Lone Star Riverboat

4.5 (473 reviews)

Boat Charters, Boat Tours

Open • 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 2 months ago

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Lone Star Riverboat - Downtown Austin - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Lone star river boat bat tour - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - The bats can't see the red like similar to infrared lights not seen by human eyes - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset of the lake - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Heading back to the dock - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Austin skyline - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Bats! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - The bat bridge. Look at all the people on the bridge waiting for the bats - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Austin bats!! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This was a great tour! We booked the event for the bat tour but as an added bonus, we learned quite a bit about the buildings and their history. The tour guide was great and very funny! We were also fortunate to see a lot of bats coming from under the bridge. The guide told us the history of the bats and why and how they are now under the bridge. Highly recommend. Such a value for the price.

Anna M.

Great experience! Super helpful staff and engaging tour. Amazed by the amount of bats that we saw and the evening Austin skyline was incredible!

Jesse N.

We had a good time. The "trip" is not long nor does it go far, but you get a great view of the city and we definitely saw the bats well. Our tour guide was a young lady and she did a great job of telling us about the buildings, the lake, and the bats. One thing I was not thrilled with, my friend fell while boarding because the ramp slid off the boat. We thought she would fall into the lake but she didn't. The lady from this business told us that they knew the ramp was "doing that" and they pushed it to the side. Well if you k ew that... Anyway, we enjoyed the evening and she was fine so. Ok.

Paige H.

For $12 per person you really can't beat the price for this tour. You get a little tour of the Austin skyline at sunset which is pretty neat and then continue waiting until the bats decide they want to come out. I must say, it wasn't the experience we thought we were going to have with the bats. From photos we have seen, we thought they would come out as a group and fly away, however, they stay super close to the bridge and you can only see them when the captain shines a red light on them. I looked up the price for the kayaks and they paid about $60 a person, so I would choose this tour any day for the price.

Ranger A.

We decided to do the sunset/bat tour and so glad we did. Their prices were very reasonable and the narration was well done. One of the highlights of our trip. My only (minor) complaint was that the seating leaves something to be desired (I've back problems), they use those cheap stackable plastic chairs you get at Target etc.

Austin ever changing skyline October 2025

April B.

Beautiful Austin day for a boat ride. The 2 guys leading the tour and driving the boat were friendly and professional. 1 hour boat ride and you get to board 45 minutes before departure to enjoy being on Town Lake. There is Soda and water available for purchase. You can bring your own beverage of choice. There is a restroom on board. Whether you live in Austin or visiting you will learn something new. I highly recommend.

Tinamarie R.

Had such a good time!! Our captain was fantastic and had us laughing. She gave us a lot of great information about downtown Austin. Loved her music choices- Stevie Ray and George Strait. Definitely recommend this. It is such a great value and experience.

4 boat options to choose from on a first come first serve basis.

Kandice T.

My experience was very mediocre. Let's start with the information provided prior to our scheduled tour. I was happy that they gave several parking options, however, as tourists from out of town we did not know the lay of the land. The first and free option was to park at Vic Mathias Shores. I didn't review the map fully, as they suggested, so it was my own fault that we parked at the complete opposite side of the park requiring us to walk 15 minutes to the dock. (Just a warning to others NOT to do this.) We made it to the dock with time to spare and check-in was seamless. All we had to do was give our names. There were 4 boats to choose from: one double-decker with tables and chairs, two medium-sized boats with just chairs and one smaller boat with just chairs. We chose one of the mid-sized boats, but later wished that we'd chosen the double-decker because of the tables. You are allowed to bring drinks onboard, but the seating was very cramped. It would have been nice to have a table. Some of the staff were loud and rowdy prior to departure. I listened as they made snide remarks about the customers not listening and not signing the waiver, as instructed. When we checked in, we were told to choose a boat and find a seat. I first heard mention of the waiver AFTER we had already boarded and gotten ourselves comfortable. We did not make any extra effort to get off and sign the waiver, so if that is important to them, they might want to streamline that process to ensure they get all of the required signatures. The captain of the double-decker boat gave a safety speech, but it sounded like he was speaking to just the passengers of his boat. I listened but expected our captain to give a speech too. He did not. I have no clue where our life vests were, but we were told that the water was fairly shallow, and we could probably stand and walk out of the lake in an emergency situation. The boat ride itself was peaceful, leisurely and informative. AND due to the presence of the bat colony, there were little to no insects bothering us while on the water. The biggest disappointment came when the bats didn't emerge within the allotted timeframe and our captain took a vote asking who wanted to stay out longer or return to the dock. I'm almost certain that those seated in front of me did not even hear what he said. I think HE was ready to go home! We saw very few "scout" bats. They come out to check the scenery before letting the colony know that it is safe to emerge. We did not make it to that point because our captain took us back to the dock. If I were to do this again, I would rent a kayak or duck boat and take it out ourselves so that we're in control of when we go in or give up for the night, but for $14 per person, this wasn't too bad.

