Table of Contents

Thanks to its coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and numerous inland lakes and waterways, Texas is a fantastic boating destination. There are approximately 1.7 million surface acres of freshwater across the state’s lakes and rivers, and the temperate climate makes it great for year-round boating.

There are over half a million registered motorized boats in Texas, and many more other vessels including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other watercraft. It’s #7 on the list of rankings of states with the most registered boats.

About This Report

This report delves into booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating cities in Texas.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters, and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.

About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon , and everything in between.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed recent boat rental data on Getmyboat. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was curated to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

TX Data

#1: Austin

Average hourly rate

$151/hour

Average trip price

$603

Pontoons

Known for its vibrant music scene and picturesque landscapes, Austin tops the list of boating cities in Texas. The city is home to the expansive Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. Numerous marinas and boat ramps, coupled with the city's commitment to environmental conservation, make Austin a premier boating destination.

Here, some of the top things to enjoy by boat are water sports like wake surfing, wakeboarding, and tubing, as well as sunset cruises and lake tours of the celebrity homes that line the shore. You can visit waterfront restaurants or top spots like Devil’s Cove, Hippie Hollow, and Volente Beach. If you cruise to these locations on the weekends, be prepared to see lots of boat parties.

Pontoons are the most popular style of boat rental here, since they enable bigger groups to cruise in comfort around the lakes. Austin is a major destination for celebrations like bachelor and bachelorette parties, creating the demand for captained pontoon and yacht charters on the lake.

#2: Canyon Lake

Average hourly rate

$116/hour

Average trip price

$458

Pontoons

Situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, Canyon Lake secures the second spot on our list for most popular boating destinations in Texas. With its crystal-clear waters, this reservoir offers a haven for boaters seeking a combination of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Surrounded by rolling hills, impressive cliffs, and an abundance of wildlife, Canyon Lake is an ideal locale for boating enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts alike.

Here, pontoons are also a popular style of watercraft for renting, and the lake is beloved for all sorts of recreational activities, including water sports, fishing, and paddleboarding. Jet skiing is also a popular activity on Canyon Lake and rentals start at just $90/hour.

#3: Lewisville

Average hourly rate

$223/hour

Average trip price

$851

Yachts

A thriving suburb of Dallas, Lewisville boasts Lewisville Lake, a 29,000-acre reservoir perfect for boating escapades. With its numerous parks and access points, Lewisville Lake provides ample opportunities for sailing, fishing, and water sports. The city's commitment to water quality and conservation efforts enhances the overall boating experience.

Yachts are a popular style of boat to charter on Lewisville Lake, and many boaters will embark on an adventure to Party Cove for an afternoon of fun in the sun and meeting up with other boaters. Visit a waterfront restaurant like Sneaky Pete’s or Captain Jack’s Floating Bar and Grill if you get hungry while exploring the lake.

#4: Lake Conroe

Average hourly rate

$114/hour

Average trip price

$482

Powerboats

Lake Conroe is the fifth-best boating city in Texas, thanks to the expansive 21,000-acre lake, an abundance of boat styles and options, and a warm climate year-round. About an hour’s drive from Houston, the lake is beloved for fishing, water sports, cruising, swimming, and all sorts of outdoor recreation. It’s an affordable place to rent a boat and is perfect for cooling off during the high heat of peak summer in Texas. The lake sits on the border of the Sam Houston National Forest, which surrounds the reservoir with beautiful foliage and provides a lot of appeal to exploring the area, both on the water and on land.

#5: Galveston

Average hourly rate

$107/hour

Average trip price

$325

Pontoons

Moving towards the Gulf Coast, Galveston stands out as a prominent boating city. The city offers access to Galveston Bay, providing boaters with a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Not far from Houston, Galveston is beloved for fishing excursions and its status as a charming beach town in Texas. It’s a great destination for anglers to book a full-service fishing charter and make an unforgettable catch. The most popular species to catch here include sand trout, flounder, croaker, redfish, and black drum.

Not into fishing? Rent a boat and cruise past the iconic pier and amusement park on the waterfront and enjoy the Gulf Coast of Texas on the water. \

#6: Little Elm

Average hourly rate

$116/hour

Average trip price

$471

Pontoons

Situated along the shores of Lewisville Lake, Little Elm is the seventh-best boating city in Texas. Boaters can enjoy the city's developed waterfront, complete with parks, boat ramps, and recreational facilities.

Visit “The Lakefront at Little Elm,” an entertainment district on Lewisville Lake in the town that is perfect for families looking to get outdoors and have a good time.

#7: Rockwall

Average hourly rate

$114

Average trip price

$468

Powerboats

Perched on the eastern shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, Rockwall claims its spot as the eighth-best boating city. The lake's expansive surface area provides ample space for various water activities, and Rockwall's dedication to maintaining water quality ensures a pristine environment for boaters to enjoy. It’s a great location close to Dallas for getting out on a boat, and powerboats are popular here for people looking to enjoy fun water sports like tubing, wakeboarding, and more.

#8: Hickory Creek

Average hourly rate

$215

Average trip price

$818

Yachts

Located on the shores of Lewisville Lake, Hickory Creek emerges as a boating haven in North Texas. It’s a cute town that offers access to all the great boating and outdoor recreation of Lewisville Lake.

Visit the plethora of lakefront parks and nature preserves here, including Lake Park, Sycamore Bend Park, and Willow Grove, to connect with nature and enjoy being on the water.

#9: Grand Prairie

Average hourly rate

$135

Average trip price

$530

Pontoons

Rounding off our list is Grand Prairie, situated near the Joe Pool Lake. Boaters in Grand Prairie can explore the lake's diverse shoreline, featuring parks, trails, and recreational areas. The city's focus on sustainable development and accessibility to the lake contribute to its status as one of the top boating cities in Texas. It’s close to Dallas and is a great spot for fishing, waterskiing, or casual cruising. There are also a lot of great parks for camping or picnics on the lakefront around Grand Prairie.

#10: Grapevine

Average hourly rate

$128

Average trip price

$513

Powerboats

Grapevine Lake is a boating gem not far from the busy Dallas Fort Worth Airport. It is a beloved reservoir for boating and outdoor recreation. The Army Corps of Engineers first created it in 1952 when they constructed a dam on Denton Creek. It has over 60 miles of shoreline, multiple marinas, and great hiking trails and camping areas.

On the lake, you can find affordable boat rentals starting at $128/hour on average, with every type of vessel available. Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the lake's abundance of bass, catfish, and crappie, making it an ideal destination to secure a bragworthy freshwater catch. For a touch of history, cruise to the historic Silver Lake Marina and take in the scenic beauty of the restored 19th-century buildings.

In Summary

Texas, with its diverse geographical features, offers a myriad of boating experiences across its cities. From inland lakes to coastal waters, each of these top 10 boating cities stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and commitment to environmental conservation, making them must-visit destinations for boating enthusiasts.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. If you have any questions or need any other data not found in the report below, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.