Austin is an outdoor city. In spring and summer those outdoor activities turn to the water. Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) which divides Downtown and South Austin is ground zero for paddling in the city. Here’s our list of the Best Austin Kayak Rentals Outfitters.

The Rowing Dock

Rowing Dock - Austin Kayaking & Canoe Rental Lady Bird Lake
Rowing Dock – Austin Kayaking & Canoe Rental Lady Bird Lake

Rowing Dock has everything you need to enjoy a day of paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking in Austin. Come on down to our dock, just west of Zilker Park, and let us help you choose the watercraft rental that is right for you. At Rowing Dock our mission is to make Lady Bird Lake activities available to everyone, and to provide all an outstanding experience.

Where: 2418 Stratford Dr
Phone: (512) 459-0999
Web: The Rowing Dock


Zilker Park Boat Rentals

Zilker Park Boat Rentals. Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Zilker Park Boat Rentals has over 160 canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards at reasonable prices. We’re the perfect place to bring friends and family to enjoy a relaxing outing on the water. Located on the shores of Barton Creek just downstream from Barton Springs Pool.

Where: 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd
Phone: (512) 478-3852
Web: Zilker Park Boat Rentals

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Capital Cruises

A beautiful summer day on Town Lake at Capital Cruises.  Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Capital Cruises rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and Austin’s famous swan paddle boats. Check out our electric donut boats. Enjoy our Bat Watching tours.

Where: 208 Barton Springs Rd
Phone: (512) 480-9264
Web: Zilker Park Boat Rentals

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Live Love Paddle

Live Love Paddle. Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Live Love Paddle offers kayak rentals and paddle board rentals on Lady Bird Lake, Urban Kayaking Tours of Downtown Austin, ACL Music Fest listening tours, Austin full moon kayak tours, Austin 4th of July Fireworks water tours, and corporate team building activities.

Where: 1610 E Riverside Dr
Phone: (512) 804-2122
Web: Live Love Paddle

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Congress Avenue Kayaks

Congress Avenue Kayaks - Austin Kayak Rentals
Photo: Courtesy Congress Avenue Kayak Tours.

Congress Avenue Kayaks on Lady Bird Lake is THE place for great paddling in Downtown Austin whether first-timers or veteran paddlers! We have plenty of boats, so there’s no need to reserve. Check out our guided kayak tour for guests from our two-person kayaks to see Austin’s spectacular colony of Mexican Freetail Bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge. Find us just below the Four Seasons Hotel, on the trail.

Where: 74 Trinity St
Phone: (512) 809-8916
Web: Congress Avenue Kayaks

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Texas Rowing Center

Off-boarding at Texas Rowing Center.  Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

The Texas Rowing Center rents kayaks stand up paddle boards or canoes on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Would you like to learn to row? Try sculling and sweep rowing. Texas Rowing Center provides enjoyable paddling and rowing to everyone who wants to participate, regardless of experience or ability.

Where: 1541 W Cesar Chavez St
Phone: (512) 467-7799
Web: Texas Rowing Center

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Lone Star Kayak Tours

Tandem kayaking on Town Lake with Lone Star Kayak Tours.  Photo permission Lone Star Kayak Tours
Photo permission Lone Star Kayak Tours

Lone Star Kayak Tours offers paddle board and kayak rentals on Town Lake. Also kayak tours and paddle board lessons. Try a scenic and fun 2 hour guided sit-on-top kayak tour like our Bat Tour, Serenity Tour, Skyline Tour, Sunset Skyline Tour and Full Moon Paddle.

Where: 600 E Riverside Dr
Phone: (512) 766-5640

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