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Crystal S.

1 year ago

Great trip. Very informative. Beautiful skyline. You need to be patient. The bats come out when they are ready.

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Fred D.

Glad you got to see the bats - thank you and we hope to see you again!

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Elizabeth A R.

2 years ago

This was a fun tour that included more than just the bats. We got a detailed explanation of every single building along the skyline. This was ok but a little long and filled with inside jokes that seemed only to make the guide chuckle. The most unfortunate part was the guide talked nonstop, never quieting down for a moment to enjoy the experience. She just couldn't stop talking, sometimes even to herself. Other passengers were unhappy with it too. I guess for the fantastic price you have to put up with some things but it really detracted from the experience. I give the bats themselves 10 stars and a worth seeing. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for your review, our captains do like to talk and joke too!…

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Chloe F.

Elite 23

4 years ago

Lone Star was the perfect activity for my quick solo trip to Austin. Captain Hannah is so knowledgeable and shared very detailed histories of the buildings and infrastructure around the Austin downtown area. She also gave extra time to our boat to enjoy the late season of the bat flight so that we could catch all the activity in the last bit of light. If you are going to see the bats release from congress, you want to do it on the water. The downside of the riverboat is it is packed tight and if you are not cozy with strangers you might feel like quite a moist sardine! read more

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Fred D.

Thanks for the very nice review - our Captain Hannah is awesome!!…

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Shannon F.

2 years ago

What a great experience. Was nice to cruise the lake and get facts about the city. The bats were amazing and the boat captain had so much knowledge about the bats. Be on time the boat will leave on time whether you're on it or not. Definitely recommend! read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for your review! So glad you enjoyed your cruise, our…

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Maddie S.

Elite 25

221

262

222

3 years ago

Captain Sharon did an amazing job finding us some grade A bat sightings. She had some wonderful bat facts that she shared with us. She also gave us the skyline tour while we waited for the bats to emerge. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Skyline from the boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you! Our Captain Sharon is awesome, always full of fun-facts…

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Barbara S.

1 year ago

Very fun and informative narrator and great bat viewing! We've tried bat watching from the Congress bridge more than once and had a hard time seeing them emerge. Viewing from the water below was so much better! And the Austin skyline all lit up was spectacular. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and thought it was very reasonably priced--great value! read more

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Jenn D.

2 years ago

Wonderful trip in the boat. Very informative and the bats for not dissapoint!! Our captain was funny and very knowledgeable.

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Fred D.

Thank you Jenn, glad you enjoyed the cruise and the bat show! Hope…

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Cindy D.

3 years ago

Great experience! Guide was great and funny. The bats were amazing! Super fun and we're locals. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset cruise - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

So wonderful you got to come out for our cruise and see the bats!…

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Susan G.

140

2 years ago

This riverboat tour to see the bat bridge was awesome! Our tour guide was hilarious and very entertaining. He gave us a history of the buildings in Austin and the river. We watched the bats fly out from their homs in the bridge it was such a cool thing to see! I highly recommend this tour!! read more

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Fred D.

Thank you and yes, the bat emergence is awesome as well as the…

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Hannah B.

102

2 years ago

We went on the Bat Boat ride. It was so fun and our "speaking captain" was great! She gave background on the bats and downtown Austin. For $14 a ticket it was well worth it. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you and our captains are awesome!! So much fun and so…

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William P.

5 years ago

An awesome way to see the city sunset and the bats. The guide was funny and informative, the trip was a fair price and timed just right. The only feedback I would pass along is parking can be hard, a few members of my party had trouble finding the dock. If the signs could be improved along the walking path, that would be nice. Overall, would recommend. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - One of the shots from the boat. - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you, we are an awesome boat cruise company with wonderful and…

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Joseph W.

