Established in 1991, Capital Cruises is the largest all-electric boat fleet on the Highland Lakes. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX), we are proud to offer lunch and dinner cruises, wedding events, internationally famous bat-watching excursions, party boat services, and the ultimate alternative for group and corporate outings.
Capital Cruises offers an atmosphere suitable for families and participants of all ages. Beautiful sunsets and an exciting variety of flora and fauna create a unique backdrop to weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Capital Cruises offers customized event planning, from unique locations to catering to live entertainment.
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or planning a larger dinner cruise for your office, family, or friends that you are look, Capital Cruises has a wide array of boats and dinner options to suit your wishes and fit your budget.
Our catering is provided by the Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Hotel.
We can customize an event for any group size and budget.
Capital Cruises’ internationally famous bat-watching excursion departs nightly approximately 30 minutes before sunset and lasts roughly one hour in length. Note: November through February we offer a great way to see the sunset and the downtown area as most of the bats have migrated.
The Congress Avenue Bridge is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world. Our cruises provide the best possible viewing for one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world! Bat viewing is available on a public tour nightly March through mid-November. Or you can customize your own excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more.
Capital Cruises now offers SUPatx boards on Lady Bird Lake. Skip the lines at other facilities on the lake! Come down, get right on the water, and paddle past Auditorium Shores, Barton Creek, Zilker Park, and the Congress Avenue Bridge with the panoramic backdrop of the dynamic Austin skyline and many great restaurants and bars a short walk from the dock. Paddleboards are easy to learn and fun for everyone. Walk, cab, bus, or drive to paddle the best boards on the lake.
For any party between 9 and 140 passengers, our versatile fleet provides the ultimate Austin experience. Whether you are looking charter a boat out for a cocktail cruise to break away from the confines of the office or convention site, or desire an unconventional way to show off Austin for your friends and family on your wedding weekend, Capital Cruises presents a relaxing, idyllic alternative to the standard venue.
You can bring your own food and drinks or book catering through us. We have the capability and flexibility to house whatever event you might be hoping to throw.
Now offering guided kayak tours for sunset/bat watching
Looking to get out on the lake on a kayak to see the bats or the sunset? Capital Cruises now offers a guided kayak tour Thursdays through Saturday evenings. Cost is $30 per person and includes a ~1.5 – 2 hour tour. See views of the downtown skyline as well as watch the emergence of the largest urban bat colony in the world! Note: Bats are not seen November through February; Just a sunset tour with great lake views.
Come take a paddle with us! Now offering a daytime paddle every Friday at Noon!
Get an instant quote online! Non-binding quotes with additional add-on options, enter as many as you would like, and let the quote generator do the work for you. Our knowledgeable staff will call shortly after you enter your quote to answer questions and to follow up on booking.
Holiday hours: 10 am till dusk (private charters later by reservation) daily. Closed 11/22-11/25; 12/24-12/26
Update July 5th, 2021: We are open for our normal hours. Rentals of all personal watercraft are open as normal. All vessels are sanitized before and after each use. All staff members are well checked before beginning work. NOTE: Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places. CREDIT CARD ONLY- No cash. Please click the button below for specifics.
Established in 1991, Capital Cruises is the largest all-electric boat fleet on the Highland Lakes. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX, we are proud to offer lunch and dinner cruises, wedding events, internationally famous bat-watching excursions, party boat services, and the ultimate alternative for group and corporate outings.
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To our valued customers of Capital Cruises:
July 5th, 2021 COVID-19 Update
We are open daily Monday-Friday from 10 am till Dusk and Saturday-Sunday from 9 am till dusk. All vessels are sanitized before and after each use. All staff members are well checked before beginning work. NOTE: Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places. CREDIT CARD ONLY
Rentals of Canoes, Kayaks, Swan Pedal Boats and SUPs will be available during normal business hours and are sanitized after each use. Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places.. Credit card only.
Electric boats and Donut boats will also be available by reservation During normal business hours. Due to sanitizing requirements, we have a two hour rental minimum. Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places. Reservations are required by calling 512-480-9264.
Public Tours are available daily. Our bat watching tour currently leaves at 7:15 pm (as of 8/27/21) and is offered nightly. PLEASE NOTE BAT TOUR TIMES CHANGE BASED ON SUNSET TIMES. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL FOR CORRECT CHECK IN TIMES. Our sightseeing tour is available Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places. Pre-purchasing tickets online required http://www.capitalcruises.com/bat-watching/
Private reservations on larger boats are available by advance reservations.. Current CDC/local guidelines say that non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public places. Please call for details.
Sincerely, The Capital Cruises Team 512-480-9264 or email info@capitalcruises.com
The Donut Boat’s unique design allows up to ten people to casually sit around a center table, complete with a center post umbrella for shade, while you cruise Lady Bird Lake. The quiet electric motor allows you to easily chat with your friends and drives with the ease of a golf cart on the water. It’s fun for the “hole” family and a “Do-nut” miss it Austin adventure.
Donut Boat FAQs
Holiday Hours
Starting November 1- February: 10 am to 5 pm for rentals (weather permitting). Now accepting reservations for Holiday Parties including New Year's Eve. Celebrate the holiday season with friends, family or co-workers on Lady Bird Lake. For reservations, call (512) 480-9264Capital Cruises will be closed on the following days: November 22nd-25th and December 24 - 26. Open for normal hours at 10 am 12/27
Sunset Sightseeing Tours
Now offering Sunset Tours. November -February (weather permitting). Closed 11/22 - 11/25; 12/24-12/26
Enjoy sunset on Lady Bird Lake and views of the Austin skyline!At this time of year, most of the bats are gone but some do stay around–bat viewing is limited. Bring a jacket, some snacks, and a beverage of your choice. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the moment. Tours are one hour starting at 5 pm. Check-in time: 4:30 pm. Starting 1/15/22 tours move to 5:30 departure and 5 pm check in.
Book a Sunset Tour
“We hosted our wedding reception on Capital Cruises and let me just tell you – the staff is FANTASTIC!
They worked with me in every way possible. They supported me throughout the process and on the day of the wedding, EVERY little detail was perfect! We had the best captain, the best server and everyone I was in touch with behind the scenes were perfect! They are reliable, responsive and just great.
“This was a really wonderful trip. Capital Cruises leaves from the river by the downtown Marriott in Austin on a “Bat Boat Tour”. Millions of bats live underneath one of the river bridges. At twilight, they all fly out, almost blackening the sky.
“I booked a private electric boat(Duffy) through Capital cruises for a Birthday surprise for my husband. It was quiet easy to call in and make a reservation and the person on the phone was very helpful. They gave me all the basic information and answered all my queries as well…
