Flathead Lake Private Sunset Wild Horse Island Boat Tour

The captain waits while you hike Wild Horse Island at your own pace.

A private sunset boat tour departing from Polson, Montana, takes you by pontoon across Flathead Lake to Wild Horse Island for a self-paced hike, then cruises back as the sun sets behind the Mission Mountains. The tour is fully customized to your group's interests. You choose how long to spend on the island and whether to hike or relax, and the captain adjusts the itinerary around what you want to do. Four and a half hours total, with room for up to ten passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wild Horse Island Boat Tour and Hike

• Drive to Polson departure point
• Board pontoon boat on Flathead Lake
• Cruise around Rocky Point coves
• Enjoy views of Mission and Salish Mountains
• Beach boat for Wild Horse Island hike
• Hike and spot wildlife on island
• Return to boat after hike
• Cruise and watch sunset over lake

The experience

The tour starts with a scenic drive from Polson to the boat launch, then a cruise across the lake past Rocky Point, where views open to the Mission Mountains, Salish Mountains, and the peaks of Glacier National Park. The pontoon beaches on Wild Horse Island so you can step off easily onto the shore. From there, you choose: take an easy or moderate hike through the island to spot wild horses, bighorn sheep, and deer, or stay closer to the beach. The captain stays with the boat and waits. You set the pace and the length of your time ashore.

Once you're back aboard, the tour follows the islands as the sun drops toward the mountains, casting gold and color across the water. The lake surface turns glasslike, reflecting the light. You can eat a snack you've brought or simply watch from the boat. Because the tour is private, it moves at your group's rhythm: if you want to linger on the island, the sunset timing adjusts. If you'd rather spend more time cruising and less hiking, that's what happens.

What’s included

• The tour includes the pontoon boat with comfortable seating and a bimini top for shade.
• the captain.
• easy boarding.
• and access to Wild Horse Island for hiking or exploring at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Discover Flathead Lake

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group wants a private boat experience where you control the pace. You decide how long to spend on the island, whether to hike or relax, and the captain customizes the route around what your group enjoys.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife might I see on this Flathead Lake tour?

Wild horses roam Wild Horse Island and are often spotted during the hike. Bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles and other birds are common sightings around the lake and islands.

Do I have to hike on Wild Horse Island or can I stay on the boat?

The hike is optional. You can choose an easy or moderate route on the island, or stay aboard the pontoon and enjoy the views from the water.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the boat, the captain, and access to Wild Horse Island. The base price covers up to six passengers, and you can add up to four more for additional fees.

How far is Polson from Glacier National Park?

Polson is about an hour from Bigfork and Lakeside, and the tour departs from there. Glacier National Park is roughly 1.5 hours away, making this a good option if you're visiting the park.

Can I bring food and water on the tour?

You're welcome to bring your own snacks and water. Water is especially recommended for the hike, and the boat has a cooler with ice available.