2 years ago

We had a great time. Good way to see the skyline and learn about some of the history. The particular night was an amazing sunset and the bats were very active. Captain Melissa was great and very informative. Highly recommended! read more

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Fred D.

So glad you all enjoyed the cruise and Captain Melissa, she is…

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Heather C.

3 years ago

We went out on August 30th which was the night of the Super Blue Moon. The bats must have been affected by that and came out 40 minutes later then the night before. Jameson, our guide made sure our cruise was extended so we could see the bats. We had a great time with family from out of town! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Our twin granddaughters on the bat tour - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset with the hubs and I on the bat tour! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you! Such nice photos and you all look like you are having a…

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Elvira O.

Elite 26

302

422

1497

5 years ago

Dad jokes and more dad jokes! I love it. This one hour boat tour is great for Austin newbies like myself and my boyfriend. They take you down Lady Bird river and explain all things Austin, of course with plenty of dad jokes thrown in. It's a good time! I learned a lot especially about the migration of bats that stop in Austin every summer to have their babies within the bridge. I'm not sure I want to be under the bridge when all those bats are out and about but I definitely would love to visit Austin again and would recommend anyone visiting take this fun boat ride. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Fun in the freezing cold! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you!!! Our captains do a great job on entertaining the guests…

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Erica G.

Elite 21

108

189

5 years ago

We enjoyed a 12:30 tour...the guide made the 1 hour trip fun and informative. If you're coming in the summer...be warned. It IS super hot...Do not forget your sunblock, your sunvisors or hats, sunglasses and water! Especially if you're drinking ....yes one hour can dehydrate you quickly. Definitely worth it even if you're local like I am :) read more

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Fred D.

Thank you Erica!! Yes, it does get hot but the captains sure make the…

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Megan P.

3 years ago

Had a great experience! We brought snacks and drinks and loved that it came with a little "tour" of the skyline buildings with a bit of history. Captain Fred was hilarious and made it a great time. Loved seeing the bats, Fred knew a lot im of info on them and there were some great questions! Highly recommend! read more

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Fred D.

So nice you had a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing your…

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Barclay B.

2 years ago

Excellent choice. We did the bat tour our last night and wish we did earlier. So much more than about bats. Great overview of Austin. Captain Mike did a great job. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for coming out and enjoying the cruise- hope to see you…

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Thomas L.

3 years ago

1hr tour was very good! Easy access to the dock. You can book online. Remember to apply sunscreen! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Skyline - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Ed V.

5 years ago

Booked the 7pm BAT tour! The tour left the dock ontime, so word to the wise, be on time! I cant stress this enough. Boarded at 645pm which boarding begins at 615pm. The tour lasted an hour and was narrated by our funny and witty Captain who was very knowledgable of Austin and the Bats. The water is smooth and very calm. My ticket was $12.00 so it was well worth the experience to view this from the boat vs the bridge. Plus the many good times onboard made it worth it. This is a must when visiting Austin. The boat has an ADA ramp. Happy travels! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset view of bridge and Austin skyline - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Bats...bats...bats... everywhere - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - View of the bridge and Austin skyline - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Colony of bats exiting bridge with bridge in background - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Bats flying in formation - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Casey B.

3 years ago

Taken this boat tour twice now. Nice little cruise while learning about the Austin skyline along the lake.. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting!! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - View from the top deck of the boat! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you and it looks like you are on the big boat the Lone Star,…

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Caroline F.

Elite 23

262

376

136

5 years ago

We had a great time! We went in April while visiting family to watch the bats. Got a nice tour of Austin and learned things we never would have been exposed to otherwise The host was charming and it was all very comfortable. I recommend. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - The tour guide - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset, waiting for bats - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you for your 5 star review! Our captains are great at…

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Angelina D.

2 years ago

Very fun. Bats emerged around 7:50 PM. Our boat captain was funny very informative. We would highly recommend. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Bats flying out from under the bridge - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Beautiful view of the city - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you and yes, the bats are having nice to good emergences at…

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Charlynn R.

Elite 26

407

1230

7 years ago

This tour was definitely worth while during our stay in Austin. We did the bar tour and It was about an hour or so boat ride. Our guide took us up and down the water and pointed out some bridges and building with a small list of facts. The main reason though for this tour was of course to see the bats at Congress Bridge. It was pretty cool! Probably the best way to see the bats too. They warned of feeling rain drops that are actually bat droppings. I didn't notice it but just be aware that could happen. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for your review - the bats are great seeing them from the…

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Shawn T.

