Great Salt Lake Boating: Freshwater Lakes for Boats & Jet Skis

Sailboats docked at the Great Salt Lake marina on a calm summer evening

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, a vast, shallow inland sea just northwest of Salt Lake City, famous for its sunsets, no-sink floating, brine shrimp and the hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that stop here every year. It’s a fascinating place to visit — but it’s not where we send our boats.

Lake Boat Rental does not rent boats or jet skis for use on the Great Salt Lake. Salt water is hard on engines and jet pumps, and the lake’s shallow, shifting shoreline makes launching unpredictable. Instead, we get your group on the water at nearby freshwater lakes with MasterCraft wakesurf boat rentals, Sea-Doo jet ski rentals, private boat tours and lessons, water toys and ATV and side-by-side rentals.

Boat and jet ski rentals near the Great Salt Lake

Our boats and jet skis are ready for you at freshwater lakes all along the Wasatch Front — no truck, no trailer and no towing required. Prefer to haul it yourself? You can also pick up from our Utah locations.

MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
ATV & side-by-side rentals – make it a lake-and-trail trip with a Can-Am UTV or ATV.

Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.

Great Salt Lake at a glance

Location	Northwest of Salt Lake City, between the Wasatch Front and Utah’s West Desert
Salinity	Several times saltier than the ocean in the main south arm; fish can’t survive in it, but brine shrimp thrive
Water level	Rises and falls widely from year to year, and the shoreline can move a long way
Marinas	Great Salt Lake State Park near Magna and the Antelope Island marina; access depends on the water level
Our policy	Lake Boat Rental boats and jet skis are for freshwater lakes only — not the Great Salt Lake
Closest freshwater boating	Willard Bay, East Canyon, Utah Lake, Jordanelle and Pineview are all within about an hour of Salt Lake City

Things to do at the Great Salt Lake

Float in the brine – wade in at Great Salt Lake State Park or Antelope Island and float with almost no effort, then rinse off at the outdoor showers.
Antelope Island State Park – drive the causeway to see bison, pronghorn, beaches and hiking trails on the lake’s largest island.
Sunsets at Saltair – the historic resort near Great Salt Lake State Park is a classic spot for sunset photos.
Birding – hundreds of thousands of migratory birds stop at the lake each year.
Sailing history – the first sailboat launched on the lake in 1847, and the marina is still home to the local sailing community.
Boat on freshwater – for wakesurfing, waterskiing and jet skis, head to Willard Bay, Pineview or Utah Lake with our boat and jet ski rentals.
West Desert adventures – explore beyond the lake with ATV and side-by-side rentals.

Freshwater lakes near the Great Salt Lake for boats and jet skis

Willard Bay – a big freshwater reservoir built right beside the Great Salt Lake near Ogden and Brigham City, about 50 minutes north of Salt Lake City.
Utah Lake – Utah’s largest natural freshwater lake, next to Provo and Orem, about 45 minutes south.
Pineview Reservoir – a mountain lake in Ogden Valley, about an hour north.
East Canyon – a canyon reservoir about 45 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City.
Jordanelle and Deer Creek – the Heber Valley pair, about 45 minutes to an hour east.

Wherever you go, Lake Boat Rental has your boat or jet ski ready at the lake — no towing required.

Tips for visiting the Great Salt Lake

Check the water level. Low water can mean a long, muddy walk to the shore; check state park conditions before you go.
Rinse off. The salt dries crusty on skin and gear, so use the showers at the state parks.
Expect the smell. Summer can bring a sulfur odor from brine shrimp and natural decay — it’s normal.
Protect cuts and eyes. The brine stings, so keep it out of your eyes and cover scrapes.
Bring bug spray in summer. Insects come out in warm months, especially on Antelope Island.
Plan your boating on freshwater. For towed sports and jet skis, a freshwater lake is easier on equipment and far easier to launch.

Why we don't boat the Great Salt Lake

Our boats and jet skis are not allowed on the Great Salt Lake — rentals are for freshwater lakes only.
Salt water corrodes engines, jet pumps and trailers, and the lake’s brine demands extra rinsing and care even for boats built for it.
Marina and ramp access depends on the water level — check with Utah State Parks before bringing a boat.
Shallow, shifting water and few services make navigation tricky; the lake is best suited to experienced sailors.
There’s no sport fishing in the main lake — fish can’t survive in the brine.

Map of Great Salt Lake

Great Salt Lake boating FAQ

Can I rent a boat or jet ski for the Great Salt Lake?

Not from us. Lake Boat Rental doesn’t allow its boats or jet skis on the Great Salt Lake. We’ll set you up on a nearby freshwater lake like Willard Bay, Pineview or Utah Lake instead, with your boat or jet ski ready at the lake.

Can you take a boat on the Great Salt Lake?

Private boats, mostly sailboats, do use the Great Salt Lake, but launching depends on the water level, and the marinas at Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island can be limited when the lake is low. Check with Utah State Parks before you go.

What is the closest freshwater lake to Salt Lake City for boating?

East Canyon, Utah Lake, Jordanelle and Willard Bay are all roughly 45 minutes to an hour from downtown Salt Lake City, and each allows powerboats and jet skis. See our Willard Bay and Utah Lake pages.

Can you swim in the Great Salt Lake?

Yes. The high salt content makes you float easily, and Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island are the most popular places to wade in. Rinse off afterward, and expect a muddy walk when the water is low.