45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour

Exploring the Great Salt Lake by Boat: A Practical Guide

If you’re heading to Salt Lake City and looking for a way to experience the Great Salt Lake up close, this 45-minute boat tour might catch your eye. It’s a quick, affordable way to get a new perspective on one of Utah’s most famous natural landmarks. Based on a wealth of reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour offers an approachable, informative, and scenic outing—perfect for travelers who want to learn about the lake without committing to a long or costly trip.

What we love about this experience is how intimate and relaxed it feels—you’re in a small group, so there’s plenty of room for questions and personalized attention. Plus, the scenery is genuinely interesting, especially with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories and facts along the way. However, a potential consideration is the limited scope of the tour: it stays close to the marina, so if you’re hoping to see the entire lake or distant shoreline, this might not fully satisfy that craving.

This experience is especially well-suited for those who appreciate a laid-back, educational outing, and it’s a good pick if you’re traveling with a small group or family who prefers a shorter activity. If you’re curious about the lake’s ecology, history, or just want a peaceful water-based break from sightseeing, this tour could be exactly what you need.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: At just 45 minutes, it offers a quick but satisfying introduction to the lake.
• Small group size: Typically fewer than 10 travelers, which means more attention and a personable experience.
• Expert guide: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times make it easy to fit into your day.
• Inclusive price: For $39, you get a boat ride, bottled water, and a lot of interesting info.
• Ideal for those interested in wildlife and history: The guide shares stories and facts about the lake’s ecosystem and past.

What to Expect from the Great Salt Lake Boat Tour

This isn’t a long cruise exploring far-off shores; instead, it’s a closer look at the lake from within a mile of the marina. You’ll start at the Great Salt Lake State Marina, where your guide meets you and your small group. Once onboard a motorized pontoon, you’ll gently cruise across the water, soaking in the views and listening to stories about the lake’s history, ecology, and quirky facts. Expect a laid-back pace—the boat stays near the marina, offering a comfortable and accessible experience.

The tour is designed to be educational and entertaining. The guides are praised for their mix of knowledge and humor—something that really makes the experience memorable. As one reviewer happily noted, their guide Tyler was “fantastic,” delivering information with a sense of humor that resonated with families and solo travelers alike. Another review mentions that Tyler “provided a ton of great information about the history and nature of the GSL, all with a sense of humor and fun.”

During the cruise, you’ll likely get to see some native wildlife and learn about the lake’s famous brine shrimp, which are part of the ecosystem that makes this lake unique. Bottled water is included, so you can stay refreshed as you take in the scenery and listen to stories about the lake’s past and present.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Great Salt Lake State Park

The adventure begins here. From the marina, your guide will lead the group to the pontoon boat. The initial phase involves boarding and settling in. While the admission fee ($10 per car) isn’t included, the location sets a perfect scene for your lake journey.

Stop 2: Out on the Lake

Once aboard, you’ll cruise out onto the lake. The boat stops periodically to give your guide a chance to share insights about the area’s history, wildlife, and interesting facts. Expect to hear stories, maybe a joke or two, making the educational content engaging rather than dry. With a typical duration of about 40 minutes on the water, this part of the tour is where you’ll get the best views of the shoreline, salt flats, and possibly some wildlife. The reviews highlight how enjoyable and informative this part of the trip is, with guides providing a lot of interesting background that you might not find in a guidebook.

Pass By: Salt Lake City

The final segment offers views of the valley and mountains from the water—an added bonus that gives a sense of the vastness and scenery surrounding the lake. While the boat stays within a mile of the marina, the sights are still striking, especially if the weather is clear.

How the Tour Provides Value for Money

At $39 per person, this tour is on the affordable side, especially considering it’s guided, includes bottled water, and offers a personalized experience with a small group. Many reviewers mention that they found it to be a good value—especially given the quality of the guides and the scenic views. One reviewer pointed out that even with some delays due to marina dredging, the company tries to ensure guests are out on the water for the full 45 minutes, which shows a commitment to providing what’s advertised.

It’s worth noting that tips for the guide are not included, so if you feel the guide did a great job, a gratuity is customary. Also, the $10 Utah State Park fee is extra, so factor that into your total cost if you’re arriving by car.

What We Loved Based on Reviews

Many guests praised the guides for their knowledge, humor, and friendly attitude. Tyler, Colton, Tim, and Brandon are just a few names that come up among reviews, all receiving high marks for making the trip fun and educational. The views, especially of the salt flats and shoreline, are consistently described as “fantastic,” making this a memorable experience for anyone interested in natural landscapes.

A common highlight was the informative storytelling—whether it’s about brine shrimp, the lake’s history, or ecological facts. Some reviews mention pulling up brine shrimp to show the group, adding a tangible element to the education.

A Few Downsides to Keep in Mind

While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few travelers noted that the tour duration was shorter than expected—some felt closer to 30 minutes rather than 45. This was attributed to delays at the marina, which are reportedly due to dredging work. The tour company states they aim to keep everyone out for the full advertised time, and most reviews confirm they do so when possible.

Another consideration is the weather—since the lake is quite exposed, sunny days can be hot, and bugs can be more noticeable near the shoreline. Bringing bug-proof hats, sunscreen, and water is recommended.

Finally, because the tour stays close to the marina, if you’re looking for a deep, expansive lake experience, this might feel a bit limited. But for most, the scenery and stories more than compensate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for those interested in a relaxed, educational outing. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate insightful guides and scenic views without the need for a long or physically demanding activity. It’s also a solid choice for families, especially since the boat ride is calm and the information engaging for a wide age range.

If you’re short on time but want a meaningful glimpse of the lake’s highlights, this tour offers a great balance of value and experience. For those with a curiosity about wildlife, ecosystems, or local history, the knowledgeable guides make this a genuinely enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the boat tour? The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, but some reviews mention it might feel closer to 30 due to delays.

• What is included in the price? The ticket includes the boat ride, bottled water, and the stories and insights shared by your guide.

• Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead, especially since there are multiple departure times and the tours are limited to small groups.

• Is there a guide or commentary? Absolutely. Guides are noted for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling.

• Are there any extra costs? Yes, there’s a $10 Utah State Park fee per car, which is not included in the ticket price. Tips are also not included but appreciated.

• What should I bring? Bring bug-proof hats or sunscreen if you’re sensitive to sun and bugs, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and you won’t get a refund.

• Is this experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and engaging storytelling suggest it’s family-friendly, especially for older children interested in wildlife or nature.

• What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Can I see wildlife or other features on the lake? The guides often share insights about local wildlife, and brine shrimp are sometimes pulled up for close observation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to learn about and see the Great Salt Lake from within a close distance, this boat tour hits many marks. The small-group setting, friendly guides, and scenic views make it a worthwhile addition to your Salt Lake City itinerary. It’s especially appealing if you value informative storytelling, a laid-back atmosphere, and a unique water-based perspective.

While it’s not an all-day adventure or a tour that explores the distant shores, it offers a perfectly timed, reasonably priced glimpse into one of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or a small family, this experience provides a relaxed and memorable piece of the Great Salt Lake to take home.

Happy sailing, and enjoy your trip to Salt Lake City and the incredible salt flats and lakes nearby!