Your day off is rapidly approaching, and you’re ready to unleash the water animal inside of you. All you have to do is gather your friends, pack up the essentials, and figure out how to choose the right boat to rent.
Northshore Marina at the Hollows is partnering with our sister marina, VIP Marina Lake Travis, to teach you everything you need to know about boat rentals on Lake Travis, Texas.
Before You Rent: Complete the Boater Safety Education Course
Before renting a boat, you may be required to take a boater safety education course. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to complete an approved course before they can rent a boat. You can find boater safety courses online, with costs ranging from $20 to $60.
If you were born before September 1, 1993, you do not need to complete a formal boating safety course – all you need is a valid driver’s license. However, it’s always good to familiarize yourself with boating safety protocols before you head out onto the lake, especially if you’re a beginner.
Factors to Consider for Boat Rentals on Lake Travis, Texas
When it comes to boat rentals on Lake Travis, you have a variety of different vessels to choose from – from personal watercraft to party barges – so it’s important to clarify what you’re looking for before you make your reservation.
Capacity
How many people are heading out onto the lake? A personal watercraft or jet ski can only handle two people, but if you’re looking to reel in some bass with your buddies, a standard tritoon can accommodate up to 10 guests. To get the whole family together, a 50-person party barge may be the right call.
Skill Level
While most boat rentals are relatively easy to operate, some require more refined skills and experience. If you’re a beginner boater, talk to your boating rental company before you make your reservation to see which boats are best for your skill level. The marina staff will also walk you through how to operate the vessel before you depart, so pay attention!
Desired Speed
Are you looking for high-octane thrills, or do you prefer a relaxing cruise? Your need for speed (or lack thereof) will inform your choice of a boat rental on Lake Travis:
- Slow and Easy: Paddleboarding, houseboats, and party barges provide an easy, peaceful boating experience.
- Cruising: If you want to cruise the lake and enjoy activities like fishing or birding, tritoons, pontoons, and yachts are a good fit.
- High Speed and Tricks: A jet ski or a boat with wakeboard or waterski towing capabilities will satisfy the adrenaline junkie!
Towing Abilities
If you’re planning on using any water toys, like wakeboards, waterskis, or tubes, you will need a boat that has enough horsepower to tow. Some sport and luxury personal watercraft have towing capabilities, but, in general, you will need a larger vessel, like a tritoon, to tow anything in your wake.
Getting Gas on Lake Travis
Without gas, your boat rental is not going anywhere! Most boat rentals provide a full tank of gas at the beginning of your reservation, but you may need to top it off throughout the day. VIP Marina Lake Travis offers a fuel dock with 89-octane (mid-grade) gas at affordable prices, and Northshore Marina members receive 10 percent off.
The Best Boat Rentals on Lake Travis, Texas: VIP Lake Travis Marina
VIP Marina Lake Travis is home to the highest-rated boat rentals on Lake Travis. They offer the finest equipment and a premium selection of boats, including:
- Berkshire Tritoons
- Sea-Doo jet skis
- 50-person party barges
- Water toys, like wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes, and waterskis
Contact VIP Marina Lake Travis today to learn more about their Lake Travis boat rentals. And don’t forget to mention that you’re already a member of the VIP family!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lake Travis boat rental cost?
2026 Lake Travis boat rental pricing at VIP Marina Lake Travis starts at:
- Tritoons: $150/hour + tax
- Jet skis: $115/hour + tax
- Party barges: $863 for peak season weekdays and $1,262 for weekends
Give VIP Marina Lake Travis a call at 512-531-5375 for more detailed pricing information.
How do I rent a boat on Lake Travis, Texas?
To rent a boat on Lake Travis, you can use VIP Lake Travis Marina’s easy online boat rental platform. Simply select the date and boat type you are looking for. Call us at 512-531-5375 if you have any questions.
Where can I get gas on Lake Travis?
To get gas on Lake Travis, pull up to VIP Marina Lake Travis’s fuel dock or stop in right here at the Northshore Marina fuel dock. If you rent a boat from VIP Marina Lake Travis, you’ll get a full tank at the start of your reservation window, and Northshore Marina members always get 10 percent off on gas.
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