Retro Boat Rentals ATX

258

1389

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1 month ago

What a very unique, relaxing experience cruising around Lady Bird Lake in an electric retro boat. Our grandson loved seeing the Austin skyline from a different perspective, fish jumping, and a few snakes swimming by. We had a blast, and during our 90-minute cruise, we were able to travel to both the Longhorn dam and the 1st street bridge. The electric boats are quiet and very easy to drive. Each boat also has Bluetooth connectivity and speakers if you want to play the theme from Gilligan's Island. Google it. The staff is great! We had a self-inflicted scheduling snafu, and they were able to, thankfully, accommodate us. Before we shoved off, we were provided with a safety and operating briefing. Needs to know: Parking is limited. There is a covered garage by the entrance on Trinity St, and it's $25 for two hours. Only bathrooms are located by the side of the Austin Rowing Club; you can go inside to get the access code. The retro speed boats have no shade, but they will provide umbrellas. Bring beverages and snacks. read more

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Airon A.

68

419

2034

1 year ago

Had an amazing experience at Retro Boat Rentals ATX where you can pick from a variety of vintage fiberglass boats to rent and cruise around Lady Bird Lake. The boats have been restored to their original jet-age beauty (1958-1964), with mid-century retro cool colors, fins and chrome details. Retro also means the old motors have been retrofitted with the latest in eco-friendly technology. The zero emissions electric motors create an environmentally clean, quiet experience. Standard rental times are 90 minutes. They accept all major credit cards. The website is easy to use to book your boat by date. We chose the Solitaire's a 1973 Glastron GT-150 made in Austin, Texas! The 1973 film "Live and Let Die," James Bond pilots the same model boat and set a Guinness World Record by jumping a distance of 110 feet. These boats go no more than 4 mph to avoid creating wake. They provide a boundary map with some safety restrictions essentially you can take the boat between the South 1st bridge and close to Longhorn Dam. It was a fun and relaxing way to cruise the Lady Bird lake waterway. In 90 minutes, we made it from the dock to Longhorn Dam and back to the South 1st bridge with time to spare. It was easy to operate the boat and they give you detail instructions. Would love to have the experience again on another retro boat! Highly recommend! read more

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Victor T.

14

59

152

1 year ago

I found Retro Boat Rentals ATX on Instagram, and their advert piqued my interest. They are located at the dock adjacent to the Austin Rowing Center. We booked the Batgirl which is a 1958 Beeline Sapphire for a 90-minute cruise of Town Lake. Retro Boat Rentals ATX has a small flotilla of vintage fiberglass boats that have been restored to their original beauty (circa1958-1964). The old motors have been retrofitted with zero emissions electric motors to create an eco-friendly and quiet experience. Now you won't be breaking any speed records as they top out at 5 mph. This is due to Town Lake be a no wake zone. Will, gave us a safety briefing and a map to outline which areas we needed to avoid and how far up (1st St. Bridge) we could go. In addition, he went over the controls of the boat and sent us on our way. It had been many moons since I had actually operated a boat so this was a treat for me. We had great weather for our trek. Headed to the Longhorn Dam, cruised close to Snake Island, and actually saw a water moccasin swimming along heading to shore haha. All in all, we had 90 minutes of serene time and wonderful views of the city from another angle. Highly recommend you bring a small cooler with some beverages to hydrate and for snacks whilst cruising. I highly recommend Retro Boat Rentals ATX for an enjoyable and relaxing experience. They do accept all major credit cards and it is wise too book in advances as they can get booked up really quick. Thank you Retro Boat Rentals ATX for out wonderful time on the lake. Also want to give a shout out to Will, Josh and Angel. They helped guide us in and their customer service was second to none. Much appreciated. Definitely want to do this again. read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Captain Airon - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - First Officer Victor - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - The Crew Photo - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - 1958 Beeline Sapphire aka Batgirl - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Matt G.

176

498

3074

8 months ago

Awesome experience. Definitely worth doing. Totally unique. I had several people ask me while we were on the water if the boat was my boat lol. Of course I said yes it is. Jk. The staff is great. Beautiful scenery while on the water. Highly recommend. read more

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Charlie R.

