The Lake Travis Guide
The Premier Party Cruises Lake Travis reference. 19,000-acre Highland Lake reservoir on the Colorado River, 65 miles long, 210 ft deep at Mansfield Dam. Marinas, coves, regulations, operators, and best times to visit Lake Travis.
Lake Travis is the largest of Austin's Highland Lakes (~19,000 surface acres), the only one with the cove geography that supports party-boat operations, and the most-photographed lake in Central Texas. This page is the Premier Party Cruises Lake Travis reference — geography, marinas, coves, regulations, and the operators worth knowing about.
Lake Travis geography
Lake Travis is a 19,000-acre reservoir on the Colorado River, dammed by Mansfield Dam in 1942. At full pool the lake is 65 miles long and reaches 210 feet deep at the dam — the deepest of the Highland Lakes. Water level fluctuates with Central Texas drought cycles; high-pool years (2019, 2024) deliver the cleanest swim coves and easiest marina access.
The north arm (Anderson Mill, Volente, Lago Vista) holds the deepest party-boat coves and the calmest swim water. The south arm (Mansfield Dam, Hurst Creek) is the high-traffic ski-boat strip. Devil's Cove on the north arm is the most-anchored party cove on Lake Travis — Premier captains anchor in 8–12 feet of water in three rotating coves depending on water level and weekend boat traffic.
Marinas + commercial operators
Anderson Mill Marina (north arm, FM 2769, Leander) — Premier's home dock. 25 min from downtown Austin via 183 N. Free parking, no stairs, ADA boarding.
Hurst Creek + Mansfield Dam (south) — most ski-boat operators, 35 min from downtown.
Volente Beach (north) — 40 min from downtown, fewer commercial operators.
Briarcliff + Lakeway (south) — residential marinas, fewer party-boat charters.
Regulations boaters care about
21+ to consume alcohol on the water (Texas state law applies on Lake Travis exactly like on land). All ages welcome on every boat.
BYOB allowed — cans + plastic only, no glass on the water. Game wardens enforce this.
Texas boater education required for self-drive operators born on/after September 1, 1993 (TPWD-approved course). Captained charters bypass this.
Life jackets required on board for every passenger; under-13 passengers must wear them while underway.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Lake Travis?
~19,000 surface acres at full pool, 65 miles long, 210 feet deep at the dam. The largest of Austin's Highland Lakes.
Where is Lake Travis?
Northwest of Austin, Texas. Anderson Mill Marina (Premier's dock) is 25 minutes from downtown via US-183 N. The lake extends 65 miles from Mansfield Dam through Lago Vista.
Is Lake Travis safe to swim in?
Yes — designated swim coves are deep, clear, and well-marked. Premier captains only allow swim stops in safe coves with anchored boats and crew supervision.
What's the most popular cove on Lake Travis?
Devil's Cove (north arm) is the most-photographed party cove — but the boat traffic on summer Saturdays is intense. Premier captains rotate three quieter coves nearby for private charter dinners + family swim stops.
When is the best time to visit Lake Travis?
April through October is boat-warm. May–June and September–October produce the most photogenic golden hour. July–August have the longest light but the most boat traffic.
Are there restaurants on Lake Travis?
Several waterfront restaurants (Hudson's on the Bend, The Oasis, County Line) — see /lake-travis-restaurants for the full list. Premier coordinates pickup or delivery to Anderson Mill Marina.