About Lake Travis
The lake that made us sailors.
65 miles of winding Hill Country water, deep enough for real sailing and quiet enough for a slow afternoon at anchor. Here's what to know before you go.
The lake, by the numbers
A real sailing lake, not just a swimming hole.
Lake Travis was formed in 1942 when the Lower Colorado River Authority completed Mansfield Dam on the Colorado River, primarily as a flood-control reservoir. That's also why water levels can swing dramatically, by as much as 100 feet historically, depending on rainfall and releases upstream.
Length
~65 miles
A winding, serpentine course through the Hill Country
Max width
4.5 miles
Plenty of open water for real sailing
Shoreline
270 miles
Limestone cliffs, coves, and hillside homes
Depth
Up to 210 ft
Average around 59 ft
Why sailors love this lake
Consistent wind, open water, Hill Country views.
Lake Travis is the only place in Central Texas with enough open water and consistent wind for real sailing, afternoon breezes that pipe up like clockwork, deep water for keelboats, and 270 miles of limestone shoreline to explore. Sailing magazine has named it one of the top ten sailing lakes in the United States.
Texas Sailing operates out of Lakeway Marina on the south shore, about 30 minutes west of downtown Austin and 25 minutes from the Domain.
Where to eat on the water
Sail up, tie off, eat lakeside.
Several of Lake Travis's best restaurants have dock space right on the water, no traffic, no parking, just tie up and walk in.
- Lakeway Resort and Spa· Lakeway Marina
- Sundancer Grill· Sail and Ski Marina
- Canyon Grille· Rough Hollow Marina
Anchorages & swim coves
Quiet water when you want it.
Popular spots for anchoring, swimming, and a lazy afternoon on the water. Availability depends on current lake levels, your captain will recommend the best one for your day.
- Arkansas BendA 323-acre park on the north shore near Lago Vista, two miles of shoreline with boat ramps and calm water, a reliable, easy-access spot for swimming and an afternoon anchor.
- Bee CreekA quieter cove on the lake's south side, good for a low-key stop away from the busier water near the marina.
- Cow CreekA secluded cove backing up to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, limestone bluffs and glass-flat water. High-voltage lines cross the entrance, so captains give it a wide berth when the lake is full.
- Grelle Recreation AreaA 276-acre LCRA park wrapped around an isolated cove on the south shore near Spicewood, wooded and quiet, a favorite for swimming and a slow afternoon at anchor.
- Turnback CanyonUp near Lago Vista on the lake's upper end, and home turf for the Austin Yacht Club's Turnback Canyon Regatta, a real sailors' spot, not just a tourist cove.
Want to spend the afternoon at anchor? See our daytime charters →
Getting there
Find us at Lakeway Marina.
Lakeway Marina
103 Lakeway Dr Suite C, Lakeway TX 78734
Parking
Free parking is available right next to the marina office. We'll point you to the dock from there.
What to bring
Soft-soled shoes, a light layer for after sunset, sunglasses, and any food or drinks you'd like to bring aboard.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Give yourself a few extra minutes to park, find the dock, and meet your captain before we push off.
Common questions
Lake Travis, answered.
How big is Lake Travis?+
Lake Travis runs about 65 miles in a winding course through the Texas Hill Country, with a shoreline of roughly 270 miles and a maximum width of 4.5 miles. It's deep water too, up to 210 feet at its deepest point, averaging around 59 feet. That combination of length, depth, and open water is what makes it Central Texas's real sailing lake.
Where can I sail on Lake Travis?+
Texas Sailing operates out of Lakeway Marina on the south shore, about 30 minutes from downtown Austin. From there, the lake opens up in both directions, quiet coves for swimming and anchoring, open water for real sailing wind, and waterfront restaurants you can sail right up to.
Can I swim or anchor on Lake Travis?+
Yes, Lake Travis has several popular anchorages and swim coves, including Arkansas Bend, Bee Creek, Cow Creek, Grelle Recreation Area, and Turnback Canyon. Exactly which spots are accessible depends on current lake levels and conditions, your captain will recommend the best one for your day out.
Come see it yourself
Get out on Lake Travis with us.
Book a captained charter, rent a boat yourself, or take a lesson. Since 1965, we've been showing people this lake.