Name: Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Telephone: (512) 478-3852

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We went here over the weekend and it was so fun! Great service and very reasonably priced. You can kayak all the way to the downtown area from here and its very scenic. The only thing is that this area was VERY crowded so if you are looking for a peaceful afternoon this is not it. It is great for big groups and is super kid friendly too!
Shivani M. , 6 years ago
Had a very good experience renting a kayak here on my recent trip to Austin. It was easy to rent the kayak, the staff was helpful and helped us get in and out of the water in a snap. The location is great – right near the Barton Springs pool and along Barton Creek (There are some steps to go down to get to the launch, for reference). It’s a great spot to kayak, allowing you to stay on Barton Creek if you want an easy, more secluded spot, but close enough that you can get out on the main river fairly quickly if you want to stay out longer.
Paul V. , 6 years ago
This review is for informational purposes. Some stuff that I learned when I went there today around 6:45p on a weekday in late Sept–

-Rentals stop at 6:30p so that kayaks/paddle boards can be locked up by 8p (when rental shop closes).
-Bring cash and your drivers’ license
-There is an ATM aforementioned in some reviews, but it is located inside of a building (which I believe operates under normal business hours) so if you come in the evening, it may be closed.
-There’s a BOGO coupon on the website, but make sure to print it out if you don’t want to bring your phone with you on the water.
-Locker rentals are $5
Susan S. , 6 years ago
Very close to the Barton Springs pool with plenty of signs, so it is pretty easy to find. You will have to go down some stairs to get to the boats/shore. It was easy to rent the kayak and the cashier had good insights on what to rent. She let us know when she started my rent time and I just had to leave an ID and sign a waiver. The other employee got the kayaks ready in the water and I just had to grab a life jacket and paddle.The water was smooth and easy to maneuver and I had wonderful time looking at the turtles in the water and Austin skyline. Docking the kayak was easy and then I just had to pay. (*They only accept cash!*) I went in the morning, on a Friday, and there were no crowds.
Megan W. , 6 years ago
Great experience with the family. Boat rentals are affordable. Can’t wait to go back to Austin to do this again.
Kerry D. , 6 years ago
This was great! They have coupons on their website for B1G1 free rentals M-F so I highly recommend using one of those if you can get out on a week day. It was pretty easy to find from the directions on the website too.

There’s an ATM on site, which was pretty convenient.

I loved paddleboarding out on the river and we saw about a zillion turtles.
Andrea E. , 6 years ago
What an awesome activity! The staff was very helpful and friendly. We had so much fun! We went during the summer in the afternoon. It was very hot outside but much cooler once you are on the lake.
Jessica Z. , 6 years ago
We had such a great time. We went right when they opened on Sunday. No waiting. Filled out the waiver, rented the $5 locker, got our life jackets, and we were off kayaking.

You miss the crowds if you go early. We did it for an hour and when we were leaving, lots of people were coming and having to wait to get their boats.

They take cash only.

Super experience!
Teri C. , 6 years ago
This place was so awesome!!! Only downfall is the line you have to stand in if you come during peak times and the parking (which is not their fault). I came at the end of June and the lake was defintiely cool but people were defintiely standing in it. Lots of people and pets out during peak hours so you may have to steer to avoid them but once your out of the creek area and into Lady Bird Lake its very clear with lots of space to paddle. Easy checking in, getting equipment and/or a locker and getting out into the creek. Payment is cash only (18$/hr for any and all canoes, kayaks and SUPs) and you pay after you’re done with the equipment. Can bring your own equipment as well. Came all the way from Houston and l will definitely be back soon!
Zoe S. , 6 years ago
As someone who’s lived her whole live in Austin, I can say that this is a 10/10. I usually do the all day payment. I could spend my whole day out there. I would recommend getting there early around 10-11 and spend the whole day out on the water because around 1-2 everybody and their mama’s wanna come out at that time. When I go out on the water I bring a little waterproof fanny pack for my belongings like phone, wallet and a little bottle of sun screen
Eve C. , 6 years ago
I’ve used Zilker Park Boat Rentals numerous times and I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the boats or the friendliness / kindness of the staff. They’ve been around for years for a reason! I also appreciate that they often give back to the community.
Rocio V. , 7 years ago
We’ve rented kayaks from this place many times and have never had a problem. This past week was the same way, even though they were really busy, they were quite organized. We had to sign a waiver first, then give them ID, then get the life jackets and paddles, then finally get in line for the kayaks. When you get out just pay and that’s it! Cash only.
Maria R. , 7 years ago
I took my puppy out here on a paddle board and had an amazing time! I specifically went here because you ease into the lake and are not right off a dock which makes it easier for pet owners.