83

271

540

11 months ago

5-star experience! Booking online was easy, and I loved being able to see the various boats to choose from. Great location and smooth check-in. Our boat didn't have a cover, and the staff proactively offered us an umbrella (color-matched to our boat--loved that detail). Be sure to bring water on a hot day. The boat was easy to maneuver, and the staff were incredibly helpful during departure and docking. A wonderful day excursion and date idea. Highly recommend! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - City views - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Gidget - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Check in - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Walter R.

140

43

3

2 months ago

We have lived in Austin either full or part time for 20 years and have been routine visitors for business or pleasure for over 45 years. We chose to retire in Austin because of its laid back atmosphere, friendly disposition and accommodating retailers, vendors and business owners. One of those would be Retro Boats, our neighbors in the Rainey Street Historic District. We rent a retro boat on average 2-4 times per year to entertain family, friends and those with whom we want to provide gratitude for kind gestures they've extended to us. Treating them to a retro boat tour on Town Lake is a perfect reflection of gratitude. The Retro Boat staff is over the top friendly and accomodating. I am overwhelmed with the professionalism and courtesy of the staff each time we rent a boat. We last rented a retro boat on 5-9-2026 and the manager, Elaina completely blew us away with her gestures of appreciation. We were overwhelmed. It reinforces why we love living in Austin, Texas! read more

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Melanie M.

0

55

40

5 months ago

We were a group of 7 and we had the best time on a little boat using Retro Boat Rentals! We showed up almost 30 minutes before our reservation, and they were kind enough to let us on early! We had so much! We almost used up the whole 2 hours, and everyone got a chance to drive! The person who went over the safety guidelines and how to drive the boat at the beginning of our reservation was very nice!! She went over everything thoroughly and answered all our questions! We went on a Friday morning at 11:30am, and the river was very empty!! So, it was a great time! The person helping us at the end was also very nice and took a picture of our group! I really can't say enough good things! The two person boat looked so cute for a date! This is definitely worth the experience if your visiting Austin!! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - View - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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David B.

127

729

1068

2 years ago

WOW - This is the ultimate of 5 star experiences!! My family and I had an exceptional time, and the only part we didn't like was that it only lasted 90 minutes. The electric motor moves the boat at 5 MPH and the lake is as smooth as glass. The views of the city are glamorous, and the ability to travel under the bat bridge and see / hear them is wild!! Additionally you will see wild life, and just enjoy the most peaceful / joyous time imaginable! The boat is called "Bat Girl" and is from 1958. read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - The Family riding in "Bat Girl" - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Annie T.

863

163

371

1 year ago

This was such a fun experience--highly recommend it if you're looking for something unique and relaxing! You get 160 minutes to enjoy the ride, and the best part? You get to drive the boat yourself from one end to the other. We lucked out with a beautifully gloomy sky, which kept things cool and comfortable. But on sunnier days, definitely bring sunscreen and a hat--it's all outdoors. The water was a bit murky, but it didn't take away from the experience at all. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, which made everything even better. A perfect mix of adventure and chill! read more

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Lola M.

79

90

95

10 months ago

Our experience at retro boat rentals was beyond amazing. My boyfriend and I went for our 1 anniversary. We booked the 5-6:30pm slot, and while I was super worried about how hot it would be, it wasn't too bad at all! I did go buy my own umbrella beforehand, since I didn't know that the boats include one just in case the sun is too intense. I do wish they had a parking lot, or even a few spaces for those renting that hour, but they don't so we found street parking nearby. We showed up right on time and boarded our boat with absolutely no problem. We brought some drinks (no glass of course) and took our time on the water. The boat is incredibly easy to drive, and we had an amazing time driving it. The views were also so incredibly stunning. Before you get on, they give you a map with information about where you can drive the boat to, about a half hour ride away. We decided to drive down and come back after a bit. Overall, such Ana amazing experience, would 100% do again! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Boat - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Cindy R.

7

29

73

1 year ago

Retro Boat Rentals was so much fun! Came here for date night and had a blast! It was a relaxing time on Ladybird Lake with a nice view of DTA. I would recommend! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Boat dock - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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James S.

