Lake Travis Party Boat Packing Checklist
Exact Lake Travis party boat packing list by season: sunscreen, BYOB drinks (cans/plastic only), Valid ID (21+ for alcohol), waterproof bluetooth phone case, floats, cash for marina tips. What Premier provides: coolers, audio, life jackets, restroom.
The complete Lake Travis party boat packing checklist. Premier Party Cruises provides everything captain-side (boat, audio, coolers, life jackets, restroom, captain, fuel); guests bring sunscreen, BYOB drinks (cans/plastic only), and a few personal items. This list covers seasonal variations and the small things groups always forget.
What to bring (every season)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended — Lake Travis sun is intense, reflection off the water doubles exposure). Reef-safe formulations are appreciated for the ecosystem.
Sunglasses with UV protection. A backup pair is wise — one usually ends up in the lake.
Hat (baseball cap, bucket hat, or sun visor).
Swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes for after the cruise.
Valid ID (21+ for alcohol consumption — captain checks at boarding).
Phone in a waterproof pouch (lanyard works best). Lake Travis phone-loss-into-the-water rate is high.
BYOB drinks in cans or plastic — beer, seltzers, canned cocktails, wine in cans or plastic, mixers, non-alcoholic drinks. NO GLASS (safety rule, broken glass + bare feet + wet deck).
Snacks if you want them — chips, fruit, charcuterie. Keep food in cans, plastic containers, or paper.
Cash for crew tip if gratuity isn't already on the booking (Premier's gratuity is added as a transparent line item at checkout, so on a Premier booking, additional cash tip is welcome but not required).
What Premier provides on every boat
TPWD-licensed captain, fuel, premium Bluetooth sound system (connect from any phone), large coolers (BYO ice or order pre-iced via Party On Delivery), USCG life jackets every size including child + infant, Type IV throwable cushion, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, marine VHF radio, on-board restroom, anchor + 200 ft of rode, navigation lights.
Seasonal additions
Spring (March–May): light hoodie or windbreaker for the cruise out — water temps are still cool. Bug spray for evening cruises.
Summer (June–August): extra water bottles (heat exhaustion is the #1 medical issue on summer Lake Travis cruises), electrolyte tablets, frozen water bottles that double as ice as they thaw.
Fall (September–November): lightweight jacket for sunset cruises. The temperature drop after sunset can be 15°F.
Winter (December–February): warm layers — base layer, fleece, windbreaker. We do private charter through winter for sunset cruises and intimate events. Captain monitors weather and reschedules free if conditions change.
What NOT to bring
No glass containers (safety rule). No illegal substances. No fireworks. No firearms. No outside speakers larger than a small portable Bluetooth (the boat has premium audio and outside large speakers create interference).
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to bring our own life jackets?
No — every boat carries USCG-approved life jackets in every adult size plus child and infant sizes. We never assume the manifest — we stock for any guest who shows up.
Can we bring glass bottles?
No — cans and plastic only. Glass on a wet deck with bare feet is a safety problem we don't risk. If you ordered through Party On Delivery, they handle the cans/plastic-only logistics for you.
Do we need to bring ice?
Yes — we provide large coolers but BYO ice OR order pre-iced via Party On Delivery (sister company) and the boat is stocked before you board.
Can we bring food?
Yes — chips, fruit, charcuterie, snacks. Keep food in cans, plastic, or paper. POD also coordinates pizza, tacos, and full catering deliveries.
Do we need to tip the crew?
On a Premier private charter, 20% gratuity is added as a line item at checkout. Additional cash tip is welcome but never required. The ATX Disco Cruise is the same — gratuity is in the line items.