This location is a little tucked away – about a quarter of a mile to get out to the main Lady Bird Lake but it’s a nice, calm paddle! It’s conveniently located next to Barton Springs so make that part of your adventure as well.

Cash only and lockers are extra so leave whatever you don’t want in your car 🙂
Catherine D. , 7 years ago
Great place to go kayaking into the Colorado River and with a great view of downtown. The kayaks had padded seats and I put my backpack on that to prevent it from getting wet.

Afterwards, stop by the Barton Springs Pool to unwind. You can use the same parking lot and just walk to both location (less than 5 minute walk).
Ben N. , 7 years ago
The staff is amazing, and so helpful. The rates are reasonable. It’s a lovely starting off point to kayak on Lake Austin. Special thanks to the staff for helping my disabled Mom into the kayak. She loved being on the water.
Kris H. , 7 years ago
Hands down favorite part of my trip to Austin. 18 dollars for an hour on a doubly kayak with my girlfriend. A great way to relax at a great price. A+
Miguel A. , 7 years ago
For this being our first time we had a great experience. Yes the life jackets are a must and yes they stink but once you get past that it’s ok. I’ve gotta go back. I was a bit tensed at the beginning only because it was the unknown for me. My family and I all had a great time. $15 for an hour and that was plenty for us. CASH only & they were all friendly. Even the kid pulling the canoes in one after another in that 103 degree Texas heat! Once we were done canoe the men didn’t mind our son hanging in the water for a bit with their life jacket. Thanks for the great experience we will be back!
Maria C. , 8 years ago
Love how conveniently located this spot is since it’s right next to Barton & Zilker and offers really reasonable rental prices as well as being next to the coldest area on all of Ladybird lake… Which is kind of a necessity when it’s 110 degrees outside.

Pro tip: If you’re a responsible person and pick up trash you find floating around the lake they just might give you your locker rental (which is $5) for free, but even if they don’t offer any discounts you damn well better pick up that plastic bottle floating 5 feet away from you.
Neil O. , 8 years ago
What a great way to spend a warm/sunny summer afternoon on the water! In addition to the prices everyone is listing, it is only $5 for a locker (which was key since we walked there from our friend’s place and didn’t have a car nearby). Pay is via cash only, but there is an ATM about 200 feet away inside the mini train station ticket depot.

You pay afterwards as they hold on to your license for insurance that you’ll pay after. Other than plenty of other people out enjoying the water, we saw turtles, geese, and an overly friendly swan that people were unfortunately hand feeding (causing it to approach other people who were then scared and tried to bat the bird away).

I looked at a few other stands online and most of them were $20 to rent a paddle board for an hour. Yes, $15 for an hour is an investment – but it’s well worth it and most exercise classes cost around the same/aren’t usually outside!
Naomi L. , 8 years ago
Never the same experience! I’ve been here and have taken my daughter many times– every time has been a new adventure! We love it out on the lake.

Bring your ID. Cost: $15/hr or $45/day; cash only- you sign the waivers and take the boats out first, then pay upon your return. They open at 9am and close at dusk; be warned, they don’t rent out canoes or kayaks after 6:30pm.

There’s plenty of wild life to enjoy: turtles, fish, coots, etc. Have fun!
Olivia M. , 9 years ago

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