Call Now
(512) 480-9264

Donut Boat Rentals

First Donut Boats in Texas!

Capital Cruises is proud to offer “Donut Boat” rentals exclusively to Lady Bird Lake, providing the latest small group electric boat adventure for the ultimate Austin experience. The Donut Boat’s unique design allows up to 10 people to casually cruise around Lady Bird Like, gathered around a center table, shaded by a center-post umbrella. The quiet electric motor allows you to easily chat with your friends and drives with the ease of a golf cart on the water. Never driven a boat? No problem, as you’ll receive an orientation.

Feel free to bring your own food and snacks (small- to medium-sized coolers work best), or choose from one of our plated options from the Hyatt Regency Austin. It’s fun for the “hole” family and a “Do-nut” miss it Austin adventure. Now accepting rentals.

Both the “Donut Mess with Texas” and “Glazed and Confused” boats are 11′ in diameter and fit up to 10 passengers.

Rental Price: $100/ hour; 2 hour minimum for all reservations. 

Rates increase on holidays and holiday weekends; Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve. Click here for holiday rentals.*

Donut Boat FAQs 

A Donut Boat holds up to 10 passengers.
No. It is illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake per city ordinance.

Reservations are recommended and require a credit card over the phone to hold the spot. On rare occasions, we can accommodate daytime walk up customers.

Yes, ask our staff to open or close umbrella per desired request. It must remain either open or closed to prevent damage. Please note, windy days may necessitate that the umbrella remain closed.

Yes. When making your reservation, we will let you know what time is appropriate for watching the bat emergence.

Only the person who fills out the rental waiver prior to departure is permitted to drive the boat.

No. The renter must captain the vessel.

Depending on certain variables, the boats can reach 5 MPH, but typical speeds are 2.5 to 4 MPH. All of Lady Bird Lake is a no wake zone.

No. We have canoes and kayaks available if you would like to fish. Appropriate fishing licenses are required and your responsibility to obtain.

Yes. We provide both adult and youth life jackets. For children, we do recommend bringing your own if you have one available to ensure the best fit, but we do have them either way. Please note, state law requires that children 12 years and younger wear a life jacket at all times. Lake patrol will ticket guardians if children are not in compliance.

Climate appropriate clothing, towels, sunblock, food and drinks (per desire), small- to medium-sized cooler. Capital Cruises can provide catering though the Hyatt Regency. Catering packages are available with a reservation in advance.

No, must be 21 years of age with a driver’s license. We will provide the appropriate orientation on where you can and cannot go, as well as how to operate the boat.

Pets are not allowed, however, working service animals are always welcome.
Yes. Texas law still prohibits operation of a boat while intoxicated (BWI), but open alcoholic containers are allowed on boats in Texas.

Yes, as long as you are not interfering with an existing reservation and will have adequate battery life to get back to the dock on schedule with the additional time. If you are considering staying out longer, please talk to the rental attendant about extended rental options prior to leaving the dock.

We will do our best to keep an eye on the weather and keep you informed if we see something that might be dangerous or unpleasant. That being said, guests are expected to know weather conditions and proceed with rentals at their discretion.

Please note: Certain weather conditions can necessitate the cancellation of a reservation (i.e. high wind, localized lightning, heavy rain, etc.). We will make every effort to inform you of weather-forced cancellations with as much notice as possible. However, weather changes in Texas happen quickly, and we may not be able to give you more notice than at check-in time.

The Ultimate Gift

Purchase a Capital Cruises Gift Certificate this holiday season. A great choice for the ultimate Austin experience and the friend, family member, neighbor, teacher, or co-worker for whom you can never find the right gift! Gift Certificates can be used for bat cruises, rentals, and catered events.

Buy Gift Certificates

Online Quote Generator

Get comprehensive pricing information and peruse the numerous "add-on" options we have to offer. Enter as many quotes as you like, modify the number of guests or catering and entertainment options, and let the quote generator do the work for you.

Ready for a quote? Click the button below to build an instant online quote today. Final bookings must be made over the phone.

Start an Online Quote

BAT Cruise – Book Online

Tours run March - October, departing approximately 30 minutes before sunset. Click the bat to book a bat cruise.

Online Reservations

Tour Lady Bird Lake

March - October. Every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM. Enjoy our public sightseeing tour of Lady Bird Lake.

November - February. Nightly Sunset Tours at 6:00 PM (weather permitting). Online reservations available.

Book a Sightseeing Tour

Reviews On Trip Advisor

Thanks for sharing your feedback!
Hall of Fame - Certificate of Excellence 2015-2019