Memorial Day Weekend on Lake Travis 2026: Party Boat Rental Guide

Memorial Day Weekend: The Official Start of Lake Travis Party Season

Memorial Day on Lake Travis marks the unofficial start of summer in Austin, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than on a captained pontoon boat. Every year, thousands of Austinites and visitors flock to Lake Travis for the long weekend, creating an electric atmosphere on the water that’s unlike anything else in Texas.

At Island Pontoon Rentals, Memorial Day weekend is one of our busiest—and most exciting—times of the year. Our fleet of 9+ captained pontoon boats and tritoons gives you the ultimate way to celebrate. We captain, you have fun!

Fair warning: Memorial Day boat rentals book up fast. If you’re planning ahead for 2026, secure your reservation now.

Why Memorial Day Is Peak Season on Lake Travis

Perfect Weather

Late May in Austin brings ideal lake conditions: air temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, water temperatures warming into the mid-70s, and long sunny days. It’s warm enough to swim comfortably but not yet the extreme heat of July and August.

The Energy

After months of waiting, everyone is ready to get on the water. Memorial Day weekend has a special energy—it’s the first big lake weekend of the year, and the excitement is palpable. Devils Cove comes alive, the party coves are packed, and the entire lake buzzes with celebration.

Three-Day Weekend

The Monday holiday gives everyone an extra day to recover, which means Saturday and Sunday on the lake are even more festive than usual. Many groups book multi-day experiences, hitting the lake on both Saturday and Sunday.

Memorial Day Weekend Boat Rental: What to Expect

Saturday: The Main Event

Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is the biggest day on Lake Travis. Expect:

• Maximum boat traffic across the entire lake
• Devils Cove at full capacity by early afternoon
• A festive, high-energy atmosphere everywhere
• The best people-watching of the entire year

Sunday: Still Going Strong

Sunday is nearly as busy as Saturday, with many boaters taking advantage of the long weekend. The vibe is slightly more relaxed but still very much a party.

Monday: The Chill Day

Memorial Day Monday offers a more relaxed lake experience. Many people are recovering from the weekend, so the lake is less crowded but still festive. Great option for families or groups who prefer a calmer atmosphere.

Booking Strategy for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is one of the first weekends to sell out each year. Here’s how to secure your spot:

When to Book

• 4–6 months ahead: Ideal booking window. Full boat selection and time slot availability.
• 2–3 months ahead: Good options still available but popular boats filling up.
• 1 month ahead: Limited availability. You may not get your first-choice boat or time.
• Last minute: Extremely unlikely to find availability. Don’t risk it.

Best Time Slots

• Morning departure (10 AM): Beat the crowds to the coves. Great for groups who want to claim prime anchoring spots.
• Early afternoon (12–1 PM): Arrive at the coves when the party is in full swing.
• Late afternoon (3–4 PM): Catch the tail end of the party scene and enjoy a sunset cruise.

What to Bring for Memorial Day Weekend

BYOB Essentials

• Extra coolers and ice (Memorial Day heat starts melting ice early)
• Batch cocktails pre-mixed and ready to pour
• Plenty of water and electrolyte drinks
• Easy-to-eat foods that won’t spoil in the heat

Sun Protection

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (the late May sun is strong)
• Hats, sunglasses with straps, and UV clothing
• Shade is your friend—use the bimini top regularly

Party Gear

• Bluetooth speaker (backup to the boat’s system)
• Inflatable floats and water toys
• Waterproof phone cases
• Camera or GoPro for capturing the memories

Memorial Day on Different Island Pontoon Rentals Boats

For Large Groups (15–20+)

High Tide, Skyfall, and Beeracuda are our double-deck tritoons with water slides, massive deck space, and the capacity for your entire crew. These are the most popular Memorial Day boats and book first.

For Medium Groups (10–15)

Vesper, Tequila Sunrise, and Islanders offer luxury and comfort with great sound systems and premium seating. Perfect for groups that want a balance of party and relaxation.

For Smaller Groups (6–10)

Seas The Day, Margaritaville, and Shenanigans are ideal for smaller crews who want a fun, intimate lake experience without the massive boat.

Multi-Boat Memorial Day Packages

Got a huge crew? We coordinate multi-boat packages with captains who keep your fleet together all day. Contact us for group pricing.

Memorial Day Weather: What to Expect

Late May weather in Austin is generally excellent for lake activities:

• Air temperature: High 80s to low 90s°F
• Water temperature: Mid to upper 70s°F—perfect for swimming
• Humidity: Moderate—not yet the intense humidity of mid-summer
• Rain chance: May can bring afternoon thunderstorms. They usually pass quickly, and your captain monitors weather conditions throughout the day.
• Wind: Generally light to moderate. Occasionally gusty, which your captain handles expertly.

Beyond the Boat: Memorial Day Weekend in Austin

Make it a full weekend celebration:

Friday Night

• Arrive in Austin and hit Rainey Street or 6th Street for live music
• Grab dinner at one of Austin’s famous restaurants
• Get to bed early—you’ve got a big lake day tomorrow!

After the Boat

• Sunset dinner at a lakeside restaurant
• Live music on 6th Street or at iconic Austin venues
• Late-night tacos (an Austin tradition)

Recovery Monday

• Brunch at one of Austin’s legendary breakfast spots
• Barton Springs Pool for a refreshing dip
• South Congress shopping and people-watching
• Or… get back on the lake for round two!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memorial Day weekend more expensive?

Holiday weekends may have adjusted pricing due to high demand. Contact us for current Memorial Day rates and availability.

Can I book for multiple days?

Yes! Many groups book Saturday and Sunday rentals for the full Memorial Day weekend experience. Contact us for multi-day packages.

What if it storms?

May thunderstorms are usually brief. Your captain monitors weather radar and will make safety decisions. If conditions are unsafe, we work with you to reschedule.

How crowded will the lake be?

Very crowded, especially Saturday. But that’s part of the fun! The energy on Memorial Day weekend is incredible. Your captain is experienced in navigating busy lake conditions.