Lake Austin Scenic History Tour 2Hr, Fully Shaded, AM, PM, Sunset

Austin, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (177 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

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    U.S. Coast Guard–approved life vests for use during the tour (required for guests under 13)
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    Experienced boat captain providing live narration
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    Full overhead sun shading
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    2-hour scenic cruise on Lake Austin
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    Fuel included
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    Complimentary bottled water

Excluded

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    Captain gratuity (optional)
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    Entrance fees
    Loop 360 Boat Ramp entry fee required per person (cash only). Reduced fee for ages 62+ and no fee for ages 12 and under.

Meeting Point

Tour departs & returns at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp located under the south end of the Pennybacker Bridge. Parking underneath the bridge is free. $5 entry fee per person ($3 for ages 62+) collected by & paid to Travis County Parks. Cash only. No entry fee for ages 12 and under.

Meeting point

5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 , United States

End point

End Point

Tour departs & returns at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp located under the south end of the Pennybacker Bridge. Parking underneath the bridge is free. $5 entry fee per person ($3 for ages 62+) collected by & paid to Travis County Parks. Cash only. No entry fee for ages 12 and under.

Meeting point

5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Lake Austin

This beautiful & scenic 22-mile public lake known for its clear, constant-level water features privately owned waterfront and cliffside homes, several shoreside restaurants, is home to world champion wake surfers Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager & just a 20 minute drive from downtown Austin.

Duration 120 minutes
2
Pennybacker Bridge

This steel arched bridge built in 1982 is an iconic Austin landmark. Spanning the distance of Lake Austin (1,150 ft long), it connects the North & South sections of the Capital of Texas Highway. The bridge's arched design was created to avoid having support columns that would otherwise interfere with water skiers, wake surfers and boaters on the 22 miles of water below.

3
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria

This Italian-style lakeside villa built in 1916 was home to Clara Driscoll, a philanthropist who was instrumental in the preservation of the Alamo. Today the 14 acre site is home to The Contemporary Austin and is comprised of an outdoor sculpture park, the Laguna Gloria art museum and an art school.

4

Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife

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This 35-acre wildlife preserve located on Lake Austin's waterfront is a refuge for rare, endangered or threatened species and is open to the public through guided tours.

5
Austin Country Club

This private golf club is located on the banks of Lake Austin. It features a challenging 18-hole course and hosts tournaments, including the popular WGC Dell Match Play. It was designed by architect Pete Dye and is home to golf legend Harvey Penick.

6

Tom Miller Dam

This dam, named after a former Mayor of Austin, began operation in 1940. It was constructed for the purpose of flood control & hydroelectric power generation. On its upstream side is Lake Austin and on its downstream side is Lady Bird Lake. Both reservoirs are a result of the dam's construction.

7
Mount Bonnell

This beautiful 5-acre park located almost 800 feet over Lake Austin. The cliffs of Mount Bonnell provide a vista for viewing not only the Lake from atop, but the expansive hills surrounding Austin.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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    A waiver and release of liability must be signed prior to boarding
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    Alcohol is allowed in moderation; glass containers are prohibited
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    Fee is charged by the park and is not included in the tour price
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    Food and beverages are permitted
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    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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    Loop 360 Boat Ramp entry fee (cash only, paid on arrival)
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    No restroom on the boat; please use facilities prior to boarding
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    Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for parking & entry
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    Please come prepared for outdoor weather (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
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    Service animals allowed
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    Smoking is not permitted
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    The boat is equipped with a dual overhead canopy for full sun shading
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    This is a small-group public shared tour, and other guests may be onboard.
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    This tour departs from a public Travis County boat ramp; parking is limited on weekends and rideshare is recommended
Provided by Wake Riderz Boat Rental Lake Austin

What our experts say

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    Arrive 30 minutes early for parking.
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    Use a rideshare service on weekends.
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    Capture photos of the iconic Pennybacker Bridge.
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    Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
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    Food and drinks are allowed, but no glass.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure on Lake Austin? Look no further than the Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available. This public, partially guided pontoon boat tour offers a unique and affordable way to explore the beauty of Lake Austin without having to rent an entire boat. With a foldable dual canopy for optional full sun shading and a knowledgeable Captain who serves as your tour guide, this experience is perfect for individual travelers, couples, and small groups/families.

What to Expect

During this 2-hour tour, you can expect to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Austin's 22 miles of pristine waters. Marvel at the privately-owned waterfront and cliffside homes, as well as the popular shoreside restaurants. But the highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, where you'll have the opportunity to capture amazing photos for your social media. Keep your eyes peeled for Austin's own professional wake surfing phenoms, Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager, who might just be showing off their skills on the water.

Who is this for?

This boat tour is designed for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Lake Austin in a fun and affordable way. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a small group/family wanting to create lasting memories, this tour is perfect for you. The tour is inclusive and welcomes all individuals who appreciate scenic views, relaxation, and a touch of adventure.

Why Book This?

There are several unique selling points and advantages to booking the Austin Boat Tour. Firstly, the foldable dual canopy provides optional full sun shading, ensuring you can enjoy the tour comfortably regardless of the weather. Additionally, having a knowledgeable Captain as your tour guide adds an extra layer of expertise and insight, enhancing your overall experience. Furthermore, this tour offers affordability and convenience, as you can join other passengers without having to rent an entire boat. The stunning sights of Lake Austin, including the Pennybacker Bridge, will leave you breathless and provide the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.

Good to Know

Before booking the Austin Boat Tour, there are a few important details to keep in mind. There is a $5 park entry fee per person, payable by cash only ($3 for ages 62 and above). However, children aged 12 and under are exempt from this fee. The tour departs and returns at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp, conveniently located under the south end of the Pennybacker Bridge. Free parking is available underneath the bridge. Lastly, it is highly encouraged to show your appreciation for the Captain by providing a gratuity.

Reviews

Previous customers have shared their positive feedback and opinions about the Austin Boat Tour. They rave about the captivating views of Lake Austin, the impressive waterfront homes, and the delicious food options available at the shoreside restaurants. The knowledgeable Captain received high praise for providing entertaining and informative commentary throughout the tour. Customers also appreciated the convenience and affordability of joining a public tour, as it allowed them to experience the beauty of Lake Austin without the hassle of renting a private boat. Overall, individuals who have taken this tour express their satisfaction and recommend it to others seeking a memorable experience on Lake Austin.

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