience felt personalized and memorable. Customer service was outstanding — friendly, responsive, and genuinely invested in making our day special. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a fun, relaxing day on the lake, I highly recommend Big Tex. We’re already planning our next outing! Thank you for a fantastic time!
Kathryn Anderson
Captain Jessica was the best!! She drove all the way out to Marble Falls to help me and my crew of 12 have the best day out on the lake. She was communicative and friendly. She made sure we had so much fun on the lake that day. I’ve used other rental companies and Big Tex was by far the easiest and most efficient. Messaged them on Instagram and they replied immediately to help me make a plan for my weekend with very short notice. Would highly recommend and use them again for any of my boat rentals in Austin moving forward!
How to reach Big Tex Boat Rentals
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Why Big Tex Boat Rentals may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at Big Tex Boat Rentals with your friends guarantees an unforgettable lakeside adventure where excitement, relaxation, and social connection merge seamlessly. With a perfect combination of luxury, variety, and expert service on the scenic waters of Lake Austin and Lake Travis, this venue offers an ideal setting for groups looking to escape the city buzz and enjoy the great outdoors in style. The unbeatable 5.0-star rating from over 1700 reviews attests to the consistently exceptional experiences delivered here. Whether planning a casual hangout, a special celebration, or a unique bonding event, this is a place where laughter rides the waves and friendships deepen over shared moments on the water. The attentive and knowledgeable crew, luxurious fleet of boats, and customizable packages create an incredibly smooth and enjoyable event from start to finish. Unlike traditional land venues, Big Tex Boat Rentals elevates your gathering by blending nature’s beauty with the thrill of boating, making it not only an outing but a memorable adventure that your friends will cherish and talk about for years.
What types of boats and activities are available at Big Tex Boat Rentals?
Big Tex Boat Rentals boasts a diverse and luxurious fleet tailored to every type of group activity, ensuring there’s something perfect for each occasion. Their inventory includes pontoon boats, party barges, wake boats, ski boats, and even luxury yachts, each maintained to impeccable standards and equipped with premium amenities. Pontoon boats and party barges are excellent options for relaxed socializing, allowing groups to lounge, load up with music on advanced Bluetooth sound systems, and even enjoy floating mats and inflatables for added fun. For those seeking more excitement, wake boats and ski boats are ready for wakeboarding, water skiing, and surfing, providing an energetic and interactive water sport session with friends.
Every rental comes with an experienced captain, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the day without any boating expertise required. Additionally, Big Tex offers water sports equipment rentals, including wakeboards and tubes, so groups can easily dive into an active day on the lake. Beyond boating and watersports, guests can soak in scenic lake views, spotting celebrity homes along the shores of Lake Austin or cruising the expansive waters of Lake Travis. The variety in boat types and onboard entertainment options makes Big Tex Boat Rentals a versatile venue where groups can tailor their fun—from peaceful floating and soaking up the sun, to thrilling sports and vibrant parties on the water.
Why is Big Tex Boat Rentals ideal for group meetups?
Big Tex Boat Rentals excels at facilitating group meetups by combining space, flexibility, and top-notch service. Their boats can accommodate small friend circles to large family groups or corporate teams, making it easy to gather everyone comfortably on a single vessel. The spacious pontoons and party boats encourage group interaction, providing multiple seating areas, shade options, and coolers to keep drinks chilled. The inclusion of large floating mats and fun inflatables means that attendees can move between lounging on the boat and taking a refreshing dip in the lake without ever feeling isolated or far from the social vibe.
Safety and convenience also take center stage; captains expertly navigate the lake while ensuring a secure environment for everyone onboard. This means no one in your group has to worry about driving or coordinating multiple vehicles to different locations—just pure relaxation focusing on the company. Big Tex goes beyond transportation by also partnering with services like Fetii for group rideshares, making logistical coordination easier and more affordable with discounts for group transport. Booking policies accommodate special events and requests, allowing you to arrange everything from drink and snack deliveries to pick up at private docks. This attention to detail allows groups to fully immerse themselves in quality time together without distractions or hassle.
What makes the location and setting of Big Tex Boat Rentals special for meetups?
Situated on the stunning waters of Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Big Tex Boat Rentals places your gathering in two of Central Texas’s most scenic and sought-after lake destinations. Lake Austin is known for its picturesque calm waters, famous landmarks like the 360 Bridge, and proximity to Austin’s downtown—making it easy and quick to reach. Lake Travis, meanwhile, offers expansive open water, beautiful parks, and a lively boater’s community, giving your group a dramatic and thrilling backdrop for your outing.
Big Tex’s designated pickup points at Mansfield Dam Park for Lake Travis and Loop 360 Boat Ramp for Lake Austin provide convenient access, while also enabling private dock pickups upon request for those staying on lakefront properties or Airbnbs. The serene natural surroundings with clear water, sun-dappled trees, and stunning hill country views transform a typical meetup into a scenic adventure. Celebrations here happen against the backdrop of sparkling water and endless blue skies, making it feel like a mini-vacation rather than just an ordinary gathering. This setting inherently encourages relaxation, connection, and a collective appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors.
How does Big Tex Boat Rentals ensure convenience and customer satisfaction?
Beyond providing outstanding boats and stunning scenery, Big Tex Boat Rentals is dedicated to delivering top-tier customer service and convenience from booking through the end of your trip. Each rental includes an experienced captain who prioritizes your group’s safety and pleasure, allowing all guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The boats come equipped with modern amenities like premium sound systems, safety equipment, cooling bins, and optional extras such as inflatables and water sports gear.
Booking is straightforward and flexible, with options to customize your boat rental according to your event’s size and style. They recommend ordering food, drinks, or party essentials at least 72 hours in advance to ensure timely arrival and chilling onboard. Pricing is transparent and competitive, with special discounts on delivery fees and rideshare partnerships to ease your planning. Big Tex’s proactive customer support helps clarify all details beforehand, ensuring your group arrives confidently knowing what to expect.
Their strong emphasis on clean, well-maintained boats, professional crew, and tailored packages translates into consistent five-star reviews radiating customer delight. This reliability means you can focus on enjoying your time with friends and family instead of worrying about logistics or boat problems.
What types of events or occasions are perfect for Big Tex Boat Rentals?
Big Tex Boat Rentals suits a wide range of events where groups want to combine celebration, networking, or family time with the unique enjoyment of being on the water. This includes birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette celebrations, family reunions, corporate retreats, and casual social hangouts. The flexibility of their fleet and amenities allows the experience to scale up or down depending on the occasion—from intimate escapes on a pontoon to lively parties on a large wake boat or party barge.
Corporate groups can engage in team-building activities or reward employees with a refreshing, unconventional venue that inspires relaxation and connection. Families can create lasting memories, keeping kids entertained with floating mats and water toys while adults indulge in the serene lake environment. For special celebrations like anniversaries or milestone birthdays, the option of a luxury yacht adds an extra flair of exclusivity and style.
The natural beauty of the location combined with Big Tex’s comprehensive service package transforms any gathering into a distinct, high-quality event that stands apart from typical party or meeting locations.
Overall, Big Tex Boat Rentals offers an extraordinary venue that redefines group meetups by merging breathtaking lakeside scenery, luxury boating, and expert hospitality. Whether seeking fun thrills on the water or simply a beautiful, relaxing setting for friends and family to connect, this outstanding business provides an unparalleled experience that consistently earns rave reviews and delighted guests. For memorable social adventures around Austin, Big Tex Boat Rentals is unquestionably the go-to destination.