How to Plan a Private Boat Charter for Your Group on Lake Travis

Board Bound Wake Co operates private boat charters on Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lake LBJ, and Lake Marble Falls out of Lakeway, Texas, accommodating groups of up to 12 passengers with a licensed captain and all water sports equipment included.

Whether you are organizing a birthday celebration, a corporate outing, or just a summer day with friends, a private charter is one of the easiest ways to get a group on the water without logistics turning into a second job. This guide walks you through every decision you need to make, from locking in your guest count to stepping off the boat at the end of the day.

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Step 1: Decide How Many People Are Coming

The first number to nail down is your headcount. Our boats carry up to 12 passengers, so if your group is larger you will need to split across multiple bookings or reach out to us about custom arrangements.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Comfort vs. capacity. 12 passengers is the maximum. Groups of 6 to 9 tend to have the most room to rotate through activities without anyone sitting idle for too long.
• Mix of riders and spectators. Not everyone has to get in the water. Some guests are happiest on the lily pad or just soaking up the sun — that is completely fine and very common.
• Kids count toward the headcount. Plan accordingly if you are bringing a family group.

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Step 2: Choose Your Charter Length

We offer three standard options. Pick based on how much lake time your group actually wants, not just the lowest price.

Charter	Starting Price	Best For
3-Hour Charter	Starting at $600	Quick group outing, smaller groups, weekday trips
4-Hour Charter	Starting at $800	Most popular; fits multiple activities and a swim stop
5-Hour Charter	Starting at $1,000	Full afternoon, multiple lake stops, larger groups rotating through sports

If you want a sunset run, our 4-hour and 5-hour charters can be timed for that. Just mention it when you book and we will work around the light.

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Step 3: Pick Your Lake

All four lakes offer something different. Here is a quick breakdown to help your group decide.

• Lake Travis — 64-mile reservoir with deep, clean water and open coves ideal for wakesurfing and wakeboarding. The go-to for most groups.
• Lake Austin — A narrower, calmer stretch of the Colorado River with beautiful waterfront scenery. Great for a more relaxed, scenic experience.
• Lake LBJ — A constant-level lake west of Austin with excellent water clarity and a laid-back hill country feel.
• Lake Marble Falls — Smaller and quieter; works well for groups that want less boat traffic.

If you are unsure, Lake Travis is where most of our charters run and where our captains know every cove.

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Step 4: Know What We Provide (Bring Nothing for Sports)

Every charter includes everything you need on the water. You do not need to rent anything separately or stop at a sporting goods store.

Included in every charter:

• Latest-model premium wake boat with state-of-the-art wake systems
• Licensed, professional captain
• Life vests (US Coast Guard approved)
• Lily pad
• All water sports equipment
• Coolers with ice
• Bluetooth sound system
• Fuel — no surprise charges at the end

For 5-hour charters, complimentary snacks are also included.

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Step 5: Plan What to Bring

Since we cover all the gear, your packing list is short.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (lake sun is no joke, especially on Lake Travis in summer)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes if you have them — helpful on the swim platform
• Food and drinks — yes, you can bring your own. We supply the coolers and ice.
• A change of clothes if you are heading somewhere after
• Waterproof phone case or a dry bag for valuables

Leave at home:

• Water sports equipment — we have it
• Life jackets — we have them in multiple sizes
• Speakers — the boat has Bluetooth; just connect your phone

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Step 6: Build a Sample Day Timeline

A typical 4-hour charter on Lake Travis might look like this:

1. Arrive at the launch point. Meet your captain, sign waivers, and do a quick safety briefing. This takes about 15 minutes.
2. Head out on the water. Your captain picks a cove based on conditions and what your group wants to do.
3. First rotation of riders. Wakesurfing and wakeboarding sessions are roughly 10 to 15 minutes per person. While one person rides, everyone else watches, cheers, and takes photos.
4. Mid-charter swim stop. Drop anchor, deploy the lily pad, and let the group swim, jump off the boat, and relax.
5. Second rotation or free choice. Some groups want more wakesurfing; others are happy floating and enjoying the view.
6. Head back to the dock. Leave enough buffer time so no one feels rushed.

For a 3-hour charter, trim the swim stop to 20 minutes and plan for one solid rotation. For a 5-hour charter, you have room for multiple lake stops and a longer, more relaxed pace overall.

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Step 7: Book in Advance

Lake Travis and Lake Austin charters fill up fast in summer. As a general rule:

• Weekends in June, July, and August — book at least 2 to 3 weeks out.
• Weekdays and shoulder season (April, May, September) — more flexibility, but do not wait until the last minute.
• Holidays and long weekends — book as early as possible.

You can reserve your charter directly at boardboundwakeco.com/charters. If you have specific requests — a sunset window, a particular lake, or a group with both beginners and experienced riders — reach out and we will make sure your captain is prepped.

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Want to Add Instruction?

If anyone in your group wants real coaching alongside the fun, our private lessons are a natural complement to a charter day. Our instructors use video analysis and a structured progression method that gets beginners up on the board faster than figuring it out on their own. Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and hydrofoiling lessons are all available.

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Ready to get on the water? Lock in your date at boardboundwakeco.com/charters and let us handle everything else.