Elite 26

304

860

5 years ago

We were able to join as walkons. The captain and crew were super nice, funny, and welcoming. They gave a good overview of the waterway and a brief history of downtown Austin. For an hour ride it was quite entertaining and had great views of Austin. read more

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Fred D.

So happy you had a nice ride, thank you for your excellent review.…

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Louise B.

2 years ago

Captain Toby is the best! He ensured everyone had a great time and gave us a little extra time to see the bats.

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Fred D.

Thank you for your wonderful review, our Captain Toby is awesome as…

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Jessica W.

Elite 24

299

509

423

4 years ago

Welcome to Austin! We've lived here for a year and I have been saying I wanted to do a Bat Cruise since we got here. What a great time! Tickets are easy to get (do it a week in advance for no stress choices), instructions to park were simple and easy to achieve without feeling like you're lost in a big city, and boarding was a breeze! Make sure you give yourself a little time to park, walk over to the dock and check in, so you aren't freaking out that you went to check in at the wrong cruise company 2 minutes before departure I took my 5 year old and we had a blast. It's BYOB (or chocolate milk!) and enjoy the ride. Lots of turtles and oh my GAWD the Texas sky is so dreamy. You can't really take a bad photo. The "flying chicken nuggets" as named by our guide & my son, were plentiful. We got to see them and hear them and we learned all about them from our funny guide Michelle who had lots of corny jokes that we truly enjoyed. Great experience! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - 1st street bridge skyline - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Woman's Rights Mural - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Into the sunset in the bat cruise - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Gorgeous photo ops - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Great time for families! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Austin breathtaking views - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Turtles!! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Excellent city views - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

How funny - flying chicken nuggets - don't think we have heard that…

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Flora B.

Elite 24

238

116

329

4 years ago

My son and I went on the sunset bat cruise and really enjoyed the ride. We saw the bats flocking out for the evening for a good 30 minutes, total of 1.5M. The dusk skyline was gorgeous. Tip: During the summer, order tickets a few weeks in advance and take the back seat next to the captain for more comfort. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Bats come out!!! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Sunset view - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

What a nice review, thank you!

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Elisa M.

Elite 26 All-Star

213

920

3932

6 years ago

If you ever want to get a little history of the downtown area around the lake and get some amazing photos, this is the cruise to take. We were a little disappointed because the big boat wasn't working but we're just as pleased by the end of the cruise. (Side note, carry an umbrella with you as the top deck doesn't have any awning and if by chance it's not working and you end up on the smaller boats you are sitting in plastic chairs and nothing to shield you from the Texas heat). They do allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks or they have soda & water for sell ($2/each). So if you can imagine an hours trip down the lake learning about how overpriced some condos/apartments are going for, pointing out some of the things you may have never know (like the lake isn't that deep in most areas), catching a glimpse of the bats and just spending a little time in relaxation mode, this is the place you want to be. (Side note- arrive early, parking is limited due to construction). read more

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Fred D.

Thank you Elisa, so happy you got to ride with us. Hope to see you…

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Vanessa T.

2 years ago

We had a great experience! Easy to reserve, especially since we were a large group, and very inexpensive! Our guide was funny and gave us good insight to the buildings in the downtown area! The best part was watching the bats take flight!! read more

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Fred D.

Very happy you had such a nice experience, thank you! Our captains…

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Vanessa T.

Elite 26

165

506

6 years ago

Bat cruise was such a unique experience. The captain was funny.... a bit corny but it added to the experience. Got to learn a lot about the buildings and skyline prior to viewing the flight of bats. read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Perfect for sun set! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - View of skyline from boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you for joining our bat watching/sunset cruise! A great place…

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TL S.

4 years ago

We had a ticket mixup and they were as accommodating as they could be. Our tour captain Toby-Wan was super friendly and gave us a lot of information on bats, bat behavior and city history highlights. We had a great time! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Lonesome George - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Skyline with moon and bats - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fred D.

Thank you for your very nice review - yes, Captain Toby-Wan is…

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Debbie G.

