
Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour worth booking?
Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour is a 3-hour experience in Austin, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Enjoy a total 3 hour experience where you take a 20-25 minute cruise from the Loop 360 Boat Ramp to Ski Shores Cafe (Price includes round trip). The boat shuttle runs from the Loop 360 Bridge to Ski Shore Restaurant on the lake. While at Ski Shores Cafe you can enjoy live music, dinner, Lake Austin Sunsets on the water, Brunch, etc. When you are ready to leave, just hop on the boat shuttle departure time from Ski Shores back to Loop 360. The shuttle picks up every hour on the hour until 9:00pm. (20-25 min Cruise each way) Most groups stay a total of 2-3 hours at ski shores.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a total 3 hour experience where you take a 20-25 minute cruise from the Loop 360 Boat Ramp to Ski Shores Cafe (Price includes round trip). The boat shuttle runs from the Loop 360 Bridge to Ski Shore Restaurant on the lake. While at Ski Shores Cafe you can enjoy live music, dinner, Lake Austin Sunsets on the water, Brunch, etc. When you are ready to leave, just hop on the boat shuttle departure time from Ski Shores back to Loop 360. The shuttle picks up every hour on the hour until 9:00pm. (20-25 min Cruise each way) Most groups stay a total of 2-3 hours at ski shores.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Fuel
- Ice
- Captain
- Cooler (Large)
- Floats
What you'll see and do
Pennybacker Bridge
This architectural marvel, also known as the 360 Bridge, elegantly stretches over Lake Austin with its unique, rust-colored steel arch design. As you pass beneath, notice how it harmoniously blends with the rugged Texas landscape. This bridge is not only an engineering achievement but also a beloved symbol of Austin, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Hill Country from its vantage point above.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Austin Country Club
Founded in 1899, the Austin Country Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in Texas. Its meticulously maintained fairways and greens sit against a scenic lakeside backdrop. As we cruise by, marvel at the sophisticated clubhouse and the lush, championship golf course, which hosts the PGA Tour's Dell Technologies Match Play each spring, attracting the world's top golfers.
Pass by without stopping
Mount Bonnell
Known as one of Austin’s highest points, Mount Bonnell towers over Lake Austin, offering expansive views of the city and surrounding areas. Climbing the historic stone steps to the top reveals a sweeping vista that encompasses the downtown skyline, winding Colorado River, and lush Hill Country. It's a celebrated spot for locals and tourists alike to catch a stunning sunset or simply marvel at the city's natural beauty
Pass by without stopping
A beloved lakefront institution since 1954, Ski Shores Café is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, live music, and irresistible menu of burgers, tacos, and cold drinks. Pull up to its dock and soak in the authentic Austin vibes as you mingle with locals enjoying a day on the water. This rustic gem embodies the spirit of the lake lifestyle with its casual charm and scenic views.
120 minutes here
Featuring luxury estates and innovative architectural designs, The Echelon stands as a premier lakeside community. Its homes boast modern amenities and private docks, perfect for enjoying the lake's recreational opportunities. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, these residences offer unparalleled elegance and a front-row seat to Lake Austin's spectacular sunsets.
Pass by without stopping
This 35-acre preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife, offering a pristine stretch of land preserved for native plant and animal species. Glide by quietly to spot deer grazing near the shore or herons and egrets wading along the lake's edge. This vital habitat plays a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of the Lake Austin area, providing a peaceful haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Austin
There is a booth that will charge you $5 per person as an entry fee. The boat will be located directly under the bridge by the water. Walk down to the waters edge under the bridge.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
There is a booth that will charge you $5 per person as an entry fee. The boat will be located directly under the bridge by the water. Walk down to the waters edge under the bridge.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Austin Rental Boats
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Boat Travel Time to and From Ski Shores Cafe is included in the total 3 hour duration.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bachelorette group recommends Mike!!!
Mike was a fantastic guide! He played great music, he was knowledgeable about the area, and was so kind! We visited the area for a bachelorette and we would absolutely book again!! Ski shores restaurant had great vibes, delicious food and great drinks!
via Tripadvisor
Best bachelorette trip boat ride
Overall very amazing, Mike was an incredible captain. He was very kind and took our pictures for our bachelorette trip. He also helped give us advice on where to go downtown. He gave us all waters which was extremely nice and appreciated on a hot summer day. Big fan of Mike!!
via Tripadvisor
Boat shuttle service
My friends and I used this company for a shuttle ride and felt very welcomed. Mike Flynn was amazing! He showed us around before dropping us off and gave us suggestions for different areas around town! Very friendly service, would book again!
via Tripadvisor
Toured us down the river and talked about homes, places to visit, played great music, and took our pictures.
Mike Flynn was an awesome guide, he was VERY knowledgeable about the area and we felt safe with our captain!
via Tripadvisor
Great boat ride
Mike gave us an extended boat tour of the river and we had a great time. Easy pickup and dropoffs.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Austin Rental Boats, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.3.
See everything Austin Rental Boats runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Austin.
How much does Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Austin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Austin is not rushed.
Is Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Austin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Austin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Austin and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Austin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Austin?
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Austin's activity list runs on food and water: barbecue crawls to the pits that sell out by noon, Lady Bird Lake kayaking under the Congress Avenue bat colony, live music walks on Rainey and Red River, and Hill Country wine and distillery runs. We weight timing detail in the ranking, because a barbecue tour that arrives after the brisket is gone is a different product entirely. On Outty we rank every Austin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide, The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Downtown Austin. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Austin?
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March to May and October to November, avoiding the triple-digit summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Austin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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Included: Bottled water; Fuel; Ice; Captain; and Cooler (Large). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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There is a booth that will charge you $5 per person as an entry fee. The boat will be located directly under the bridge by the water. Walk down to the waters edge under the bridge. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Boat Shuttle to Ski Shores - Scenic Water Taxi Tour?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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