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Austin, Texas, 78731, USA
Get your discount tickets for the Lake Austin Scenic History Tour 2-Hour, Fully Shaded, All Ages, save up to 9% !
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Overview
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.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. 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.
2. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. 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.
Inclusion
U.S. Coast Guard–approved life vests for use during the tour (required for guests under 13)
Experienced boat captain providing live narration
Full overhead sun shading
2-hour scenic cruise on Lake Austin
Fuel included
Complimentary bottled water
Exclusion
Captain gratuity (optional)
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
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 of release and 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.
Reviews
4.8
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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