Elite 18

3 years ago

This is a great tour for the price. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. It was more than just sitting under the bridge waiting for bats. We were there during the birthing period, so not as many fly out and it would have definitely been difficult to see them from the bridge. We met a nice couple from Connecticut and had an enjoyable evening overall. read more

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Fred D.

So happy you got to join our cruise and meet new people and enjoy…

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Michelle R.

2 years ago

I was traveling solo through Austin and I purchased a last-minute ticket on the Lone Star bat-watching cruise. It exceeded all of my expectations! Even though it was late October and only about 30% of the 1.5 million bat colony were active, there was still a ton of bat activity and I got a front row seat to watch! Would highly recommend! read more

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Fred D.

Thank you, Michelle, yes, our tours are awesome and with this nice…

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Christine S.

3 years ago

Great trip and great info! Loved it and can't beat it for the price. Captain Toby is the best!

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Fred D.

Thank you for taking the time to give us some positive feedback! It…

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Doris J.

3 years ago

We had a great experience. The only thing I would change is that we drove and parked at the Hyatt which ended up costing us $31, next time we will take an Uber. The tour guide was great and gave us some very interesting facts about the river and Austin. We were comfortable and the staff was very helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for your informative review, yes, parking can get…

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Madeline Z.

Elite 26

183

438

4 years ago

$13 well spent. The bats didn't come out tonight but the co-captains did a nice job with Austin skyline information and facts on the bats. Not sure if there was water or soda on board but I didn't see any. BYOB allowed. Sit on the second story deck for a great view read more

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Fred D.

Thank you and hope to see you again soon on one of our cruises!

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Virginia L.

101

4 years ago

My husband and I are in Austin for a few days and seeing the bats was top of our list of things to do. It's Sunday, and I was able to book a same-day evening bat tour with Lone Star Riverboat this morning. We had a really good time! The tour guide shared lots of fun facts about the buildings along the river, Austin, and the bats. They were very entertaining and engaging. The only thing we did not like was that come nightfall when the bats came out, the tour guide parked the boat right under the bridge! I think they did this so we could see the bats emerge from underneath, but I really wished we were further away. I would've liked a view of the whole bridge and to not have to keep looking straight up (an added reason why I would've preferred not to look up/ be directly under the bridge-- bat poo! They are teeny tiny droplets, but I did get pooped on.) I felt like I didn't get the full perspective of what was happening because of the location. This was the only part of the tour I wish was different. However, there are 4 boats total with Lone Star, and all the other 3 boats were further away, and not under the bridge. Our tour guide did say they were new, so perhaps that was the reason for the proximity. Some Tips: - Go to the bathroom at the Hyatt Hotel before the ride! It's only a 3 minute walk, and they don't check you in or anything. The bathrooms in the park were out of toilet paper. - Wear a hat and sunglasses. - Bring cash. They do sell water and soda before you get on, but it's cash only. - A line was already formed by 6:15. Make sure you line up by the ramp, not the stairs. Overall a fun time! read more

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Fred D.

Thank you for your time and information for your very nice and…

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Tarafrancy B.

115

174

3 years ago

Great experience. Super easy to book online. Great sunset view and Captain Mike was super entertaining and knowledgeable about Austin History and present day trivia. Great family fun and a memory we'll have forever. read more

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Fred D.

So nice to hear you had a wonderful time and it is a wonderful…

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Ralph T.

Elite 23

292

116

4 years ago

What a wonderful way to see the city! I brought my parents here for the sunset/bat cruise while they were visiting town. This is a great option for families or older guests who may like to see the city without walking a lot. Affordable, easy to access, and exceptional crew. We didn't see many bats when we went.. but that's not their fault. read more

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Fred D.

Thank you!! Yes, the bats are hiding from this heat!!! Usually this…

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Bryanna M.

4 years ago

Perfect way to start our trip! The boats fill up quickly so arrive early to get seats - especially if you have a group. We LOVED our boat captain! She was so funny and loved the history she shared about the city skyline along the River. We didn't know you could BYOB so bring a cocktail for the ride! Parking was a little tricky as the street fills up quickly and we parked at the hotel parking lot. It made it so much easier. Sunset and weather was perfect and beautiful. The bats did not disappoint! It was something worth doing and at a great price!! read more

Lone Star Riverboat - Batsssss - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Congress St Bridge from the water. - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Our amazing Captain! See the awesome bat hat!? - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - New Google building! Very cool design. - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Who who is that? - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - A dedication to women's right to vote - a powerful and beautifully artistic tribute! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Loading up! - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Fun swan rental! So many cool boats on the water and paddle boarders and kayaks. - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lone Star Riverboat - Beautiful sunset & flying the American flag off the boat. - Boat Charters Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Business owner information

Fred D.

