Diving Lake Travis from a Party Barge

Let's dive Lake Travis from some big boats. Yes, the party barges!

The party barges we use can each hold up to 50 guests. We bring our dive gear, food and beverages, and the boats provide the rest, including slides, jump platforms, BBQ grills, floats and more. Tom's Dive & Swim currently offers two of these big boat scuba diving events on Lake Travis each year.

Come join us. It's a great time!

We're lucky to have Tom's Dive & Swim right here in Austin, Texas, and we're also lucky to have a large lake close to home that's well suited for our awesome sport of scuba diving. Lake Travis gives Austin scuba divers a place to get in the water, build experience, meet other divers and simply go diving.

Scuba and Boating on Lake Travis with Tom's Dive & Swim

Over the last few years, Tom's has used Just For Fun party barges for our Lake Travis boating events. The events are a lot of fun, and each boat comes with a captain and crew. Recently, we've also been using the grills to cook BBQ, burgers, hot dogs and sausages, along with sides and drinks. It adds to the great time being had by all.

We board the boats by 8:30 AM and listen to safety, site and dive briefings as we head to our dive site. Lately, we've been scuba diving at Starnes Island, which divers seem to like because of the goodies they can find from other party barge guests who drop things overboard. I found an Apple Watch once!

After diving, we eat and enjoy some play time. Everyone gets a chance to chill in the water, go swimming, slide down the big slide and even jump from the second deck.

Recent Lake Travis Boat Diving Events

Boats & BBQ, June 2025

One boat, 32 divers, BBQ and fixings. This event also included an SSI Boat Diving class, where two divers earned their Boat Diving certification.

Lake Travis Cleanup, September 2025

Two boats, 64 divers, hot dogs, sausages and fixings. This event was part of the annual Lake Travis Cleanup.

Boats, Bubbles & Burgers, July 2026

Two boats, 48 divers, burgers, hot dogs and fixings. This event was originally planned for one boat, but due to popular demand, we upgraded it to a two boat event. It also included an SSI Boat Diving class, where three divers earned their Boat Diving certification.

Lake Travis Cleanup, September 2026

Our next Lake Travis Cleanup is just around the corner, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026. I've been attending meetings with the Colorado River Alliance, the organization behind the event. Tom's is anticipating using two boats again and hosting upwards of 75 divers. It's sure to be a lot of fun, so be sure to look for a notice from Tom's and join us!

Boat Diving Certification and More

Participating in one of our scuba and boating events on Lake Travis is a great opportunity to earn your SSI Boat Diving certification. It is generally offered with special event pricing, and you can complete the required lake dives as part of the event.

Just as importantly, you get involved with your dive shop, your dive club and your dive buddies while gaining the rewards and fulfillment that scuba diving has to offer.

Camaraderie and shared experiences
More diving experience
Going diving!

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is one of the Highland Lakes along the lower Colorado River and is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It gives Central Texas scuba divers access to water year round. Divers can enter from shore at locations such as Mansfield Dam Park, or dive from a boat across the lake.

Whether diving from shore or boat, we Central Texans can literally be scuba diving within a short drive from home and from Tom's Dive & Swim.

Tom's Dive Club and the Austin Aquanauts

Our Lake Travis boat events are Tom's Dive Club events, and everyone is welcome. The club has focused on bringing local divers together since 2013, with monthly socials as well as statewide diving opportunities. The Austin Aquanauts are the club's premium members. Paid membership includes continuing education discounts, service benefits, early event registration, exclusive deals and access to presale events at Tom's Dive & Swim.

Fun Facts for Safety and Courtesy

Whether you are a scuba diver or a nondiver joining us for the day, what you do affects the safe and smooth operation of the event. These reminders also apply to many dive trips around the world.

Dock and Boat

Wait until the boat operator gives us the OK before entering the dock or boarding the boat.
Stow dive gear so walkways remain clear.

Diving

Bring a DSMB.
Bring a dive light.
Perform a buddy check before entering the water.
Complete a weight check with a designated dive professional when appropriate.
Plan a maximum dive time and maximum dive depth before the dive.

Dive safe. Dive often!

Gary Leach

Tom's Dive & Swim