The Guide
Lake Austin,
the insider's cut.
Everything a first-time or returning guest should know before booking a Lake Austin charter — best time to visit, what to bring, where we launch, and the landmarks worth cruising past.
Best time to visit
Every season has its own version of great.
Spring
Warm days, cool mornings, glassy water on weekdays. Fewer boats, better prices, and the cliffs are still green from spring rains. Ideal for first-timers.
Peak Summer
Prime surf season. Warm water, hot afternoons, and busy weekends. Book two to three weeks ahead for a Saturday. Early morning launches ride glass; sunset windows escape the heat.
Golden Fall
The lake's best-kept secret. Water is still warm, air is cooling, sunsets get cinematic, and boat traffic thins. This is when locals book.
Off-Season
Cooler days but perfectly ridable in a wetsuit or drysuit — ask us. Great for cruising, corporate outings, and photo shoots.
What to bring
Light bag, big day.
We provide the boat, board, sound, safety gear, and a cooler with ice. Everything else is packable.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe)
The Texas sun is real. Reapply every couple of hours.
- Towels & swimwear
Come in swim-ready clothes. We stow bags in the cabin.
- Sunglasses (with strap)
Polarized helps on the wake. Straps save you from the lake floor.
- A soft-sided cooler bag
We provide a cooler with ice. Bring drinks and snacks in a soft cooler if you want extras.
- Cash for the captain gratuity
The 20% Mandatory Gratuity is due to the boat captain at the end of your trip. Additional tips are appreciated.
- A playlist
Bluetooth is ready. Curate before you board — trust us.
- Hard-sided coolers or Yeti tanks — we've got one on board
- Glass bottles (Texas Parks & Wildlife rule)
- Confetti, glitter, or single-use decorations — we don't leave a trace
- Sharp-cleated shoes — barefoot or soft-soled is best
Parking & launch
Where to meet the boat.
Your captain will confirm the exact meeting spot when we finalize your booking. Arrive 15 minutes early to park, load, and get life jackets sorted.
Our primary launch. Central to Austin, easy to find, plenty of on-site paid parking on weekends. Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation. GPS: Scenic Dr, Austin, TX.
Available for Travis trips on request. Larger open water, dramatic canyon walls, and Devil's Cove. Best for full-day charters and larger groups.
West-side alternative. Quieter approach, closer to west Austin, and a good option when Walsh is busy on holiday weekends.
Things to do on Lake Austin
Landmarks worth cruising past.
The Cliffs (Bee Creek)
Iconic 30-ft limestone walls perfect for photos and cliff-jumping (at your discretion — always check depth).
Hippie Hollow
Texas's only clothing-optional public park, viewable from the water. Adult-only stretch — plan family cruises around it.
Lakeway coves
Quiet, glassy inlets ideal for swimming, tubing, and lunch stops.
Lakeside dining
The Oasis, Ski Shores, and Hula Hut are all accessible by boat with your captain's help.
Wakesurf primer
Never surfed? Here's the whole sport in 60 seconds.
- 01Float behind the boat
Board on, life jacket on, feet up. You'll float on your back with the board horizontal in front of you.
- 02Rope tension pulls you up
The captain pulls you up slowly. Knees to chest, then stand — the boat does the work, not your arms.
- 03Find the sweet spot
Once up, lean back into the wave until you feel the push. This is the moment the rope goes slack.
- 04Drop the rope
When you feel the wave carrying you, toss the rope. Now you're surfing — no engine sound, just the wake.