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

4.8 (179 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

179 reviews

4.8

Lake Austin is fun to explore! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ready for a scenic day on the water! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience Lake Austin on a fully shaded pontoon tour designed for comfort, relaxation, and learning. This small-group public shared tour offers limited seating and a welcoming atmosphere for families, seniors, school groups, and visitors. Your captain provides engaging narration about the lake’s history, notable landmarks, and waterfront homes.

This calm, seated cruise is ideal for guests who want to enjoy the outdoors without swimming. Dual-canopy shade and a smooth ride provide comfort even on warm Texas days, making it suitable for children and older travelers.

Highlights along the route include the Pennybacker Bridge, Tom Miller Dam, limestone cliffs, and local wildlife, with several photo opportunities. Lake Austin’s constant water level allows for a stable and enjoyable sightseeing experience for all ages.

This tour is ideal for guests interested in local history, architecture, nature, and a relaxing introduction to one of Austin’s most scenic waterways, with live narration.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Water Tours Small Group Additional fees Top Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Wake Riderz Boat Rental Lake Austin

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–7 years) · Youth (8–12 years) · Adults (13–61 years) · Seniors (62–100 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Captain gratuity (optional)
Not included: 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.

Itinerary

Stop 1

2 hours

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.
Pennybacker Bridge

Passing by

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.
Austin Country Club

Passing by

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.
Mount Bonnell

Passing by

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 Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria

Passing by

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.
Stop 6

Passing by

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.
Stop 7

Passing by

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

After entering the park, walk toward the water where the three boat ramps are located on the left side. Please wait by the bench at the top on the right side of the ramps.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes early, as the boat departs on time.

End point

After entering the park, walk toward the water where the three boat ramps are located on the left side. Please wait by the bench at the top on the right side of the ramps.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes early, as the boat departs on time.

Using your ticket

Please inform the entrance booth staff that you have a reservation with Wake Riderz
Present your ticket to the captain prior to boarding
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for parking and entry; the boat departs on time
The Loop 360 Boat Ramp entry fee is collected by Travis County Parks and is separate from your ticket (cash only)
No restroom is available on the boat; please use facilities prior to boarding
Food and beverages are permitted; glass containers are not allowed
This is a non-smoking experience
A waiver of release and liability must be signed prior to departure
Departure and return take place at a public Travis County boat ramp

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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