Great Salt Lake: Boat Tour with Swimming & Floating

Summary

Weightless floating swimming and stories on Great Salt Lake

You’ll float effortlessly in Utah’s Great Salt Lake, swim or drift with spa pillows while your guide shares quirky local history and jokes. Enjoy light snacks and bottled water onboard, plus fresh water to rinse off after your salty dip. It’s peaceful out there—expect laughter, weird science facts, and a strange sense of calm you might remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t shave before you come — trust me,” our guide said, grinning as we shuffled onto the pontoon at the marina. I’d heard about the bugs near the shore but didn’t expect to get a beekeeper hat handed to me right away. It was weirdly comforting though — like being let in on a local secret. The air was thick with this mineral smell, almost metallic but not unpleasant, and you could see these ripples of heat dancing over the salt flats in the distance.

Once we motored out just a little ways, suddenly it was quiet except for the hum of the boat and someone’s laugh behind me. No more bugs. The lake stretched out flat and silvery under the sky — honestly, it felt like being on another planet. Our guide started telling us about how nothing really lives in this water except brine shrimp (I think he called them “sea monkeys” at one point). He tossed in a couple of salty jokes too — some better than others. When we stopped for our first swim, I hesitated getting in. But then I just sort of… leaned back, and floated without even trying. It’s hard to explain that feeling — like your body forgets gravity for a second.

I got some salt in my mouth (not recommended), but they had buckets of fresh water to rinse off my face and hands. Someone passed around spa pillows so we could just float and stare up at the sky; I kept thinking how quiet it was out there, except for this soft lapping against the boat. We had light snacks and cold bottled water while drifting — nothing fancy but after floating around it tasted pretty great.

I still think about that weird sense of weightlessness — not just physically but mentally too, if that makes sense? There’s something about being out there with strangers who all end up laughing together about how ridiculous you look bobbing around like corks. Anyway, if you’re looking for something different near Salt Lake City, this day trip on the Great Salt Lake is one I’d actually do again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salt Lake boat tour and swimming

• Board motorized pontoon boat
• Enjoy lake views and stories
• Wear bee-keeper hat for bugs
• Stop first time to float
• Use spa pillows or swim
• Stop second time to float
• Drink bottled water and eat snacks
• Use fresh water to rinse salt
• Return to marina
• Optional shower at marina

Top questions

How long does the Great Salt Lake boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is swimming or floating included during the boat tour?

Yes, you’ll have two stops on the lake where you can swim or float in the salty water.

Are snacks and drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and light snacks are included on board for all guests.

Do I need to bring anything special for swimming?

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunblock for swimming or floating in the lake.

Are showers available after swimming?

Full showers are available at the marina after your tour ends.

Is there anything I shouldn’t do before joining?

Avoid shaving right before the tour to prevent stinging from saltwater exposure.

Is this Great Salt Lake boat tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in a stroller and service animals are allowed.

Will there be bugs during the tour?

Bugs may be present near shore at departure but are gone once you’re out on the lake; hats are provided if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you hydrated while floating or swimming in Utah’s Great Salt Lake, light snacks onboard during your boat ride, spa pillows for relaxing weightlessly on the lake surface, fresh water buckets to rinse off salt from your face or hands after swimming—and access to full showers back at the marina when you return.