You've decided to go kayaking in Austin. Great decision. Now you have questions: How much does it cost? Do you need to reserve? Where exactly do you go? Can you bring your dog? The answers are simpler than you'd expect, and we're going to walk you through everything.
Where to Rent in Austin
The best canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental in Austin is at Zilker Park Boat Rentals, tucked along the banks of Barton Creek inside Zilker Metropolitan Park — just downstream from Barton Springs Pool. We've been at this exact spot since 1969, making us the oldest boat rental concession in Austin.
From our dock, you can paddle up Barton Creek through cypress groves and limestone canyon walls, or head downstream the quarter mile to Lady Bird Lake for that famous downtown Austin skyline view. There's genuinely no better combination of beautiful and accessible paddling in the city.
Cash Only and ID Required
Two important things to know before you arrive: we are cash only (no credit cards, no debit cards, no Venmo, no checks), and a picture ID is required for all rentals.
Don't panic if you only have a card — there's an ATM about 200 feet away inside the Zilker Eagle mini train ticket depot, right at the park entrance near where you'll park. It's a short walk. Prices are $21 per hour per boat or $57 for an all-day rental. Same price for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs.
Do You Need a Reservation?
For standard rentals, no — just walk up. We're first-come, first-served. On busy summer weekends, we can run low on boats in the early afternoon, so earlier is better. If you're coming on a weekday, you'll almost always find a boat waiting for you.
For groups of 6 or more, email us at boatszilkerpark@gmail.com in advance and we'll accommodate you during non-peak hours. You can also submit a reservation request online as a heads-up that you're coming — it's not a booking with a deposit, just a note so we can plan.
Waivers — Sign in Advance
Everyone who gets in a boat signs a waiver — there's an adult version and a child version. You can save time at the dock by reviewing and signing them online before you arrive. Just show confirmation on your phone. If you didn't sign in advance, no worries — we have paper copies at the dock.
What to Wear and Bring
- Cash (and we mean it) — ATM on site if needed
- Picture ID
- Clothes you're okay getting wet — sit-on-top kayaks can splash
- Sandals with heel straps or water shoes — no flip flops that can fall off
- Sunscreen applied before you get on the water
- Water — at least 32oz per person per hour in summer
- Hat and sunglasses
- Dry bag or waterproof case for your phone
- Leash and canine PFD if bringing a dog
Single Kayak vs. Tandem Kayak vs. Canoe vs. SUP
Choosing the right boat makes a big difference for first-timers:
- Canoe — Best for families and groups. Wide, stable, holds dogs, coolers, and kids. Easier to relax in. The classic.
- Single Kayak — Great for solo paddlers who want an active, engaging experience. Nimble and fun. All the control is yours.
- Tandem Kayak — Perfect for couples or parent/child. Faster than a canoe, more active than floating in one. Communication is key.
- SUP (Paddleboard) — Best view on the water, most physical, hardest for beginners. Worth trying once you're comfortable on the water.
Parking and Finding Us
We're inside Zilker Park and a little tucked away — not visible from the street. Here's how to find us: take Barton Springs Road into Zilker Park, turn into the easternmost parking lot. Walk down the stairs to the left near Barton Springs Pool. Look for the 'Canoe Rental is Open' banner at the bottom. That's us.
GPS address: 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746. If you get confused, call (512) 478-3852 and we'll talk you in. Parking is free throughout the park.
Your First Day on the Water
When you arrive, our staff will check your ID, have you sign the waiver, fit you with a life jacket, and give you a quick paddling orientation — usually under 5 minutes. Then you're in the boat and off. Most first-timers are paddling confidently within 10-15 minutes.
The most common feedback we get from first-time paddlers: 'Why didn't I do this sooner?' The combination of spring-fed water, cypress trees, limestone cliffs, and that downtown skyline at the end of the creek is singular. It's been an Austin experience since 1969 for a reason.