189

642

2022

1 year ago

Spent last weekend in Austin and had the pleasure of enjoying a sunset boat rental with Retro Boat Rentals ATX. Just a great experience all around. We walked over along the path from our AirBNB at the bottom of Rainey in no time at all. Got there 15-20 minutes early and Mia walked us through the map and how to operate the boat very efficiently, so we were out on the water almost 10 minutes earlier than scheduled which was awesome. Boat was simple but really fun to just cruise the water in while we played music over the Bluetooth speaker and enjoyed some beverages. Towards the end of the reservation, we stayed on the water an extra 15 minutes to try and catch the bats coming out from the bridge. Unfortunately the bats took their time so we didn't see them come out until we were back on the docks. Overall it was a great experience and I would do it again for sure, maybe trying one of the daytime cruises when it's not too hot or a later sunset cruise one to try and see the bats again from right under the bridge. Check out Retro Boat Rentals ATX if you're looking for a relaxing hangout on the water! read more

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Nrsnik W.

1

67

83

2 years ago

Amazing time on the water with my friends. Staff was super friendly. Ethel (our boat) was super cute. Scheduling process online was smooth. I needed to change my reservation time, emailed staff & received a quick response. Would definitely recommend & visit again. Thanks team for a fun & relaxing time. read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Side pic of Ethel - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - ETHEL (boat rental) - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Jennifer B.

75

686

1434

1 year ago

Kaylee was an amazing boat guide, she provided amazing customer service and was fun!!

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Jessica A.

52

37

27

1 year ago

All went great! Tate was great about explaining the route and need to knows!! Had a great time celebrating my mother in law's bday! Would definitely do it again! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Trixie - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Erica C.

0

33

11

1 year ago

We had a blast. Henry and Jensen with getting set up. Highly recommend. We took the Ethel out from 4:30-6 for an afternoon ride. We are Austin residents and found it a great way to explore the city. read more

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Joe T.

542

363

14893

3 years ago

Kayaks, canoes and SUPs are cool, but if you want a relaxing way to enjoy Lady Bird Lake without any manpower, then Retro Boat Rentals is the way to go! The dock is tucked away behind The Perch ATX Cafe (great spot to grab a drink/bite) and there's usually some street parking close by. They have a fleet to choose from which will take you west towards Red Bud Isle or you can head east past Rainey Street. We went during the summer first thing in the morning when the weather was cool and the lake wasn't too busy. Definitely would like to try a sunset boat ride and maybe try to check out the infamous bats. As Jake Owen says, "I Can't Wait to Get on the Boat again"! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Downtown and the Ethel Boat - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - The Ethel - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - ETHEL - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - On the Boat Again - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Anthony G.

8

66

27

1 year ago

What a great evening we had, out on Lady Bird Lake and it all started with the warm welcome and professional instructions from Mia and Henry. The boat was perfect for our group and although the bats never came out, we had a blast just cruising' around. A definite "must do" again. Your team was awesome, Thank you. read more

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Katie V.

0

2

1 year ago

We had a great time on the boat (Ethel - we were happy we had the little bit of covering). Angel was an angel - his instructions were clear and he was so friendly! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Beautiful view of Austin - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Rachel G.

129

8

1

9 months ago

Rented a boat her, didn't have a reservation and they were able to get us in. Worth every penny, awesome city views. Angel was so helpful and the other staff were friendly too. Would absolutely do again. read more

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Bianca I.

1

16

46

2 years ago

This was so much fun with the girlies! You get to be in a cute pink retro boat and you get an incredible view of the Austin skyline! We rented the Gidget Retro Boat. It was really spacious and easy to navigate! The guys there were also really nice and personable! Definitely recommend! read more

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Lucas E.

Elite 24

649

557

318

2 years ago

Really great experience and fantastic value. Check in was fast and efficient, the staff covered operation of the boats and a few rules quickly and off we went. Very user friendly! They even gave us an extra half hour as the boat wasn't fully booked for the day. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

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Christa M.

0

1

2

1 year ago

We went on a cloudy cool day and it was a great way to spend time on the water! Trixie was a fantastic boat to tour around on! Seth was great and made the experience fun! I'd highly recommend this! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Trixie was a great boat for 4! - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Krista H.

