If you're planning a bachelor or bachelorette party on Lake Travis, renting a yacht is one of the best ways to make the day unforgettable. But before you start picking out decorations and curating the perfect playlist, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. From finalizing your guest list to choosing the right boat, staying hydrated, and finding the best party cove, this guide will help you plan an epic day on the water.
Finalize the Guest List & Pick the Right Boat
Before diving into the details, finalize the guest list. Knowing the headcount helps determine the right boat size and pricing. There are several different kinds of boating styles on Lake Travis, so choosing the right one depends on the size of your group and the experience you’re looking for.
Party Barge – If you’re planning a huge bash, pontoons are a great no-fuss option. They offer tons of space and are easy to manage, making them a solid choice for large groups looking for a simple, relaxed experience. These floating dance floors come equipped with built-in sound systems, waterslides, and even grills. Only down side is the lack of fuss can also men the lack of creature comforts so make sure your crew is low maintenance.
Pontoon Boat - More comfortable then the party barge option and very easy on the budget, Pontoon Boats or sometimes called Luxury Party Boats are great way to take the party level up a notch without breaking the bank. Bonus Points: This will often still include a slide option. Key thing to look for is the bathroom situation. Again, know your crew, we could get into more detail on this but I’m pretty sure you get the picture.
Yachts – If you want to really take your celebration up to an 11, a yacht is the way to go. Beautiful boats make for the best Instagram photos and many of them include below deck areas and kitchens that make longer voyages a whole different experience. Again, bathroom availability is a key factor—being out on the water for hours with only one bathroom can be a challenge. If comfort is a priority, consider a yacht with multiple restrooms to keep things easy for everyone.
Once you’ve settled on the right boat for your group, split expenses evenly ahead of time to avoid last-minute surprises.
Don’t Party Too Hard the Night Before
It may be tempting to kick things off with a big night out before your yacht day, but showing up to the dock hungover is a recipe for disaster. The combination of heat, sun, and motion on the water can turn a mild hangover into full-blown misery. If you want to make the most of your yacht party, take it easy the night before—get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and save the real party for the boat.
Sunscreen & Hydration Are Non-Negotiable
Spending all day in the Texas sun can take a toll, so protect yourself from sunburn and dehydration.
Sunscreen – Choose water-resistant SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours. A spray bottle is great for quick touch-ups, don’t forget lip balm with SPF and this will sound silly but- Don’t Forget Your Feet! The cops of your feet being burned will make your fancy shoes for dinner out the next night miserable.
Hydration – Drink plenty of water and electrolytes to avoid heat exhaustion. A good rule of thumb: match every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. Try to avoid the sugarier options but things like coconut water, travel electrolytes powders and snacks like watermelon make it really easy to beat the heat.
Shade – Check your boat rental for the shady spots your guests will be able to take a break in. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and make use of shaded areas on the boat whenever possible. If you’re not use to being out in the sun it’s gonna kick your butt.
Build the Perfect Party Playlist
A great playlist sets the mood and keeps energy levels high throughout the day. Make a collaborative playlist on Spotify and mix in:
High-energy party anthems
Classic sing-alongs
Chill yacht vibes for when you need a break
THE song - you know, the one you’ll all be signing along to at the wedding and will bring back memories of this amazing day on the water.
Double-check the yacht’s sound system compatibility so there are no last-minute tech issues and don’t leave anything up to chance. Download a playlist incase reception gets spotty.
Snacks Keep the Party Going
BRING FOOD!!!! (We’re looking at you dudes!)
A well-fed group is a happy group. Having the right snacks and lots of them on board will keep the good vibes rolling. Not to get all into the gender differences here but we’ve noticed that our bachelorettes are amazing at bring plenty of food for the day. Our fellow bachelors… more will never hurt you. It’ll save you from trying to bum chips off your friend.
We’ve got a whole blog post full of great ideas HERE but here’s quick list of some of our favorite boat friendly meals.
Watermelon skewers with feta & mint pesto – Refreshing and hydrating
Ham & cheese roll-ups – Simple and protein-packed
Folded wraps – Less mess, all the flavor
Charcuterie board – Because snacks should be boujee, too
Bring plenty of napkins and wipes—dips and yachts don’t always mix well.
Decorate Responsibly
If you want to add a festive touch to your party, opt for eco-friendly decorations that won’t end up in the lake.
No balloons – They often blow away and pollute the water.
Reusable banners & LED lights – A stylish and sustainable option.
Floaties that double as décor – Think giant swans, unicorns, or classic inner tubes.
Themed Plastic Glassware and Sunglasses in lieu of decorations
• • Whatever you decide to decorate with make sure you’ve got it secure. Zip ties can be a life saver in securing just about anything.
Co-Ed Parties = More Fun
Co-ed yacht parties are becoming the norm and we’re loving it. Instead of separating the bride and groom’s friends, bring everyone together for a bigger, better party.
Here’s some fun party game ideas
Water volleyball – Set up a floating net for some friendly competition.
