Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat

The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat offers an exciting way to experience the vibrant nightlife of Lake Travis. This pontoon boat tour takes groups of up to 10 people on a scenic cruise, allowing them to visit two popular venues and enjoy their own beverages. With an experienced captain at the helm, guests can revel in the lively atmosphere and stunning views, although some physical challenges may be involved. Discover why this unique tour has become a must-do for those seeking a memorable night out on the water.

This experience made our article of 16 Of The Best Drinking Tours In Austin.

Contents show

Key Points

A nighttime bar hopping experience on a pontoon boat along Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, offering scenic views and visits to two lakeside bars.
The tour costs $100 per person for groups up to 10 travelers, includes an experienced captain, safety equipment, and the ability to bring your own alcohol.
The tour starts at the Mansfield Dam Boat Ramp and includes a scenic cruise, stops at Beachside Billys and Shack 512, and returns to the original meeting location.
Participants can enjoy their own alcohol during the cruise, with a provided cooler, and experience the vibrant nightlife along the lake.
The tour involves physical demands, such as steep inclines and long walks to access the boat, and limited shade on the pontoon boat.

Overview of the Experience

The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl offers a unique nighttime bar hopping experience by pontoon boat. For $100 per person, groups of up to 10 travelers can explore the lakeside bars of Austin.

Explore the lakeside bars of Austin on a unique nighttime bar hopping experience by pontoon boat for $100 per person.

The tour includes an experienced captain, a cooler for drinks, and safety equipment. Participants can bring their own alcohol and visit two venues – Beachside Billys and Shack 512.

With an average rating of 3.8/5 from 4 reviews, the experience has received mixed feedback regarding access, service, and the captain’s performance.

Considerations include physical demands, sun exposure, and potential variation based on water conditions.

Up for more after-dark fun? We've reviewed these other nightlife options in Austin

Exploring the Nighttime Bar Crawl

What can travelers expect during the nighttime bar crawl on Lake Travis?

The experience begins with a pontoon boat ride along the scenic lake. Passengers can bring their own alcohol to enjoy on the cruise.

The boat will visit two popular bars – Beachside Billys and Shack 512. At each venue, guests can disembark and explore the nightlife.

The experienced captain navigates the boat, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Travelers should be prepared for the physical demands, as there may be steep inclines and long walks to access the boat.

Visiting Beachside Billys and Shack 512

During the nighttime bar crawl, the pontoon boat makes two stops – first at Beachside Billys and then at Shack 512.

Beachside Billys is a lakeside restaurant and bar known for its scenic views and laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while taking in the sights of Lake Travis.

The next stop is Shack 512, a popular hangout that offers a lively social scene, refreshing cocktails, and a menu featuring classic bar fare.

Passengers have the opportunity to explore these venues, mingle with other patrons, and experience the vibrant nightlife along the lake.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol for the Cruise

One of the key advantages of the Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl is that participants can bring their own alcohol for the cruise. This allows them to enjoy their preferred drinks while taking in the beautiful lakeside scenery.

The tour includes a cooler for storing and keeping beverages cold. Bringing your own alcohol can save money compared to purchasing drinks at the bars, and it gives you more control over your experience.

However, it’s important to consume alcohol responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations. The captain’s role is to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all guests.

Experienced Captain and Safety Equipment

The experienced captain plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl. They’re responsible for navigating the pontoon boat through the waterways, avoiding obstacles, and maintaining a smooth ride.

The tour also provides essential safety equipment, including life jackets, to protect participants. Reviewers have praised the professionalism of the captains, who provide a safe and informative experience.

However, some participants have noted mixed experiences with the captain’s interactions, highlighting the importance of selecting a knowledgeable and personable crew member.

Bar hopping sounds good? These other pub crawls in Austin might be your thing

Meeting Point and End Point

The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl tour begins at the Mansfield Dam Boat Ramp in Austin, Texas 78734.

From this starting point, you will embark on a nighttime bar crawl by pontoon boat.

At the conclusion of the experience, the boat will return to the original meeting location.

The key details are:

Meeting Point: Mansfield Dam Boat Ramp, Austin, TX 78734
End Point: Returns to the meeting point
Start Time: 5:30 PM

Positive Customer Experiences

According to customer reviews, some participants have highlighted the positive aspects of the Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl experience. Reviewers praised the beautiful views and enjoyable ride on the pontoon boat. The experienced captain also received positive feedback in several reviews.

| Positive Experiences | Customer Feedback |

| — | — |

| Beautiful Views | "The views were stunning!" |

| Enjoyable Ride | "We had a great time on the boat!" |

| Professional Captain | "The captain was very knowledgeable and friendly." |

Considerations and Recommendations

Two key considerations for potential participants of the Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl are the experience’s accessibility and physical demands.

First, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the incline to access the boat can be steep. Plus, the long walks required may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Second, participants should be aware of the sun exposure during the tour, as the pontoon boat provides limited shade.

Finally, the experience may vary depending on the water conditions, with Lake Austin versus Lake Travis potentially offering different sceneries and boating experiences.

The Sum Up

The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat offers a unique nighttime adventure. Guests can enjoy the scenic pontoon boat ride, bring their own beverages, and visit two popular venues along Lake Travis. With an experienced captain ensuring safety, participants can experience the vibrant nightlife, though some physical challenges may be involved. Overall, it’s a great option for groups looking to explore the area’s lively bar scene.