Elite 23

200

177

327

3 years ago

I had such a fun experience with this boat rental! My husband planned this surprise activity and it was way more fun than I thought it would be! I think being in a retro (dare i say kitchy?!) boat just added to the fun! The employees were friendly and quick to get us in our boat and out on the water. They even took pictures of us and texted them to us at the start of our time. We had the rental for 90 minutes and felt like the time went by really quickly. You can bring your own food and drinks, which I highly recommend! We luckily went on a cloudy day, but can imagine it getting super hot on a sunny day. The boat was easy to maneuver and they gave a map of the restricted areas on the lake. I would totally do this again and think it is a really fun activity for visitors to do when visiting. *it is worth mentioning that my husband reserved a different style boat than what we received when we showed up* but regardless, it was fun! read more

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Slavizza G.

Elite 23

46

261

297

2 years ago

It's our second time renting out one of these beautys on a sunny nice arc day and from reserving to safe speech they're great staffed and amazing people working here read more

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Corina H.

8

19

12

2 years ago

We had a great time and so did our pup! Easy process from start to finish - booking, communication, boarding & returning. read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - He loved it! - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Andrew R.

3

2

0

1 year ago

Really enjoyed our time!! Tate was super helpful, responsive and provided answers to all my questions! Would definitely do it again!

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Nick F.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Me and my family were helped by Angel, who was very knowledgeable and talked us through the whole process. He provided us with umbrellas since it was very sunny and helped us set up the Bluetooth for the boat. The experience was so unique and we had a lovely time throughout, highly recommend! And especially shout out to Angel! read more

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Jeanette R.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Tete was very pleasant and helpful , he gave us all the instruction, he gave us information of others boats to rent

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Cat R.

0

2

0

1 year ago

We had a great afternoon renting a small boat from Retro Boat Rentals. Henry was super nice and helpful as we got set up with what we needed! read more

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malinda m.

0

7

2 years ago

Took a sunset cruise as part of a girls trip. We had such a fun time on the lake, the sunset was beautiful & I loved seeing the skyline from the water at night. read more

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Kia L.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Kallie and Angel were the best! They were so nice gave us blankets for the hot seats gave us umbrellas and a speaker. It was such an enjoyable ride and experience. read more

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Katie B.

Elite 24

4930

1905

9701

5 years ago

A quirky option for a little Lady Bird Lake cruisin'! It's a classic vintage Cadillac but in electric boat form. It's $150 for an hour and a half and is definitely more cute than functional, ast here's no shade, so when the sun is beating down, you are getting ALL of it. They do provide umbrellas, however for some reason those couldn't withstand the 14 mph speed the boat gets up to, so they went wild in the wind pretty immediately (which was hilarious). Also, in just looking up the price, I realized I reserved the teal one (Gladys) but received the black and white one (Babs) instead so if you're wanting a particular color, be sure to have them confirm before you arrive. Very little interaction with staff but the little we had was lovely; they offer to take your photo for you as you cruise off. Bring water (or adult beverages, wink wink) with you! Note for any group larger than 2 or 3: I prefer a Duffy boat (for shade and so the group can face one another, as I think that makes it more enjoyable and the hour and half goes by much quicker). You can also plug into their bluetooth for music, which I don't believe is an option on the retro boats (but don't quote me on that). read more

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Shradha A.

930

3495

1141

5 years ago

We went out yesterday for my birthday surprise! The check-in process is quick and easy. The boat is a simple drive because it's electric. We had just enough time to hit the island and back at a leisurely pace. The boat is adorable and was definitely the envy of the waters! The restroom is nice to have after drinking beers on the water for a bit. The staff is really nice and helpful in pulling you back in, helping disembark and taking a group photo! read more

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Chaney V.

0

8

20

3 years ago

Retro Boats Austin is the perfect date night or a great way to watch the sunset with your friends. We brought a bottle of wine and cruised around for an hour or so - was such a great way to see the city! read more

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Curt C.

2559

4228

1494

5 years ago

Chips Ahoy! These retro boats are legit! These boats are so much fun! Located right off of Rainey Street along Lady Bird Lake, the boathouse gets sailors outfitted to go out on the lake and tool around! These fiberglass hulled 4-6 seater boats don't go too fast. We topped out at just under 4 mph. We were given a map, pointed down past I-35 to Bird Island, around that, and back to the bridge after the Congress Street Bridge going the other way. Overall, it took ninety minutes for our voyage. We had a fantastic time! The boats were comfortable, and the ride was smooth. The engine is electric, so it's quiet. The boat is amazing- ours was a copy of a pink Cadillac with fins and everything. The staff was really great with making sure that we were comfortable, and that the boat was in capable hands, and we knew how to work it. The boat was so easy to operate, and the instructions were clear. Yacht Rock! read more

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Jody W.

