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Texas is a top boating destination in the United States, thanks to its warm weather, coastal access to the Gulf of Mexico, and expanse of inland reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. The state has approximately 1.7 million surface acres of freshwater, and its temperate climate makes it great for year-round boating.

Texas has over half a million registered motorized boats and many other vessels, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other watercraft, making it #6 in the country for the most registered boats by state.

About This Report

This report delves into booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating cities in Texas.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters, and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental data in Texas for the 2025 season. Cities are determined by the location where the boat owner registers the boat within their profile. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates, while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

In this report, we explore Texas's top 10 boating cities, examining the unique features that make each location an exceptional destination for boaters. We also evaluate the average pricing for boat rentals and the most popular vessel style enjoyed in each.

Comparing this to the 2024 list, the cities of Lake Conroe, Little Elm, Hickory Creek, and Grapevine have been replaced by Montgomery, The Colony, Leander, and Pottsboro in 2025.

Below is an overview of each city, including available data and statistics on boating activities:

Texas Data Map 2025

#1: Austin

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 154

Austin remains the top boating destination in Texas, boasting popular water bodies such as Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. The city offers numerous marinas and boat ramps, supporting a vibrant boating community.

Pontoons are the most popular boat rental here since they enable bigger groups to go to the lakes, tie up in party coves, and enjoy comfortable cruising. In recent years, Austin has become a popular destination for celebrations like bachelor and bachelorette parties, creating the demand for captained pontoon and yacht charters on the lakes.

#2: Canyon Lake

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 28

Maintaining its spot at #2 on the list for 2025, Canyon Lake is renowned for its clear waters and scenic surroundings, making it a favored spot for boating enthusiasts. The lake supports various water activities, including fishing, waterskiing, and sailing. Enjoy a cruise on Canyon Lake and cool off from the Texas heat, all while taking in views of the surrounding rolling hills covered in trees.

#3: Lewisville

Most Popular Style of Boat: Motor Yachts

Number of Boats Available: 81

Also maintaining its spot from 2024, Lewisville comes in 3rd place out of the busiest cities in Texas for boat rentals. Located near Dallas, Lewisville Lake is a hub for recreational boating. Motor yachts and powerboats for watersports are popular here, and most boats come with a floating mat to roll out for a relaxing float to cool off from the heat. The lake's extensive shoreline and facilities accommodate a range of activities, from jet skiing to sailing.

#4: Rockwall

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 23

Rising from #7 on the list last year to #4, Rockwall is known as a boating hub thanks to its situation on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard. Rockwall offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddlesports. The city's waterfront features marinas and charter services, catering to casual boaters and fishing enthusiasts, and jet ski rentals are also popular here. It’s also a notably affordable city for a boat rental, with many starting at $100/hour or less.

#5: Montgomery

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 24

Montgomery provides access to Lake Conroe, a popular destination for boating and fishing. It’s a 21,000-acre lake on the shores of Sam Houston National Forest, which surrounds the reservoir with beautiful foliage and provides a lot of appeal to exploring the area, both on the water and on land. The area boasts several marinas and services for boaters, supporting a thriving community on the water.

#6: Galveston

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Boats Available: 24

Slipping from #5 last year, Galveston remains on the list at #6. As a coastal city, Galveston offers offshore and inshore boating experiences and is a top destination for people looking for deep-sea fishing experiences in Texas. The city's port facilities and charter services make it a key destination for fishing charters and leisure cruises.

#7: The Colony

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 37

Located along the southeastern shores of Lewisville Lake, The Colony has emerged as a notable spot for boating activities. The city's facilities support a variety of water sports and recreational boating. It’s a new city on the list for 2025, indicating a rising interest and demand for boat rentals on Lewisville Lake.

#8: Leander

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 24

Located between Lake Travis and Lake Georgetown, Leander provides access to boating opportunities in the Highland Lakes region. The area's natural beauty and water resources attract numerous boating enthusiasts.

#9: Pottsboro

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 24

Situated near Lake Texoma, Pottsboro offers extensive boating and fishing opportunities. The lake's vast expanse supports various water activities, making it a popular destination for boaters. Lake Texoma is a new highlight as the top boating location in Texas for 2025, indicating a strong interest in boating experiences on the state's northern border.

#10: Grand Prairie

Most Popular Style of Boat: Motor Yacht

Number of Boats Available: 19

Dropping from #9 in 2024, Grand Prairie remains on the list, rounding it out at #10 for Texas. The city provides access to Joe Pool Lake, a reservoir that supports various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports.

The shifts in rankings from 2024 to 2025 reflect changes in boating infrastructure, popularity, and the emergence of new destinations within Texas's boating community.

In Summary

Texas offers incredible boating opportunities across its cities and waterways. From the massive lakes and reservoirs to the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, there are ample locations for enjoying boat rentals and charters. Each of these top 10 boating cities stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and commitment to environmental conservation, making them must-visit destinations for boating enthusiasts.

About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the world's largest marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boat rentals.

Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have used the platform to get out on the water with 180,000+ boats across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains.

You can find a boat to rent and navigate yourself or browse charters with professional captains — which account for 70 percent of all Getmyboat trips — so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your boat day.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to use this data for journalistic reporting, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. If you have any questions or need additional data not found in the report below, contact pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and other information needed for press stories.