Retro Boat Rentals ATX — Local services in Austin

We set out on our adventure with beautiful blue skies and fluffy white clouds. The perfect day for a stroll around the river. With camera and water bottles in hand we set out, so excited to be visiting ATX for the 1st time. We were putting along at 3-5 miles an hour enjoying the scenery, and made our way to the end where the dam was (approx 2 miles) when all of a sudden we see storm clouds and lighting coming. We started heading back. The deck crew were so on top of things and had text us prior to heading back but we weren't looking at our phones. They messaged us twice to head back. And we had missed calls. Well we got stuck in torrential down pour while we were trying to get safe under the bridge. During all this the deck crew tried calling us to make sure we were okay, but we were just trying to not get unalived by the lightning. We finally made it under the bridge where my 33 year old daughter said forget this and hopped out and got on shore. The deck crew called us and let us know the wind was too strong and they would let us know when there would be a break. They made sure we were safe and let us know where the anchor was. We decided against all that and just muscled on with a prayer and at this point hysterical laughter. We got creative and used the provided umbrella as a windshield, leaving about an inch uncovered so we could see where we were going. When we finally got back to the dock (this was about a 40 min ordeal) the whole crew was standing there waiting for us, soaked to the bone just like us. They didn't care about the 2 feet of water in the boat, nor did they care about a life jacket missing (cause my daughter used it to get to shore) they just wanted to make sure we were safe, okay, and most of all that my daughter was okay. We drove back the mile+ to pick her up and then returned the life jacket. We parted ways and headed to the store to get dry clothes and joyfully finished our ATX day trip, laughing and knowing we will now have an unforgettable story to tell at every family gathering. Much to my surprise I got home and received an email that Retro had given me a full refund. I can't tell you how great their concern and communication was. They were genuinely kind and compassionate. Regardless of the craziness we experienced, it was one of the best experiences we have had, and can't wait to go back. Thank...

For Father’s Day weekend, our family decided to try something unique and memorable by renting a retro boat from Retro Boat Rentals in Austin. This experience turned out to be an absolute delight and provided us with cherished memories.

Smooth Sailing from Start to Finish

From the moment we checked in, the process was seamless. The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home. Despite our lack of boating experience, they provided clear and concise instructions on how to operate the Alesa Boat. They reassured us that the boat was straightforward to handle, and they were right. With a speed cap of 4-5 MPH, it was perfect for beginners like us.

A Nostalgic Cruise Through Austin

The Alesa Boat was ready and waiting as soon as we arrived. Its charming retro design added a nostalgic touch to our adventure. We embarked on a leisurely cruise around the Colorado River, soaking in the stunning views of Austin’s cityscape. The boat’s easy maneuverability allowed us to navigate effortlessly, and within minutes, we were confidently exploring the waters.

Perfect Timing for the Perfect Day

We enjoyed nearly an hour of cruising, and the allotted 90 minutes was ideal. It gave us plenty of time to relax and take in the sights without feeling rushed. Whether it was the sun glistening on the water or the serene ambiance of the river, every moment was a joy.

Memories to Cherish

This boat ride wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about bonding as a family. We shared laughter, took countless photos, and created memories that will last a lifetime. The Retro Boat Rentals team played a significant part in making this happen with their excellent service and well-maintained boats.

In conclusion, our Father’s Day cruise on the Colorado River with Retro Boat Rentals was an unforgettable experience. The combination of a beautifully restored boat, friendly staff, and the scenic Austin backdrop made for a perfect day. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city and create lasting memories with your loved ones, I highly recommend giving Retro Boat...

Retro Boat Rentals ATX offers one of the most visually charming ways to explore Lady Bird Lake. We’d admired these vintage-style boats from the shore for a long time—their eye-catching design always draws attention. Finally, we rented two boats with friends and were able to appreciate them up close. The boats are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside, with excellent upkeep and attention to detail from the staff.

Each boat is powered by an electric motor, which we were told is a city requirement for this area. The benefit? A quiet ride with no exhaust fumes—just the sounds of the lake and the city in the background. It’s a peaceful, relaxing experience. We timed our rental for the famous bat flight under Congress Bridge, but unfortunately, the bats didn’t show up that night.

Important to note: You can’t go very far in these boats. The company restricts movement with geo-tracking and enforces a hard limit on how far past the Congress Avenue Bridge you can travel. We had planned to dock at a lakeside restaurant, but quickly learned that wasn’t possible. They also monitor proximity—when our two boats pulled up close to each other, we immediately received a message and screenshot asking us to keep our distance.

There are a few strict rules. Each boat is limited to 4 people maximum, no exceptions—we had 5 and had to rent a second boat. Also, fishing gear isn’t allowed; one of our friends had a rod with him (not planning to use it), and he was required to leave it behind.

Despite the limitations, this is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a chill, picturesque outing. The boats are incredibly photogenic—very Instagrammable—and perfect for a slow cruise. We’d recommend bringing a cooler with snacks or a bottle of prosecco to make it a relaxing experience. Just don’t expect a fast ride or the ability to make stops along the way—this is about the journey, not the...