0

4

7

4 years ago

Glad we decided to take a boat ride, nice and relaxing. The service was great . We had a wonderful Austin landscape view Also watched thousands of bats coming out from under the bridge. We had a great time!! read more

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Alysha M.

Elite 23

704

906

2037

5 years ago

What a perfect date idea! Not to mention, it's the absolute best feeling when the business you're supporting is run by the NICEST HUMANS ON THE PLANET :) they were sooo kind and our experience was just a 10/10- must do in Austin!!! read more

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Jake H.

Elite 22

2

71

10

5 years ago

Do not hesitate to book this. Incredible experience. Staff was great. Boat was great. 10/10 would do it again. Be warned, max party of 4. More than that probably won't workout. read more

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Arin E.

641

56

13

3 years ago

Once in a lifetime experience! We took the pink boat out for the sunset session 7:30-9 and had such a blast! The boats putter pretty slow and felt safe and easy to drive. They don't have parking and you have to walk a long way is my only complaint but so worth it!! read more

Retro Boat Rentals ATX - Pink retro boat - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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More info about Retro Boat Rentals ATX

74 Trinity St
Austin, TX 78701
Directions
(512) 663-5145
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.retroboatsatx.com

Hours

What time does Retro Boat Rentals ATX open?

Retro Boat Rentals ATX opens at 8:15 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Retro Boat Rentals ATX close?

Retro Boat Rentals ATX closes at 7:15 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:15 AM - 7:15 PM

Indoor Amenities

Does Retro Boat Rentals ATX allow dogs?

Yes, Retro Boat Rentals ATX allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Retro Boat Rentals ATX have bike parking?

Yes, Retro Boat Rentals ATX has bike parking.

Does Retro Boat Rentals ATX have parking?

Yes, Retro Boat Rentals ATX has parking options. Street Parking

From the Business

Specialties

Our fleet of meticulously maintained and rare classic fiberglass runabout boats from the jet-age era (1958-1963), have been made available for everyone to enjoy and take out on the beautiful waterways of Lady Bird Lake. With fanciful fins and headlights, retro cool colors and chrome details, we've kept their vintage style but retro-fitted them with electric motors. They're quiet and environmentally friendly, allowing for conversation and to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of Austin.

History

Established in 2017.

Retro Boat Rentals started in an old boat house in the historic tourism town of Saugatuck, Michigan. It has since expanded along the Chicago River, where bright city lights are the perfect backdrop for a retro cool boat ride. Now, the opportunity has come along to bring Retro Boats to Austin, Texas, home to some of the most famous boat companies and designers from that jet-age era. A Lone Star Meteor is part of the Retro Boat fleet, which was designed by the late Austin philanthropist Bob Hammond. Hammond is also the founder of Glastron boats, a name synonymous with vintage boat manufacturers and is also part of the Retro Boat fleet that locals and tourists alike will be able to experience.

Review Highlights - Retro Boat Rentals ATX

“What a very unique, relaxing experience cruising around Lady Bird Lake in an electric retro boat.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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7.0 mi

Captain Zach was an amazing driver/ host and made our trip memorable for me and the birthday crew.read more

We booked this boat ride for a birthday, so it was meant to be a special experience. Overall, the…read morescenery was beautiful and the ride itself was enjoyable, but there were several issues that took away from what should have been a smooth private charter experience. The communication beforehand was not great. The driver texted me the night before around 7:45 PM, and when I replied immediately with concerns about the weather and rain, I didn't receive a response until after 10 PM. The email also stated that the driver would contact us 15-30 minutes before the reservation time, but that never happened. Our reservation was from 9:00-11:00 AM. When we arrived at 9:00, no one was there, so I had to text the driver myself. He responded saying he was getting the boat ready and putting gas in it. In my opinion, those things should have been done ahead of time so guests are properly greeted and the ride can begin on time. When we boarded, the seats and boat were still wet from the rain. Since it was chilly outside, sitting in wet seats for a two-hour ride left our clothes damp and uncomfortable. To give credit where it's due, the driver was friendly and enjoyable to talk to during parts of the ride. However, he also took phone calls during the charter, which felt distracting during what was supposed to be a private birthday outing. The biggest disappointment came on the ride back. The driver stopped to assist another boat that had already said help was on the way. He tied their boat to ours and pulled them in, which significantly took away from the private experience we had paid for. While helping others is kind, it felt inappropriate during a paid private charter, especially one booked for a birthday celebration. Additionally, the trip ran later than scheduled, and there was never any communication about the delay. Our reservation was clearly scheduled for 9-11 AM, and it shouldn't be assumed guests are okay with going over time simply because the ride started late. People may have plans afterward, and communication would have gone a long way. Overall, the lake itself was beautiful and parts of the experience were enjoyable, but the lack of communication, late start, wet boat, interruptions, and detour during our private charter made the experience fall short of expectations.

