Passenger Information
Wake Riderz Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about booking, cancellations, weather, boarding, safety, what to bring, and what to expect before your Lake Austin boat rental with Wake Riderz.
Reservations
Booking & Reservations
Helpful information about booking your private Lake Austin boat rental.
How do I book a Wake Riderz boat rental?
The easiest way to reserve a boat is through our online live booking system. Select your preferred date, available departure time, and rental duration, then complete the reservation online. Availability and your exact checkout total are shown before payment.
How many passengers can I bring?
Each Wake Riderz boat accommodates up to 13 passengers plus the captain. For larger groups, we can coordinate multiple boats, subject to availability.
What is included with my boat rental?
Private rentals include a captain, fuel, a 24-foot Bentley pontoon with a three-tube tritoon design, Bluetooth sound system, built-in cooler, floating water mat, shade, and required life jackets and safety equipment.
Is the rental price per person or per boat?
Our private boat rental pricing is for one private captained boat, not per person. Each boat accommodates up to 13 passengers plus the captain.
Are taxes and fees included in the advertised rental price?
Applicable taxes and a non-refundable Reservation Processing Fee are added during booking. Your booking total is shown before payment is completed. A mandatory 20% captain gratuity is paid directly to your captain after the rental by cash or Venmo and is not included in the booking total.
Do you offer discounts or promotional pricing?
Promotional rates may be available depending on the day of the week and rental duration. Visit our Lake Austin Boat Rental Pricing page for current standard and promotional rates.
View Lake Austin boat rental pricingChanges & Cancellations
Cancellations, Rescheduling & Refunds
We understand that plans can change. Our policies help us balance flexibility for our customers with the limited availability of our boats and captains, especially on weekends and holidays.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Our goal is to be fair to our customers while protecting the boats and captain availability reserved for each booking. For standard reservations, cancellations made more than 48 hours before the scheduled rental time are subject to a $125 administrative cancellation fee, plus the non-refundable Reservation Processing Fee charged at the time of booking. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled rental time and no-call/no-shows on the day of the rental are non-refundable, regardless of circumstances, and the full booking amount will be charged. No refunds are issued once a rental has started or been completed. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Holiday and designated holiday-weekend reservations have a separate cancellation policy, and reservations affected by inclement weather or conditions that prevent Wake Riderz from operating are handled under the applicable policies explained below.
Can I reschedule my boat rental?
Reservations cannot be rescheduled simply to avoid the applicable cancellation policy. If your plans change, contact Wake Riderz as early as possible so we can explain the options available under your reservation terms. Rescheduling may be offered when Wake Riderz determines that a rental cannot operate because of inclement weather, unsafe lake conditions, or an official government or public-safety closure that prevents us from operating.
What happens to the price if my reservation is eligible for rescheduling?
When an eligible reschedule is offered and accepted, amounts already paid toward the affected reservation are applied to the approved rescheduled date. If the new date has a lower rental rate, no refund or credit is issued for the difference. If the approved rescheduled date has a higher rate, including certain weekend, holiday, or holiday-weekend dates, the customer is responsible for paying the difference before the rescheduled rental.
Can I reschedule a holiday or holiday-weekend reservation?
Holiday and designated holiday-weekend reservations cannot be voluntarily rescheduled simply because a customer’s plans change. An eligible reschedule may be offered when Wake Riderz is unable to operate because of inclement weather, unsafe lake conditions, or an official government or public-safety closure that prevents us from operating.
What is your holiday and holiday-weekend cancellation policy?
Holiday periods are among our busiest and most requested dates, and those reservations can be difficult to replace on short notice. Reservations during designated holiday and holiday-weekend periods require at least 14 days’ notice for cancellation. When canceled at least 14 days before departure, a $125 administrative cancellation fee and the non-refundable Reservation Processing Fee apply. Holiday reservations canceled less than 14 days before departure are non-refundable, and the full reservation amount is due. The holiday policy and applicable dates will be identified during booking.
Which dates are considered holidays or holiday weekends?
Designated holiday periods may include high-demand dates surrounding Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Because the applicable dates can vary from year to year, the specific holiday period and cancellation terms will be identified during booking. For example, a holiday period may include the surrounding weekend rather than only the calendar date of the holiday.
Weather & Lake Conditions
Weather, Safety & Official Lake Closures
Lake conditions can change quickly. We monitor conditions and make operating decisions with passenger and captain safety in mind.
Who decides if a rental is canceled because of weather?
Wake Riderz determines whether weather and lake conditions are suitable for operating your scheduled rental. Rain in the forecast alone does not automatically cancel a reservation because conditions on Lake Austin can change throughout the day. Unless Wake Riderz contacts you or confirms that your rental cannot operate, please plan to arrive for your reservation as scheduled.
What weather or lake conditions could affect my rental?
Conditions such as heavy rain, lightning, extreme temperatures, high or swift water, debris, and other conditions that make boating unsafe may affect a reservation. Decisions are based on the conditions affecting safe operation around your scheduled departure time.
What happens if Wake Riderz determines that conditions are unsafe?
