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

166 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 166 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Austin, USA

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On average, this is booked 21 (9.50) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

  • 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
  • Captain gratuity (optional)
  • Loop 360 Boat Ramp entry fee required per person (cash only). Reduced fee for ages 62+ and no fee for ages 12 and under.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

5019 Texas 360 Loop
Austin, TX 78746, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Lake Austin

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Pennybacker Bridge (pass 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.
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Austin Country Club (pass 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.
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Mount Bonnell (pass 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.
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria (pass 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.
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Tom Miller Dam (pass 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.
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Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife (pass 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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please come prepared for outdoor weather (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Food and beverages are permitted
  • Alcohol is allowed in moderation; glass containers are prohibited

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Lake Austin Scenic History Tour 2Hr, Fully Shaded, AM, PM, Sunset?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-153655P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
166 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 166 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
153
4 stars
11
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 21 (9.50) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Captain gratuity (optional)
  • Loop 360 Boat Ramp entry fee required per person (cash only). Reduced fee for ages 62+ and no fee for ages 12 and under.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Wake Riderz Boat Rental Lake Austin

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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