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Zilker Park Boat Rentals

4.2

(187 reviews)

1.6 mi

This is my favorite boat rental for canoe/kayak in Zilker Park. I have been here throughout the…read moreyears and service is always quick and great. *** You need your ID! & a card on file & need a waiver signed *** I always keep this in mind when going & it saves me time The rental prices is $21 per hour Usually 1 hour is enough and it is a great time

Super welcoming staff! It was helpful that they let us know about a two for one deal before 12pm…read morewhich made for an easy and affordable family group activity. Easy to sign waiver via QR code and lockers were a bit pricy at $5. I would recommend leaving most of your belongings in the trunk if possible. Lovely way to get some fresh air on a spring day.

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Lone Star Riverboat

(478 reviews)

0.4 mi

This was a great thing to do and learn about while in Austin! The tour was very educational about…read morethe bats and how they established residence under this bridge. With about 750,000 pregnant females in a few days they'll be over 1,000,000+ bats. That's soooo crazy, but and absolutely great experience. Shout out to the staff for a great tour! Mahalo from Hawaii

My family of 3 did the sunset bat tour. It was a fun experience, but be prepared for a lot of…read moresitting on a crowded boat in the heat and humidity. We got there about 45 minutes before 8pm to get a good seat. The chairs are plastic lawn chairs and there is no restroom onboard. You can leave the boat if you need one at a nearby Hyatt hotel. There is also a restroom near Auditorium Shores, but it's kinda gross. It's also a good opportunity to walk and stretch your legs instead of waiting on the boat but leave something in your chairs to save your seat. They let you bring snacks and drinks and they also sell cold beverages. The first part of the tour involves cruising around the lake with the tour guide cracking jokes and giving some history about the structures nearby and bat facts before heading to congress bridge to wait for the bats to fly out. Seeing THOUSANDS of bats was definitely the highlight of the tour. They also used a bat safe red light, which allowed us to see them better in the dark. It wasn't a perfect experience, but the fair price, knowledgeable tour guides, and seeing the bats made it worthwhile. Definitely a good option for something to do if you're looking for something to entertain the kids or friends /family visiting from out of town.

Lone star river boat bat tour

Downtown Austin

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The bats can't see the red like similar to infrared lights not seen by human eyes

Lake Austin Riverboats

(36 reviews)

3.4 mi

If I could give ten stars I would. From the moment I submitted the request to the last step off the…read morePub a month later, every interaction and step in the process was top notch. From Brandon, to Captain John, to staff and crew - everyone was amazing to work with. The day of the event was perfect and seamless. I could not have asked for anything to have been different. Everyone had a great time and raved about the day. We ordered food through them and it was delicious and high quality. We had a professional chef as a party attendant on the boat and he gave high marks. Some with dietary restrictions were impressed with options and accommodations - all that of that was coordinated through Lake Austin Riverboats - everything was perfect. The crew was amazing and so welcoming to the guests and truly contributed to the experience. Book your event - you will not be disappointed.

