What to Pack for Your Lake Travis Boat Rental

Your Essential Lake Travis Packing List

You have booked your boat rental on Lake Travis, the group chat is buzzing, and the day is almost here. Now comes the important question: what do you actually need to bring? Packing the right essentials can be the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Here is our tried-and-true packing list, refined over thousands of boat rentals.

The Must-Haves

Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – This is number one for a reason. The Texas sun on the lake is intense, especially between 11am and 3pm. Bring reef-safe waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Sunburns can ruin the rest of your trip, so do not skip this.

Water – Staying hydrated is critical when you are in the sun all day. Bring more water than you think you need. A good rule of thumb is one gallon per person for a half-day rental. Dehydration sneaks up on you quickly.

Towels – Bring at least one towel per person. Quick-dry towels are ideal because they pack light and dry fast between swims.

Cooler with Ice – You will want cold drinks and snacks throughout the day. A quality cooler packed with ice keeps everything cold for hours. Bring pre-made sandwiches, fruit, chips, and any beverages your group enjoys.

Swimsuit and Change of Clothes – Wear your swimsuit to the boat and bring a dry change of clothes for after. Trust us, you do not want to drive home in a wet swimsuit.

Nice to Have

Waterproof Phone Case – Your phone is going to be right in the splash zone. A waterproof pouch or case keeps it protected while still letting you take photos and play music.

Sunglasses with a Strap – A retainer strap keeps your sunglasses from ending up at the bottom of the lake when you jump in the water.

Hat or Visor – Extra sun protection for your face. Baseball caps and wide-brim hats both work great.

Bluetooth Speaker – While our boats come equipped with sound systems, having a backup portable speaker is never a bad idea, especially if you want music while swimming near the boat.

Non-Marking Shoes – Flip-flops or water shoes are ideal. The boat deck can get hot in direct sunlight, and non-marking soles protect the boat surface.

What Not to Bring

Leave the glass bottles at home. Glass is not allowed on most boats for safety reasons. Transfer drinks to cans or plastic bottles instead. Also skip the heavy bags and unnecessary electronics. Keep it simple and focused on what you actually need for a day in the sun.