2 Hour Salt Lake Boat Tour with Swimming on the Lake

This experience made our article of 2 Of The Best Boat Tours & Cruises In Salt Lake City.

Discover the Salt Lake’s Surprising Buoyancy with a 2-Hour Boat and Swim Tour

Our review takes a close look at a popular activity in Salt Lake City that promises a unique mix of scenic boat riding and floating in Utah’s Great Salt Lake. While we haven’t personally floated in the salty depths, the enthusiastic reviews and detailed descriptions make this experience stand out as a memorable outing.

What we love most: First, the small group setting creates a personal and relaxed atmosphere where guides can really focus on each traveler. Second, the opportunity to swim and float in the lake, feeling the incredible buoyancy of the saltwater—something you’ll likely not forget.

One thing to consider: The presence of bugs near the marina before departure might catch some off guard, but they disappear once you’re on the water. This tour suits those looking for a fun, educational, and genuinely unique experience, especially travelers craving an active, hands-on adventure that’s family-friendly and accessible.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances interaction and personalized attention.
• Buoyant saltwater offers a one-of-a-kind floating experience.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Swim stops are carefully planned at two distinct locations.
• Comfort amenities like spa pillows, refreshments, and showers are included.
• Booking in advance (usually 17 days) shows high demand for this popular tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Salt Lake Boat Tour Experience

Salt Lake City visitors searching for something different often overlook the Great Salt Lake, but this tour brings its stark beauty and curious nature into focus. The 2-hour boat tour with swimming offers a combination of scenic cruising, educational commentary, and a playful float in the salty waters, making it a well-rounded and worthwhile outing.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour begins at the Great Salt Lake State Park in Magna, Utah, where your journey on a motorized pontoon boat kicks off. The boat itself is small—max 9 travelers—which means you’re not just another face in a crowd. This intimate setting allows guides to share stories about the lake’s origin, ecology, and current state, often peppered with humor and local insights that keep things lively.

Once out on the water, the views are impressive. You get a panoramic perspective of the vast, shimmering lake and the surrounding wild terrain. The boat ride itself is relaxed, focusing on enjoying the scenery and listening to engaging tales.

The highlight? Two carefully chosen swimming stops. Travelers are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, and sunblock — and many reviews highlight how surreal it is to float effortlessly in this saltiest body of water in the western hemisphere. The buoyancy is so strong that some say it’s like standing on a cushion of water, or as one reviewer put it, “it was as if there was a float beneath my feet.”

At each stop, you can either relax with spa pillows—which allow you to lie back and feel weightless—or swim around and explore. Multiple reviewers have raved about how strange and enjoyable the floating experience is; one said, “You really do just float,” emphasizing how effortless it is to stay afloat.

The Comfort and Convenience of the Tour

Along With the floating fun, the tour offers light refreshments and bottled water, keeping you hydrated during the outing. After the swim, you can rinse off with buckets of fresh water to wash away the salt or hit the full showers available at the marina. This thoughtful detail helps prevent the salt from lingering too long on your skin and makes post-tour cleanup easier.

For those worried about bugs, the tour provides a beekeeper-style hat to keep insects away during departure from the marina. Many mention that bugs are only an issue near the shoreline and vanish once out on the lake, making the experience more comfortable than expected.

The Guides and Their Role in Making It Special

The guides are a significant part of why this tour scores so highly. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Tyler and Nate for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. They don’t just drive the boat—they educate, entertain, and often go the extra mile by taking photos of guests floating or swimming. One reviewer summarized their guide as “personable, informative & entertaining,” which perfectly captures the spirit of this small-group tour.

Price and Value Assessment

At $81 per person, the tour seems like a good value given the unique floating experience, the personalized attention, and the scenic boat ride. The inclusion of snacks, water, and showers adds to the overall experience, making it more than just a boat trip—it’s a mini adventure with thoughtful amenities.

Reviews echo this sentiment, with many calling it an “amazing bucket list experience” and “totally worth every penny.” The tour’s popularity, often booked 17 days in advance, indicates strong demand and suggests travelers find it a worthwhile splurge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is perfect for families with teens, adventurers, or anyone curious about Utah’s natural wonders. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy light outdoor activity combined with scenic views and a touch of education. If you’re expecting a high-energy adventure, know that this is more relaxed and focused on floating and learning.

Some Practical Tips

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunblock—the salty water can sting if you shave or have cuts. The boat is small, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to take precautions. The tour is weather-dependent—poor weather can lead to cancellations, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund if that occurs.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers a rare glimpse into one of Utah’s most curious natural features—the Great Salt Lake—paired with a fun, floating experience that’s suitable for all ages. With knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and the novelty of buoyant saltwater, it delivers great value and memorable moments.

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet engaging outing that combines scenery, education, and a touch of playfulness, this is a standout choice. It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid the more typical tourist spots and get a feel for Utah’s wild, salty heart.

For those who love nature, history, or just want a story to tell, this boat tour hits all the right notes. Make sure to book ahead, come prepared, and get ready for a surprisingly buoyant adventure you won’t forget.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention children having a great time floating and swimming, especially with friendly guides who are attentive to families.

What should I bring on the tour? A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a hat or sun protection gear. The tour provides saltwater rinsing buckets and showers afterward.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is most enjoyed by most travelers; specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but children should be comfortable in water and able to follow safety instructions.

What if I don’t want to swim? You can relax on the boat with spa pillows and enjoy the scenery and storytelling without getting into the water.

How long in advance should I book? The average booking window is about 17 days ahead, so planning early helps secure a spot.

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.

Is there an entrance fee for the State Park? Yes, the tour does not include the State Park entrance fee, so check if you need to pay that separately.

Final Thoughts

This Salt Lake boat tour combines the thrill of floating in the saltiest body of water in the western hemisphere with scenic cruising and engaging guides. It’s a perfect way to add a unique experience to your Utah trip, especially if you’re after something both fun and educational. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, expect a memorable, Instagram-worthy outing that stands out from typical sightseeing. Be prepared, book early, and get ready to float—the saltwater way!