Boating in Austin

Downtown/Capitol Area

Capital Cruises. From March through October, this downtown-based company offers nightly bat-watching cruises from an electric paddlewheel boat, along with sightseeing, dinner, and lunch cruises on Lady Bird Lake. Cruise prices vary, but start at $8 for adults. Charters are available. The company also rents canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks beginning at $10 an hour, and Duffy electric launches (seating up to 10) beginning at $45 an hour. 208 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX. 512/480-9264. www.capitalcruises.com.

Lone Star Riverboat. This double-decker paddlewheel riverboat sails every evening for hour-long bat-watching cruises March through October, and every weekend for 1½-hour sightseeing cruises. Tours are $8 or $9. Docked on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake between the Hyatt hotel and South First Street Bridge, Austin, TX. 512/327-1388. www.lonestarriverboat.com.

West Austin

Daybreak Boat Rentals & Golf Park. On Lake Travis, Daybreak rents pontoons, ski boats, and waverunners, plus a party boat. Hourly prices begin at $55 for pontoons, $75 for ski boats, and $135 for a party boat (including captain). Ask about discounts for longer rentals. 5171 Hi-Line, Austin, TX. 512/266-2176. www.daybreakboatrentals.com.

Lakeway Marina. Adjacent to the Lakeway Resort and Spa, this marina on Lake Travis rents ski boats, pontoon boats, and waverunners. Hourly rates begin at $75 for pontoon boats and waverunners and $80 for ski boats; ask about discounts for longer rentals. Also available are fishing guides, beginning at $225 for two people for four hours. The marina is open daily. 103A Lakeway Dr., Austin, TX, 78734. 512/261-7511. www.lwmarina.biz.