I was invited to an event at Quince, which included a boat ride with Austin Riverboat. The…read morerestaurant's staff was outstanding--welcoming, friendly, and highly professional. That level of service carried over to most of the staff on the boat, making the experience even more enjoyable. During the event, I was introduced to Paul, who was seated with a group of friends. He was introduced to me as the boat owner and came across as relaxed and not at all pushy--qualities I appreciate when considering a business, especially since part of my motivation for attending was to explore options for my birthday celebration. Unfortunately, Paul's friends left a negative impression. A couple of them outright refused to acknowledge me, turning away when a gentleman attempted to introduce me. Others made inappropriate jokes about my accent in a condescending and offensive manner. One individual even made vulgar comments, implying that Paul should get my phone number to discuss event planning details later, which was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. While the event itself was enjoyable, the boat ride interesting, the behavior of those around the boat owner and the fact that the boat owner never replied to my text message trying to discuss my event, was disappointing and detracted from my overall experience. This experience left me with a negative impression of the boat's management, and I strongly feel that they are not welcoming to immigrants. The group consisted of older white men whose behavior was filled with prejudice and hostility. And for that reason I felt compelled to post a review discouraging people like me- and those against this type of behavior - to stay away and make better choices. We can use our money to invest in a much better experience elsewhere I left the boat traumatized and truly disgusted by those old men behaviors. Do better!

Upper deck of the commodores pup

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ATX Wake Adventures

4.9

(38 reviews)

14.5 mi

We always have the best days out on the lake with ATX Wake Adventures! They are the best team for…read morewake surfing, by far! Always really professional, super friendly, and the best drivers. We've worked with them for several years, for work events and personal, and always have a great time. They're awesome with kids and make the whole day seamless. Could not recommend them more strongly!

Always the best time with Atx Wake Adventures! The drivers are so fun and accommodating,the boats…read moreare clean and they make loading/unloading a Breeze. Perfect for fun party time or a family outing they kill it every time!

Wake board boat

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Big Tex Boat Rentals

4.8

(77 reviews)

16.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Takes reservations

Epic bachelorette experience! Could not have picked a better activity. Awesome, chill captain who…read moreprioritized our safety (he offered to kick anyone off our boat who made us feel uncomfortable, which was such a great feeling to be able to celebrate safely), great music and vibes, clean boat, and awesome top level to lay in the sun and slide to splash in the water. The lily pad was able to hold up our entire group of 8 ladies! Would definitely recommend this company.

Captain Jake was AMAZING! our fearless leader for a fantastic day on the lake. 10/10 recommend!read more

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Wave In Water

4.6

(37 reviews)

6.9 mi

We had the best time on Lake Austin with Captain James! He was knowledgeable and kind. It was fun…read moreto see all the beautiful houses along the water and soak in some gorgeous views from the lake. The boat had such a great setup, super clean and had Bluetooth hookup. I will definitely be back and will be requesting Captain James.

Normally maybe a good time for people but my friend's birthday was literally ruined. We spent a…read moretotal of 45 minutes total actually standing still but spent the rest of the time sitting while Captain Julian tried to anchor. Would not recommend to my worst enemy. Not only that but management was very disrespectful when we complained about our experience. If there are other services, go there! The positive reviews sucked me in but it really must depend on the captain you have. Either way, take the risk if you want. I heard the captain of the other ship that went out talking about the people on his ship negatively so I'm sure our captain did the same. Not worth all of that for the lake we went to. Steer clear.

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Cove party

Austin Rowing Club

(278 reviews)

0.0 mi

Great tour and Ethan was fantastic and had a lot of stories. The bats were a bit anticlimactic in…read moreJuly-according to Ethan they are all pregnant and playing it safe and come August the population doubles. The kayaking was fun and relaxing Bring sunglasses-they give you water Your but will be wet when you leave! Prepare for that!

Buyer beware. Booked this because it said "good weather…read morerequired." It was raining steadily and they still ran the tour. When I asked about it, they said they only cancel for lightning... which is not what the listing says. That's misleading, plain and simple. Even worse, they wouldn't work with us at all after the fact. No flexibility, no effort to make it right. Plenty of other kayak options in Austin... I'd go with one that's actually upfront about their policies.

