Sandy Creek Marina

For a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft on Texas public waters, the minimum age to operate without supervision is 13, but the rental operator decides the minimum age for renting. Under Parks and Wildlife Code Sections 31.106 and 31.107, an operator under 13 must be supervised by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the craft and is on board while it is under way. Boater education is based on birth date: to operate alone, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must meet the requirement for a motorboat over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or any personal watercraft, and carry photo ID and the certification card. Confirm the operator’s age policy when booking.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators in Texas need boater education certification, though the state does not call it a boating license. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires certification for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a PWC, motorboat over 15 horsepower, or sailboat over 14 feet. Covered operators must carry photo ID and proof of certification.

A person must be at least 13 to operate alone; younger operators need an eligible operator age 18 or older onboard. Renters are not exempt. Alternatives include onboard supervision, a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator license, or a one-time 15-day deferral, which is available only to those 18 or over. Approved online courses provide a 60-day temporary certificate.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

From Volente, spend the day on Lake Travis, moving from Cypress Creek Cove into the reservoir’s main basin and then into Sandy Creek or the Pace Bend coves. Cypress Creek Cove offers a more enclosed start, with a public ramp at Cypress Creek Park. The water around Mansfield Dam is broader and more open, and Mansfield Dam Park provides another launch. Sandy Creek is a narrower arm with its own park ramp. For sheltered stops, Pace Bend’s map names numerous coves and shows boat ramps at Collier Cove and Tatum Cove. Mansfield Dam separates Lake Travis from Lake Austin.

Source: Lower Colorado River Authority (tpwd.texas.gov)

From Volente, boaters fan out across Lake Travis to Starnes Island, Devil’s Cove, Pace Bend Park, Mansfield Dam Park and Arkansas Bend Park. Starnes Island is a well-known anchorage for party boats and barges, while Devil’s Cove draws crews who want to anchor and socialize. Pace Bend offers fishing along a shoreline broken into named coves. Mansfield Dam Park appeals to visitors interested in fishing or scuba diving. Arkansas Bend combines swimming and fishing with picnic areas for a break ashore.

Source: Travis County Parks (parks.traviscountytx.gov)