FAQ.
Do you have a question? Looking for more information about the rental process, the services we offer, or where to find us? Check out our list of frequently asked questions below for some quick answers. If you still have something on your mind, please contact us here or via social media. We’ll be more than happy to get you the answers you need.
Do I need boating experience?
You just need to be able to prove that you are 21 years old with a valid photo ID! Our knowledgeable dock attendants will provide you with information to keep you safe while enjoying a day on beautiful Lady Bird Lake.. It’s comparable to driving a golf cart with a forward and reverse throttle. All boats are electric with a maximum speed of 4.5 miles per hour. Boats are equipped with life jackets, anchor, paddles, and a blow horn.
Which payment methods do you accept? Do you offer gift cards?
We accept all major credit cards and offer gift cards so you can share this experience with a friend or family!
Do you provide life jackets?
Life jackets are required and provided in each boat.
Are kids allowed? Is there an age limit?
As long as parents are on the boat with the children and feel comfortable taking them, we allow children of all ages. We do require children age 13 and under to wear life jackets and have sizes specifically for infants, youth, and children, in addition to adult life jackets.
Are dogs allowed on the boat?
We do not currently have a dog friendly boat option available.
Do you sell drinks?
We encourage you to bring your own beverages in non-glass, reusable containers.
What is the longest time I can be on the water?
Please refer to the online booking Fare Harbor for hours of availability. Our standard rental times are 90 minutes.
What should I bring with me?
There are a few things we highly recommend taking with you. While we provide complimentary speakers and umbrellas at the dock, we do recommend you bring sunscreen, water, or whatever you feel will best prepare you for the outdoor elements. Cruising down Lady Bird Lake provides a lot of opportunities for amazing pictures of the Austin skyline, Congress Bridge and much more.
What are the options for parking?
Waller Creek Boathouse has NO public parking nor affiliation with area parking garages. Guests are encouraged to find parking in advance of checking in for rentals or Guided Tours.
Parking options for guests are as follows:
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Downtown metered street parking and walk to us.
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The metered lot at 600 River Street (Mexican American Cultural Center) and walk down the Hike & Bike Trail to us (less than five minute walk). Look for the black gate at the west end of the lot, walk down the hill, across the pedestrian bridge where the Boathouse rises ahead of you.
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Parking meters in the downtown area (IH-35 to Lamar Boulevard, and Lady Bird Lake to 10th Street) operate during the following times: Monday and Tuesday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 12 midnight. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 midnight.
How fast do the boats go?
The boats cruise at approximately 4 MPH. Retro Boats abide by wake and speed protocols on Lady Bird Lake.
What activities are prohibited while riding the boat?
All swimming and fishing off the boat are prohibited.
Are there boundaries to where I can take the boat?
Yes, we do place certain boundaries on the waterway. This is ultimately for the safety of patrons. We hand out a detailed map (see below) during our safety and instructional guidance prior to leaving the dock. For written reference, our boundary line is the First Street Bridge. Boats will not be permitted to go to the west of that marker.
Can we rent more than one boat?
This depends on availability and scheduled launch times of the boats. If you would like to book more than 1 boat, we do have additional guidelines and safety measures that need to be followed. The guideline for any group rental is below:
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Mandatory boat insurance ($20 / boat - this can be purchased through the booking platform)
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A $200 safety deposit hold. We place an additional hold of $200 per boat on the card(s) you book with at the time of the rental until the boats are returned in good condition and then we release the hold on the card.
We recommend emailing us in advance at info@retroboatsatx.com to make sure that there are no conflicts with renting multiple boats.
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