The Great Salt Lake is the namesake and the geographic soul of the city, and a boat tour is the most direct way to meet it. The lake is the remnant of the ancient freshwater Lake Bonneville, which covered much of western Utah until about 15,000 years ago, and it is now the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its salinity varies with water levels, but it is several times saltier than the ocean, a figure so high that the lake supports little life beyond brine shrimp, brine flies and the algae and bacteria that color it. Millions of migratory birds depend on that simple food chain. The 45-minute boat tour is a gentle introduction. You head out onto the water from the marina side of the lake, see the shoreline and nearby islands from the surface, and get the guide's explanation of what makes the lake so unusual, including why it has no outlet, how it rises and falls with the snowpack, and what the lake's recent low levels mean for the wildlife, the dust and the ski season. It is short enough for children and broad enough that adults come away with a better grasp of one of the American West's most debated waterways.
Why the lake matters is easy to miss from a distance. The Great Salt Lake is a terminal lake, meaning rivers flow in and nothing flows out; water leaves only by evaporation, which concentrates the minerals left behind. Brine shrimp eggs from its waters are harvested commercially, and the lake is a critical stopover for millions of birds, including eared grebes, American avocets, phalaropes and white pelicans.
The low water level in recent years has become a major public concern, exposing lakebed and affecting air quality, the salt industry, and the brine shrimp. A good guide will address these issues frankly and without drama.
Expect a smell. When the lake is calm and warm, the brine flies, algae and shoreline microbes give the air a distinctive earthy, salty odor that locals tend to describe as the lake's signature. It is harmless, usually fades within minutes, and is a better sign of a healthy ecosystem than of anything wrong. You will see the Oquirrh Mountains on one side, the Wasatch Range behind the city, and, depending on the day, the long profile of Antelope Island, the largest island in the lake and home to a herd of bison.
Practical sense
The boat tour is weather and water-level dependent, so check what applies on your day. It is a good fit for a morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the water is calmer. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, because there is little shade on the water, and a light jacket, since a breeze on the lake can be cool even in summer.
If you want a longer exploration, consider the lake and Antelope Island day tour or a wildlife safari, which add hiking, beach time and bison viewing, and for a different view take the guided minibus tour of the lake. Pair the boat with a visit to the Bingham Canyon overlook or the salt flats for a day devoted to Utah's strangest landscapes.
What to expect
The experience
A roughly 45-minute guided boat ride on the lake with commentary about its salinity, wildlife, islands and changing water levels.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for softer light and calmer water; spring and fall bring the most birds.
How long
Around 45 minutes on the water, plus transfer time from the city.
Tips
Bring sun protection and a light jacket, expect a salty, earthy smell near the shore, and confirm conditions on the day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to experience the lake itself without committing a full day.
- Families
- Short, interesting and easy; kids tend to love the brine shrimp and flies story.
- Couples
- A pleasant, unusual outing, best at a calm late afternoon.
- Pair with
- Antelope Island, or the Bingham Canyon overlook.
- Time needed
- A couple of hours with travel included.
Good questions
Can you swim in the Great Salt Lake?+
Yes, and floating is easy because of the salt, though shorelines can be shallow, muddy and buggy. The boat tour is a drier, simpler way to see the lake.
Why does it smell?+
Brine flies, algae and bacteria produce an earthy odor near the shore in warm weather. It is natural and typically fades once you are out on the water.
What lives in the lake?+
Mainly brine shrimp and brine flies, which feed millions of migratory birds each year. Fish cannot survive in the salty water.
Is it worth it with the lake at low levels?+
Yes, and the guide will explain why. Seeing the lake and learning about the water level is part of the story.
Should I do this or Antelope Island?+
The boat tour is short and simple; Antelope Island adds bison, hiking and beaches, and takes much longer. Many visitors do the island and skip the boat.