Awesome Webs -- Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Captain Shawn, piloting the boat

Captain Shawn's Safety Lecture

The Vanishing Texas River Cruise is an enjoyable excursion in Burnet, TX, on a 120 passenger dual-deck boat. "Vanishing Texas" doesn't mean the state is disappearing, but refers to the vanishing areas of wilderness as the state grows. If you are in the Austin area, this is a "must do." This was originally a side-line to our trip, but it became the highlight, instead. It was much more enjoyable than we had anticipated.

If you have questions, you may click here to e-mail them or call them at 512-756-6986. They also have a website you may visit for more information.


Air-Conditioned Lower Deck

The cruise was relaxing, informative, interesting, and a lot of fun! The staff was extremely courteous, they are very handicapped-friendly, and they know how to make you feel at home. (This author is handicapped -- they drove me down to the boat in a utility vehicle. If they had not been so considerate, the walk would have been impossible for me to make and I could not have taken the cruise.)

Tour Guide

Above -- Lake Scenery

Middle -- One of the beautiful homes on the lake

Below -- One of the many scenic vistas

During our visit (May, 2013), the water level was down considerably, but that didn't really matter. The boat floats on top of the water, so it doesn't matter if you're in 4 feet of water or 40. We saw plenty of scenery, and Captain Shawn skillfully navigated the waters to ensure we have a fun, safe time. The lower water level exposed the normally-submerged ghost town of Bluffton.

Starting out with a safety lecture, I felt very comfortable that safety was a top priority. Captain Shawn provided safety instructions, and we were on our way.

There is a tour guide who provides information about the tour and wildlife. His narration may be heard over the speakers located on both decks, and it was most-informative. The guide is also the one who provided transportation down to the boat in the utility vehicle; he and Captain Shawn were both very personable.

Views From the Upper Deck

The boat has two levels. The lower deck is air-conditioned with tables & chairs, making it an excellent place to eat lunch. Complimentary tea, water, and ice are provided. You may reserve an optional lunch (provided to you in a sack at check-in) or bring your own. You may also bring a small cooler with soft drinks, but we enjoyed the tea they provided. The cruise lasts several hours and you may eat your lunch at your convenience. Restrooms are located on the lower deck, and were surprisingly nice and clean (they are on a boat -- think "airplane"). They were much nicer than I expected.


Complimentary tea, water, & ice	Open-Air Upper Deck

The upper deck has chairs for your comfort; you may walk to the bow (front) or stern (rear) and enjoy the beautiful views. Captain Shawn had no problem with my taking one of the chairs to the bow area so I could be comfortable and see the view from the front.

Tours vary based upon season and water level. They are famous for their eagle-viewing tours, but we were there in the wrong season for that. The lower water level allowed our group to visit an exposed ghost town (Bluffton) that is normally underwater. The trip is very sandy, so use caution when deciding to go. (This author stayed on the boat; my wife went and enjoyed the tour.)

Bluffton tour group -- the town cannot be viewed from the boat.


Boat docked at island	Walking to and from boat

Gas Station Fuel Tank	Cotton Gin

Original Highway	Wheelwright's Shop	Well

As we are not associated with Vanishing Texas River Cruise, the details in this site are our own, based upon our experience, and are not a guarantee of anything they may or may not provide in the future. Photo of boat at top of page belongs to VTRC; used by permission.

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