On-board karaoke – Bluetooth mic + party anthems = instant entertainment.
Trivia Game about the happy couple
One personal favorite is The “Anything But a Cup” Challenge
Instead of drinking from regular cups, everyone must bring a creative drinking vessel that is NOT a traditional cup.
Examples:
A snorkel mask (sip from the mouthpiece)
A baby bottle
A blender pitcher
A coconut
A dog bowl
Make it a contest and have everyone vote on the most creative or ridiculous drinking vessel—the winner gets VIP treatment for the day.
Skip Devil’s Cove – There Are Better Spots
For years, Devil’s Cove has been known as the party cove of Lake Travis—but recently, it’s been more of a headache than a hotspot. Overcrowding, loud boats, and rowdy crowds can kill the vibe. Fortunately, we’ve found better alternatives:
Most rentals are in the party elbow, which is essential all the hub for most of the lake fun. Here’s a few of our favorite spots.
Little Devil’s Hollow – A smaller, quieter version of Devil’s Cove. It’s a smaller cove than regular Devil’s Hollow making it a better fit for smaller vessels. If you’ve got a party barge or a bigger yacht there are a few better options.
Cypress Creek Arm – Surrounded by stunning cliffs and perfect for swimming, this has quickly become the new hotspot for anchoring. Less rowdy but still packed with other people partying on the lake. Bonus points for the zip liners that wiz by every so often.
Cow Creek Arm – A peaceful, scenic escape with a great atmosphere. This spot is much further up the lake (generally a 4 hour cruise there). Much calmer and you got the water to yourself, so this is the perfect vibe if you’re renting a boat for an overnight stay.
BONUS: Hippie Hollow, the only clothing-optional park in Texas, is a well-known spot on Lake Travis that some yacht parties like to cruise by. While it can be a fun detour for an adventurous group, keep in mind that boats must stay at least 100 feet from shore, and it’s more of a quiet sunbathing spot than a wild party zone. If your crew is feeling bold, a quick pass-by can make for a fun addition to your bachelor or bachelorette party itinerary. Keep it respectful though, everyone deserves to enjoy the lake in their own way.
Choosing the right cove can make or break your party, so pick one that fits your group’s vibe.
Plan Ahead & Book Early
Lake Travis yacht rentals sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book well in advance and confirm the details with your group.
Captain or no captain? If your rental doesn’t include one, assign a designated driver.
What’s included? Coolers? Ice? Floaties? Know before you go.
Dock logistics – Make sure everyone knows the meeting point and arrives on time.
Speaking of dock logistic mandates walks to the dock are long and hot. After a long day in the sun on the water think ahead about the trek back to the car after you’ve been drinking all day. And remind your guests as well. Curb the drinking as the voyage is coming to an end. You don’t want to be the carried back to the car along with the cooler and the supplies.
Keep It Safe & Fun
A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a drama-free party.
Know where the life jackets are.
Listen to the Captain’s rules.
If you’re not a great swimmer- Make it known. Especially to the Captain.
Pace yourself with the drinks.
Use waterproof phone cases so your phone doesn’t end up at the bottom of the lake.
Most importantly? Look out for each other and make sure everyone makes it back to shore in one piece.
TAKE PICTURES!!!!
We like to have one of our crew members jump in and snap candid shots and send those over to the hosts after the charter because so often our guests are having so much fun they forget to document the moment. So don’t forget, just for a few moment while you’re out living it up on the lake, snap a few shots for your future self.
Plan Your Ride—Getting to and From the Lake
Before you pop the champagne and set sail, make sure you’ve thought about how you’re getting to Lake Travis—and more importantly, how you’re getting home.
Party buses, Ubers, carpooling with friends, or driving yourself—each option has its pros and cons.
Our friend Peter, who runs a Pete's Party Bus, tells us that every weekend, after dropping off groups at the dock, they always get people scrambling for a ride back to the city. It’s easy to catch an Uber to the lake, but getting one back can be a real challenge, especially during peak hours when drivers are scarce.
A couple of key things to keep in mind about Lake Travis:
It’s farther than you think. If you’re coming from downtown Austin, expect at least a 40-50 minute drive, and plan for extra time in case of traffic.
The lake is massive. Many of the best Airbnbs and lake houses are on the opposite side from the main marinas. What looks like a short drive on a map can actually be a winding, hilly route that takes much longer than expected.
Even if you have a designated driver in your group, plan your timing wisely—nobody wants to cut their party short because they underestimated travel logistics. The best move? Book your return ride in advance so you’re not stuck at the dock looking for a way home after a long day of sun, drinks, and fun.
Time to Set Sail!
A bachelor or bachelorette yacht party on Lake Travis is the ultimate way to celebrate, and with a little planning, it’ll be a day to remember. Ready to make it happen?
Book your yacht today and get ready to party in style!
BIG thank you to Captain Lacee and Pete's Party Bus for all the helpfull tips. You guys really brought us some great insights!
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