Reserve a 2-hour kayak or paddleboard time slot on Lady Bird Lake
2 Hours
Reserve a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in advance and paddle Lady Bird Lake for a 2-hour time slot. This is a self-guided reservation with no tour guide.
Advanced reservation rates are higher than walk-up rates. If you arrive after your launch time, you may not be able to go out.
Cancel at least 48 hours before the activity start time and date for a refund. No refund if cancelled less than 48 hours prior. If the operator cancels due to inclement weather, you will receive a full refund or option to reschedule.
Bring a driver’s license, military ID, or passport for each watercraft you rent (required). A face covering and comfortable athletic clothing for paddling are recommended.
Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time for outfitting and safety instruction. If you’re delayed past launch time, you may not be able to go out.
There is no public parking at the Boathouse. Plan to park nearby on-street (parking meters) or in parking garages.
Waller Creek Boathouse, 74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
With an exceptional reputation built on nearly perfect ratings, this lakeside operation delivers exactly what paddlers are looking for: affordable rentals, friendly service, and a genuinely fun time on the water. Staff members like Ethan, Holden, and Ruby consistently earn praise for their welcoming personalities and knowledge, particularly on the popular sunset kayak and bat-watching tours where guides share entertaining history and fun facts while timing the experience perfectly for the evening bat show. The equipment is well-maintained and easy to use, even for complete beginners. A couple practical notes: parking can be a bit tricky, and signage from the lot could be clearer (one visitor nearly thought they'd missed their tour). Some paddlers wished for more detailed directions to spots like the cold spring, though exploring and finding it added to the adventure. The process itself is straightforward and quick, with rentals requiring return by 8:30 PM, which still leaves plenty of time for paddling and bat viewing during the cooler evening hours.
So peaceful and beautiful! Staff was so friendly
Caroline Hinman
July 7, 2026
So peaceful and beautiful! Staff was so friendly
Caroline Hinman
July 7, 2026
Cruise into sunset as Austin's skyline lights up
Cruise Austin’s skyline in a baby-pink 1958 Glastron
Cruise Austin’s waterfront aboard a rare 1958 Glass Slipper
Paddle Lady Bird Lake at sunset and watch bats emerge from Austin’s bat bridge
Vintage sunset cruise beneath Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
Cruise into the sunset aboard a rare 1959 Glass Slipper
Cruise Lady Bird Lake in a 1958 vintage boat with your own soundtrack
Cruise Austin's waterways aboard a 1958 vintage boat