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Typhoon Texas Waterpark Austin

3.9

(214 reviews)

16.4 mi

Pros: multiple water rides, multiple areas (wave pool, lazy river, obstacle course, kid area, baby…read moresplash pad, changing room, quiet zone), nicely kept, lifeguards everywhere, plenty of parking Cons: you can't bring your own food not even a water bottle just an unopened one, & they open at 11am You can however, leave the park and come back. I saw many people eating in their cars and returning inside. Will definitely be back but only when they have ticket sales. Tickets at regular price for $$$

Very fun, nice, conveniently located waterpark in Round Rock! Excellent place to kick off summer…read moreand enjoy a day out with the family. Friendly for kids of all ages with different sections offering slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and experiences for all age groups. My daughters (ages 7 and 3) particularly loved the kids slide section and the wave pool. I did see quite a few dead bugs and leaves in the lazy river and wave pool which was a little off putting. They have lockers to store belongings, as well as clean bathrooms and changing rooms onsite. They also offer a variety of food choices which are pretty good & reasonably priced. Very few crowds if you arrive right at opening time. I was happy to see there were no lines at all for the slides. They open a half hour early for season pass members; general admission is 11am. Definitely worth checking out for a day of family fun in the hot TX summer!

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Barton Springs Pool

(1.1k reviews)

1.8 mi

Barton Springs Pool I heard from movies, hippie vibes and just general word of mouth content over…read morethe years in regards to what is in the Austin area. So I wanted to make sure we made a stop here while we were in Austin as it seemed essential for having a good city experience here. Barton Springs is open every day but Thursdays so plan accordingly for that. I am told it's a day where they clean the pool. It took a little bit of navigating to get to the pool as we had to plan to come here on a hot day as opposed to a rainy day which we were encountering here on our trip but it worked out fine. We landed on a warm day and got pool time. And Barton Springs is perfect to come to on a hot day. The temperature is between 68-70 degrees which makes it great swimming all year round here. The bottom of the pool has plant life and it's not all concrete and polished at the bottom so be aware of that... it's definitely has a natural look. There are also signs not to touch the rocks at the bottom as it is the home to some rare amphibians I believe. But aside from that as long as you follow the signs you're good. The water is extremely refreshing and invigorating and even after leaving the pool and you are on your way you still feel for a while thise sensations which added more to the impressive experience we had here. Parking fees and entrance fees to the pool are reasonable. It's $5 if you are a resident and $9 if you aren't. I highly, highly recommend making a stop at Barton Springs if you are in Austin... it definitely helps complete the city experience here.

Cool water, hot sun, and the very specific Austin ritual of pretending 68 degrees isn't actually…read morefreezing. Barton Springs Pool is one of those places where you walk in confident, dip a toe, and immediately reconsider every life choice that led you here. The setting is undeniably gorgeous -- big open lawn, limestone edges, and that classic "everyone here looks like they do yoga at sunrise" vibe. Once you're in, though, it's great. The water is clear, refreshing, and shockingly consistent year‑round. It's the kind of cold that first feels like punishment and then suddenly feels like therapy. The crowd is a mix of locals who swim laps like it's their religion, families trying to convince their kids the water isn't that cold, and visitors who clearly didn't know what they were signing up for. Logistics-wise, it's Austin, so parking can be a mild adventure depending on when you go. The grassy areas fill up fast, and you'll definitely see at least one person sunbathing in a spot that makes you wonder how they got there. But the place is clean, well‑maintained, and big enough that you can usually find your own little corner of summer. If you're expecting a warm, lazy pool float afternoon, this isn't it. If you want a classic Austin experience that shocks you awake and then chills you out, Barton Springs delivers every time.

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Town Lake Metropolitan Parks

4.8

(176 reviews)

1.5 mi

Multiple intricacies within the parks known as Town Lake Metropolitan. Waller Beach, the various…read moretrails and paths, the boardwalk, Ladybird Lake, etc. Such a peaceful and beautiful area to get in exercise (walking/running/leisurely strolling), enjoying the outdoors, year-round. Great to explore alone or with friends and family, or your furry friend. Different spots to sit and relax. Simply a beautiful piece of Austin for locals abs tourists alike.

You haven't explored Austin until you take a stroll through the series of parks through the Town…read moreLake areas. Covering multiple miles, you'll see parts of downtown alongside the colorado river. Along this pathway, you'll be lead to the Barton Springs municipal pool and the Zilker Park & Garden as you go west. Going east, you'll eventually find your way along the Boardwalk near the Town Lake apartments and then at some point, the peace point at lady bird lake, one of the chillest spots in Austin to zone out. Obviously you bike, jog, run, walk, dogwalk, skip, however you prefer to galivant along the way of this beautiful section of the capital of Texas. It's one of many reasons people love living here!