Yellowstone National Park Boating

There are several opportunities in Yellowstone National Park for boating. You can kayak, canoe, float tube (while fishing), rent an outboard, or go on a scenic boat cruise or a fishing excursion on Yellowstone Lake. You are limited to where you can boat in Yellowstone. Motorized boats are only allowed on Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake. You can float tube in areas that are open to fishing, but you must have a boat permit for your float tube. The only non lake boating is permitted in the channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes, where only hand-propelled vessels are allowed.

There are dangers that are inherent in boating in Yellowstone National Park. All waters are at high altitude and thaw late in the spring or summer. They are fed mainly by snow melt and water temperatures are very cold in both spring and summer. The danger of hypothermia is very real and needs to always be considered on any boating adventure. Individuals have lost their lives while boating in the park, even while wearing personal floatation devices, due to hypothermia.

The next serious thing to be aware of and consider, are winds and storms. The winds on Yellowstone's Lakes can be and usually are very strong or harsh almost daily. Thunderstorms materialize very quickly and the weather is very unpredictable. Please do not attempt to cross lakes in small water crafts - rowboats or canoes. The weather and wind may be calm and nice when you start on the water, but storms can appear quickly with no warning, putting your life and anyone with you in danger.

It is recommended that you travel early in the morning and stay within 100 yards of the shore. There is usually less wind activity during the morning and if a storm appears, you can head for shore and cover. Use the afternoon and evening hours to explore inland.

You can bring your own motorized boat for use on Yellowstone Lake. There is a boat dock where space can be rented to dock your boat at Bridge Bay Marina. The dock is run by the park concessionaire, Xanterra. You can reach them at: 307-344-7311.

You can download a pdf copy of the Boating Regulations.

Bridge Bay Marina
Grant Village Backcountry Office
Lake Ranger Station
Lewis Lake Campground
South Entrance

Non-motorized boating permits only are available at:

Boating Fees

A Coast Guard Approved "wearable" personal floatation device is required for each person boating.

Guided Fishing Excursions

§ Price is $ 76.00 an hour, with a two (2) hour minimum. Plus a 6% tax. The 22 foot Grady White does not have a bathroom. Maximum is six (6) people. Fishing gear for three (3) people is provided. Price includes boat, gas, guide, fishing gear for three, and cleaning of fish. Price does not include Yellowstone Fishing Permit.

♦ Price is $ 98.00 per hour, with a two (2) hour minimum. Plus a 6% tax. The 34 foot Shoshone has a porta potty. Maximum is six (6) people. Fishing gear for three (3) people is provided. Price includes boat, gas, guide, fishing gear for three, and cleaning of fish. Price does not include Yellowstone Fishing Permit.

The Guided Fishing Trip Includes: boat, guide, fishing gear for three people, life vests, and gas. Dining room will prepare fish if the fish are delivered to the dining room at least an hour before the dining room opens.

The Guided Fishing Trip does not include a park fishing permit. The fishing permit must be obtained or purchased before the trip. See the Fishing Page for permit information and fees.

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Backcountry Shuttle Service

The price of $152.00 includes up to two (2) hours loading and transport time. Each additional hour $ 76.00 plus tax. Additional rowboat $55.50 per night. Additional canoe $48.00 per night. All prices do not include a 6% tax.

For more information and Reservations Please call Backcountry Shuttle Office at 307-242-3893.

The Backcountry Shuttle Service can carry you and your gear to some of the most remote areas of the continental United States for a backcountry hiking / camping / canoeing or kayaking adventure of a lifetime. Drop off points include:

The shuttle can be booked one way, round trip or for any point to point service from the five mentioned drop off points as well as to and from Bridge Bay Marina.

Typical loads:

• up to six backpackers with backpacking gear per shuttle trip.
• up to six campers with gear including three or four kayaks/canoes per shuttle trip determined by weather conditions and overall weight
• book multiple shuttle trips to accommodate large parties or outfitters

Canoes and/or rowboats may be rented in conjunction with a backcountry shuttle.  Canoe rental includes: 17' canoe, paddles, life vests, and outriggers.  Rowboat rental includes:  16’ rowboat, oars, and life vests.

*** 13 Sep last drop-off / pick-up for the season.

For more information and Reservations Please call Backcountry Shuttle Office at 307-242-3893.

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16' Rowboat - For 2 to 4 people - Price includes oars and life jackets. Deposit required. NO Advance Reservations Accepted.

18' Outboard (motorboat) - 40 hp Electric Start Outboard. For 2 to 6 people. Price includes gas and life jackets. Deposit required. NO Advanced Reservations Accepted.

Please Note: No reservations are taken - Boat Rental is by first come, first served.

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Please Note: Fees vary by boat length. You can get more information or make reservations by calling Bridge Bay Marina: 307-242-3893.

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by John William Uhler

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