Thank you for your review!! Our captain Sharon is amazing and knows…

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208 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
Town Lake
Directions
(512) 327-1388
Call Now
Visit Website
http://lonestarriverboat.com/

Payment methods

Does Lone Star Riverboat take Bitcoin?

No, Lone Star Riverboat does not take Bitcoin.

Does Lone Star Riverboat take credit cards?

Yes, Lone Star Riverboat takes credit cards.

Other Amenities

Does Lone Star Riverboat have free WiFi?

Yes, Lone Star Riverboat has free WiFi.

From the Business

History

Established in 1987.

Purchased the original "Lone Star" riverboat in 1987. Lone Star Riverboat, Inc. has grown the business into a full-time operation, now featuring four boats that are all environmentally-friendly battery powered vessels. We added the Little Star in 2000 and the Southern Star in 2007 and now the Northern Star in 2017 to be used for nightly sunset/bat watching cruises or 1 hour private parties. We use the Lone Star for our weekend sightseeing cruises at 12:30 and 3 pm and our Friday night moonlight cruise at 10:30 pm and private charters for up to 100 guests. We are the original sunset/bat watching cruise on Lake Lady Bird. Our Bat Watching public cruises are from March-October, other cruises from March - December and January to March. We offer private charters on the Lone Star, any time year -round.

Meet the Business Owner: Fred D.

Captain Fred DuPuy is our newest owner. A family man with a wife in the military. He has always enjoyed being outside and especially enjoys being on the water. He has a captain's license and enjoys operating boats on Lake Lady Bird (formally Town Lake) and at his home in Lakeway. We are proud to have a family-owned business that has been successful for many years. We are now part of the city of Austin concession and give back each month to the nationally recognized park system.

More Info

Hours

Ask the Community - Lone Star Riverboat

Do they give life jackets for toddlers (2yr old)?

It is not requires because the lake is shallow but there is a life jacket for everyone on the boat if you choose to wear one!

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Review Highlights - Lone Star Riverboat

“We booked the event for the bat tour but as an added bonus, we learned quite a bit about the buildings and their history.”

Mentioned in 29 reviews

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28 reviews that are not currently recommended

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katy d.

17 years ago

My parents were in town & this was perfect for us. But, it'd be a great "date night" or something too. I had a great experience with Lone Star from beginning to end. The lady in the office was great when I made reservations, the greeting at the dock was wonderful, our tour guide was entertaining and full of fun Austin & bat facts, THE BATS WERE GREAT the night we went, and the sunset was gorgeous. All in all- it was totally worth my $10. A few pointers to those thinking about taking a tour: 1. make reservations in advance...and show up on time. If you're late, your seat can be sold to stand-by passengers. 2. come early and give yourself time to park....the area was kind of confusing. ALSO- read parking signs carefully...there were some tow away signs out there. (the Lone Star web site has maps etc.) 3. My group didn't go on the big double-decker boat. But, really we had a great view from the pontoon boat that we took....and the type of boat we were on didn't make a difference when you get right down to it. 4. Don't trust your phone to take a good picture...you'll want a digi for this one. 5. I felt horrible that I didn't have extra cash for a tip at the end. The captain talked for the whole hour almost......I tip waitresses all the time and it only takes them 10 seconds to deliver my food. 6. Think about bringing a hat. The sun's out when you leave the dock....so it's pretty bright. And then, the bats CAN and WILL poop on you. ewww. haha! read more

Ken T.

11 years ago

Boat: electric motor, quiet, comfortable, can reposition moveable chairs to crest group seating. Don't expect the large paddle boat, they reserve this for only charters. The boat you will most likely use is the pontoon. You can bring drinks and food but no tables to eat. Boarding: you have to get there around 6:25 to guarantee a seat with your party. Fills up fast and then it's hurry up and wait. Route: the route is nice. Would have enjoyed a longer ride in each direction instead of the stopping and babbling by captain Narration: absolutely terrible. Horrible anecdotes, crude innuendos and overall very displeasing. Captain beard ruined an otherwise beautiful evening along the river with her incessant babbling and diarrhea of the mouth. There was not one moment of silence to enjoy the ride. I would not recommend. Clearly they are targeting the one time non repeat crowd because there's no reason to go back and listen to that jibber jabber ever again. I'm embarrassed for the city that out of towers have to endure listening to that garbage. It's time for the city to update the quality of this concessionaire. read more

Heather A.

