The Ultimate Guide to Water Activities on Lake Travis
Lake Travis isn’t just a water reservoir; it is the beating heart of outdoor recreation in the Texas Hill Country. With its crystal-clear limestone waters, winding snake-like path through the hills, and over 270 miles of shoreline, this lake offers something for every type of adventurer. Whether you are looking to rent a party barge for a weekend with friends or seeking a quiet cove for paddleboarding at sunrise, Lake Travis is the place to be.
Table of Contents
1. Boating and the Famous Devil’s Cove
You cannot talk about Lake Travis without mentioning the boating culture. Unlike smaller lakes in Austin, Travis is massive, allowing for high-powered speed boats, sailboats, and the ever-popular double-decker pontoons.
If you are looking for the social scene, set your GPS for Devil’s Cove. This is widely known as the “party capital” of the lake. On weekends, hundreds of boats tie up together to create a floating festival. However, if you want a calmer experience, head towards the Arkansas Bend area where the channel is wider and significantly quieter.
Rental Tip: Reserve your watercraft at least two weeks in advance during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Marinas like VIP Marina and Lakeway Marina sell out fast.
2. Adrenaline Rush: Ziplines and Jet Skis
For those who prefer their water activities with a dose of speed and height, Lake Travis has unique offerings that you won’t find elsewhere in Texas.
- Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: This isn’t technically “in” the water, but you fly over it. It offers the longest zipline in Texas. The tour includes a boat ride to the private island launch point.
- Waterloo Adventures: Think of this as a floating obstacle course. It is a massive “Ninja Warrior” style park on the water, perfect for testing your agility before cooling off with a splash.
- Flyboarding: Several operators now offer flyboarding lessons, where pressurized water shoots you up into the air, allowing you to hover above the lake surface like a superhero.
3. Going Deep: Scuba Diving at Windy Point
It might surprise visitors, but Lake Travis is a premier destination for inland scuba diving. Because it is a highland lake with a limestone bottom, visibility is often much better here than in other Texas lakes.
Windy Point Park is the go-to spot for divers. Over the years, various objects have been intentionally sunk here to create an underwater amusement park for divers. You can explore sunken boats, metal sculptures, and even a platform for training. The water gets deep quickly here, so it is strictly for swimmers and divers, not wading.
4. Fishing Tips for Anglers
Lake Travis is a fantastic fishery, particularly known for its Guadalupe Bass (the state fish of Texas) and White Bass runs in the spring. Because the lake has steep drop-offs and rocky ledges, fishing here is different than fishing in shallow, grassy lakes.
Top Targets:
- Largemouth Bass: Found near the marina docks and rocky cliffs.
- Catfish: plentiful in the upper ends of the lake, especially after a rain.
- Sunfish: Great for kids dropping a line off a dock.
Pro Tip: Check the fishing reports before you go, as fish patterns change drastically with the water levels.
5. Safety, Water Levels, and Logistics
Lake Travis is a flood control reservoir managed by the LCRA, which means the water level fluctuates. A “full” lake is considered 681 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Always check the current level before launching, as low levels can expose sandbars and islands.
Warning on Zebra Mussels: Lake Travis has Zebra Mussels. It is crucial to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” your boat before moving to another body of water to prevent the spread of this invasive species.
Life jackets are not just a suggestion; they are a requirement for kids under 13 on moving vessels, and highly recommended for everyone, especially when swimming in deep, open water areas like the main basin.