Ride the 30ft Double-Decker Pontoon on Lake Austin — Slides, Sun Deck & Party Rentals

On Lake Austin, just off Loop 360 boat ramp at 5019 TX-360 Loop, Austin, Texas, the 30ft - A&M Double Decker w/Dueling Slides turns a summer day into a floating backyard party. This double-decker pontoon from Big Tex Boat Rentals seats up to 18 with a mandatory captain, two plunge slides, a sun deck, Bluetooth audio, RTIC cooler, GPS and depth finder—gear that makes it easy to anchor in a quiet cove, launch a lily pad, or run the shoreline with friends.

You’ll find practical comforts built into the rental: a swim ladder for easy climbs, a lunch table for spread-out snacks, and a powerful Bluetooth stereo for playlists that carry across the water. The mandatory captain fee ensures an experienced operator manages traffic and wind, leaving you to manage coolers, games, and the jumps. Rentals run 2–12 hours with a 4-hour minimum on busy days; weekend and holiday rates are higher, so plan reservations early for peak summer weekends.

Lake Austin is a Colorado River impoundment framed by limestone bluffs, live oaks, and the occasional bald cypress; the contrast of sculpted rock and rippling water creates small pocket coves perfect for swimming and socializing. Captains from Big Tex know the local channels, party cove etiquette, and where shallow shoals lie, so guests can relax while they steer.

Why this boat stands out: double-decker pontoons are uncommon on Lake Austin, and the dueling slides add a playful edge to a region more known for mellow cruising. The combination of a roomy upper sun deck and tactical accessories—GPS, depth finder, lily pad—makes it equally good for lazy afternoons or full-day celebrations. For visitors staying in Austin, an afternoon here is an easy way to trade city heat for riverside shade without leaving town.

Practical notes: pickup is at Loop 360 Boat Ramp, 5019 TX-360 Loop, Austin, TX 78746. Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a cooler with biodegradable waste bags, and a sense of timing—late-afternoon light casts the limestone into warm gold for photos. The crew enforces safety rules and local regulations, so expect a briefing at launch.

The boat carries up to 18 passengers; standard hourly rates vary by day—Monday through Thursday about $200 per hour, Friday and Sunday around $225 per hour, Saturdays typically $250 per hour, and holidays can reach $300 per hour. A 20% mandatory captain fee is collected at check-out unless prepaid. Reserve early in summer—weekend slots fill—and communicate special requests or gear needs to the operator before arrival.