9 years ago

You cannot find a better thing to do in Austin! I've been on several cruises and it's always a treat! I take all my out-of-town guests to Lone Star Riverboat to see the bats, The staff is amazing, the boats are impeccable, and the tour is the most Austin-thing you can do downtown. I've met the owner and he's the coolest guy who really believes in creating an amazing experience for all that board his boats. I highly recommend taking a ride with Lone Star Riverboat! You won't regret it! Also, the specialty cruises (New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day) are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! Good food, great atmosphere, and super affordable! LOVE this company! read more

Julie M.

7 years ago

This was a really good tour for the cost. Captain Chris did a thorough job of pointing out key points along the shore and provided historical context. One thing to please make note of--bring cash! I felt so bad because there was a tip jar, but I rarely have cash on me and a tip was well-deserved. It might be a good idea for them to provide a digital option to provide a tip. It was very HOT on the top, and the lack of jovial banter on our tour was completely due to heat discomfort--not the captain's jokes. He was really funny and delivered great humor along the journey. Great view of the city. You won't be disappointed. read more

Heather A.

140

8 years ago

You will not find a better business in Austin! The owner (Mike) is fantastic and employs a great crew. I've been on bat cruises (also perfect for out-of-town guests) and special event cruises (New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day). So fun! I cannot say enough about this company. Don't be fooled by competitors on the lake, as they cannot deliver the same experience. Check them out - You will not be disappointed! read more

Kendall M.

7 years ago

We had a fantastic time! It was super hot and humid so we chose the boat with the indoor seating with AC! It was great to be able to have a cool place to sit with the kids and then also be able to take them out to the railings to see the bats up close. The tour guide was very funny and engaging - he made it such a fun experience! We highly recommend taking a Lonestar boat tour! read more

Marisol O.

7 years ago

It was a nice little cruise with my family. My girls usually get bored when we take them to see new places but they really enjoyed themselves. Bella was very informative and we learned things that we probably wouldn't have learned about Austin otherwise. I liked the fact that you can take your own drinks in the boat too. It was a nice experience overall! read more

Ericka I.

7 years ago

We had an amazing time. Isabella our captain gave a entertaining and informative tour. She also let my daughter hold the red light while we where watching the bats fly out from under the bridge! My daughter felt so special on her birthday. We are already planning a weekend tour with a group of friends. Thank you so much Bella!! read more

Rachael R.

7 years ago

Really fun cruise to see the bats. My kids took me for my birthday & we were blessed with a beautiful sunset, nice weather, and a fabulous view of the bats. Great bang for buck! BTW- The river is only 4ft deep for those nervous about being on the water... read more

Noe B.

5 years ago

my family and I really enjoyed the cruise. Lots of interesting information was given about the beautiful city of Austin while on the tour. Highly recommended if you have an hour to kill while visiting Austin. If you live city skylines this tour is perfect read more

Amanda S.

16 years ago

Went on the cruise on saturday. It started it at 8 p.m. and we got there at 7 to a full boat. There were 3 seperate boats, 1 big and 2 small ones. I was on a small one and we saw tons of bats. It would be cooler if the boats could go faster though. read more

Carla S.

7 years ago

They timed the bats to come out in perfect time! It poured, but it was still fun. I've been to Texas seven times before this and tried to see the bats during the spring and was never successful so it was a hoot to see them last night!! (AUGUST) read more

Danny L.

246

6 years ago

Got here 15 minutes before and they gave away our spot and refused to let us board. Im hoping the refund process is easy I really don't want to go through the bank. The staff were also rude and told me and other customers to "%^# off" read more

Alice J.

6 years ago

The main boat was not available for our moonlight cruise however the experience was still very relaxing. Captain Shelby had an awesome relaxing playlist. Be sure to BYOB and snacks. read more

Chelsea H.

5 years ago

We enjoyed the bat river boat cruise immensely! Captain Sharon gave us a great tour, with some history! We were lucky enough to see the bats in flight read more