Great Salt Lake Boat Tours: Water Adventures in Magna, Utah - Salt Lake City

Great Salt Lake Boat Tours: Water Adventures in Magna, Utah

Salt Lake Cityeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

30 minutes to 2 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in basic physical shape; minimal exertion for tours, moderate effort for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Overview

Discover how Great Salt Lake Boat Tours offers boat trips and paddle rentals on Utah’s largest inland body of water. Perfect for sunlit sightseeing or a float in striking salty waters.

Details

Situated on the edge of the vast, saline expanse of Utah’s Great Salt Lake, Magna offers a rarely seen perspective on one of the West's most unique water bodies. Great Salt Lake Boat Tours provides a range of immersive boating experiences that take you beyond the shore to witness the lake’s striking salt flats and shimmering turquoise waters. Whether you’re booking the 30-, 45-, or two-hour sightseeing tours, each trip delivers a front-row seat to the lake’s surreal landscape and its surprising ecology.

The two-hour Sightseeing and Swimming Boat Tour is a standout experience that blends gentle cruising with an opportunity to float in the famously buoyant salty waters. The contrast between the seemingly barren saltscape and the diverse migratory bird species that frequent the lake creates a striking scene often missed by casual visitors. Shorter tour options, like the 30- and 45-minute trips, offer an engaging introduction to the area’s unique geology and wildlife without demanding much time.

For those keen on more active water adventures, Great Salt Lake Boat Tours also rents stand-up paddleboards and tandem kayaks, perfect for paddlers interested in charting their own course. This adds a versatile outdoor option for visitors who want to pair relaxation with light exercise.

The Great Salt Lake itself, one of the largest terminal lakes in the Western Hemisphere, stands out for its high salinity and ever-changing shorelines, influenced by seasonal and hydrological shifts. Historically, the lake supported local Native American tribes and early settlers through bird hunting and salt extraction, adding layers of cultural history to the visitor experience.

The opportunity to float effortlessly, witness spectacular bird colonies, and paddle across wide open waters makes Great Salt Lake Boat Tours a key player in Utah’s outdoor recreation scene. Its blend of accessible watercraft rentals and narrated boat tours provides an authentic connection to this extraordinary lake right outside Salt Lake City.

Adventure Tips

Bring Sun Protection

The expansive lake reflects intense sunlight, making sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses a must.

Hydrate Thoroughly

Even on cooler days, lake breezes and activity can dehydrate; carry water onboard or in your gear.

Check Weather Before Departure

Sudden winds can make paddling or boating on the lake challenging, so verify forecast conditions.

Wear Water Shoes for Swimming Tours

Warm waters with salty bottoms have some rough terrain; water shoes provide better footing.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Black Rock Bay – lesser-visited area with striking shoreline formations
  • Willow Shores Bird Sanctuary – quiet spot for migratory bird watching close to tour routes

Wildlife

  • American avocet
  • Eared grebe

History

The Great Salt Lake has been integral to local Indigenous peoples and settlers, serving as a source of salt and waterfowl.

Conservation

Efforts focus on preserving migratory bird habitats and monitoring the lake’s fluctuating water levels to protect this unique ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)
Overcast midday for muted colors
Sunrise

Best Viewpoints

  • From the boat near Black Rock
  • Along the shoreline at Willow Shores
  • On paddleboards at the lake’s center

What to Photograph

Salt flats
Migratory birds
Sun reflecting on water

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin from intense sun reflected off water and salt flats.

summer specific

Water shoes

Essential

Provides grip and foot protection when swimming or launching watercraft.

spring|summer|fall specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated during boating and paddling activities.

Light windbreaker

Useful for lake breezes and changing weather conditions on the water.

spring|fall|summer specific