If Wake Riderz determines that your rental cannot safely operate because of inclement weather or unsafe lake conditions, we will contact you and explain the options available for your reservation. When an eligible reschedule is offered and accepted, the amounts already paid toward your affected reservation will be applied to the approved rescheduled date so you can enjoy your Lake Austin experience at another available time.
What happens if Lake Austin is officially closed?
If an official government or public-safety order prevents Wake Riderz from legally operating on Lake Austin, we will contact affected customers and explain the options available for their reservations. When an eligible reschedule is offered and accepted, the amounts already paid toward the affected reservation will be applied to the approved rescheduled date. This applies to official restrictions that prevent Wake Riderz from operating our boats and does not apply to restrictions limited to other types of watercraft.
Before You Arrive
Boarding, Arrival & Pickup
Plan ahead so your group can arrive on time and make the most of your reservation.
Where do Wake Riderz boat rentals depart from?
Standard boarding and return are at Loop 360 Boat Ramp near Pennybacker Bridge at 5019 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746.
How early should we arrive?
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives your group time for parking, boarding, required waivers, and any pre-departure instructions.
What happens if we arrive late?
Your reservation begins at the scheduled departure time. Late arrivals may result in less time on the water, and additional rental time or compensation is not provided for time lost because of a late arrival.
Is there a fee to enter the Loop 360 Boat Ramp?
Yes. Travis County charges a park entrance fee at Loop 360 Boat Ramp. The entrance fee is separate from your Wake Riderz reservation and is currently cash-only. Check the current Loop 360 information before departure for the latest fee details.
View Loop 360 boarding and arrival detailsDo you offer pickup from a lake house or private dock?
Private dock pickup and return may be available for an additional fee at eligible locations on Lake Austin. Availability depends on the dock location, safe access, lake conditions, and scheduling. Contact Wake Riderz in advance with the property or dock location so we can confirm whether service is available.
What to Bring
Food, Drinks & What to Bring
A little preparation can make your time on Lake Austin even more enjoyable.
Can we bring food and drinks on the boat?
Yes. Passengers may bring food and beverages for their group. Please choose items that are easy to manage on a boat and help us keep Lake Austin clean.
Can we bring alcohol?
Passengers age 21 and older may bring alcoholic beverages for responsible consumption. The captain cannot consume alcohol, and unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in the rental ending early. Please do not bring glass containers.
Are glass bottles or containers allowed?
No. Glass bottles and glass containers are not permitted on the boat. Please bring beverages in cans, plastic, or other non-glass containers.
What should we bring?
We recommend bringing towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, water, snacks or food, and any non-glass beverages you would like during your rental. Bring a valid form of identification when appropriate and make sure everyone in your group completes any required waiver before departure.
Do the boats have coolers?
Yes. Our boats have a built-in cooler. You are welcome to bring ice, food, and non-glass beverages for your group. For added convenience, let us know at least one day in advance if you would like to add an XL cooler package to your rental for an additional charge. The package includes an XL cooler, two large bags of ice, and 15 bottled waters.
On the Water
Swimming, Safety & Your Captain
Your captain handles the boat while your group enjoys your time together on Lake Austin.
Is a captain included?
Yes. Wake Riderz rentals are captained. Your captain operates the boat so your group can focus on enjoying Lake Austin.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Required life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while a vessel under 26 feet is underway, as required by Texas law.
Can we swim during our rental?
Swimming and floating may be available when the boat is safely anchored and conditions allow. Passengers enter the water at their own risk and should follow the captain’s safety instructions. Wake Riderz does not provide lifeguard supervision.
Is a floating water mat included?
Yes. A floating water mat is included with private rentals and can be used when the boat is safely anchored and conditions allow.
Do your boats have shade?
Our Bentley pontoons offer full or partial shade for guest comfort. The amount and configuration of shade may depend on weather, wind, and safe operation of the boat.
Should we tip our captain?
Yes. A 20% captain gratuity is required and is paid directly to your captain after the rental by cash or Venmo. The captain gratuity is not included in the booking total. You are always welcome to tip more if you feel your captain provided exceptional service.
Groups & Occasions
Larger Groups & Special Outings
From family lake days to celebrations and company outings, we can help you choose the right option for your group.
Can Wake Riderz accommodate groups larger than 13 people?
Yes. Wake Riderz operates four matching Bentley pontoons and can coordinate multiple boats for larger groups, subject to availability. Contact us in advance so we can help plan your group’s departure.
Do you offer boat rentals for birthdays or bachelorette parties?
Yes. We offer private boat rentals for birthdays, bachelorette parties, family outings, corporate events, and other group occasions. Visit our party boat rental page to explore these group options.
Explore Lake Austin party boat rentalsDo you offer guided Lake Austin boat tours?
Yes. Wake Riderz offers public per-person and private partially guided boat tours with local commentary. Tour pricing and availability may vary by date and booking platform.
Explore Lake Austin Boat ToursDo you offer sunset cruises?
Yes. Wake Riderz offers private sunset boat cruises focused on enjoying golden-hour scenery and time together on Lake Austin. Visit our Sunset Cruises page for details.
Explore Sunset CruisesStill Have Questions?
We're Here to Help Before You Book
If you have a question about your group, a special request, or something that isn't answered here, contact Wake Riderz before booking and we'll be happy to help.