Exploring Yellowstone Lake: Boat Tour Season Commences

Yellowstone Lake, with its stunning scenery and interesting history, is a must-visit destination offering boat tours and water sports. The lake, with 140 miles of shoreline, is home to native Cutthroat Trout and non-native Lake Trout. Visitors can opt for guided boat tours or explore the lake on their own in motorboats, rowboats, kayaks, or canoes. The Lake Queen, a popular tour boat, operates from mid-June through mid-August, with multiple departures throughout the day. Yellowstone Lake Scenicruise, another tour option, offers one-hour guided tours with seven different departure times, showcasing the Lake Area Historical District and the remains of the SS E.C. Waters. Yellowstone National Park also provides a range of kayaking experiences, including early morning, twilight, and sunset tours, allowing visitors to explore the lake's crystal-clear waters and enjoy the serenity of the largest high-elevation lake in the Lower 48 states.

Yellowstone Lake boat tours run from mid-June to mid-August

Yellowstone Lake, with its 140 miles of shoreline, is a must-see during your visit to Yellowstone National Park. The lake, which covers 136 square miles, is the largest high-elevation lake in the Lower 48 and is home to native Cutthroat Trout and non-native Lake Trout. It also offers breathtaking scenery and a fascinating history.

The best way to experience the lake is by taking a boat tour. Boat tours of Yellowstone Lake run from mid-June to mid-August. During this time, you can take a guided tour aboard the Lake Queen or the Lake Queen II, which offer an entertaining and engaging way to explore the lake. The boats depart from the Bridge Bay Marina, and you can choose from several departure times throughout the day.

On the boat tour, you will cruise around Stevenson Island and learn about the history of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which was built in 1891 and is a prominent yellow structure on the lake's shoreline. You will also have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, shorebirds, elk, and bison.

To ensure you don't miss out on the boat tour, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The guides will provide a safety talk, and all travellers must be present for this. It is also recommended to bring layers, as the temperature on the lake can drop when the wind picks up.

In addition to the boat tours, you can also explore Yellowstone Lake on your own in a motorboat or rowboat, or through kayaking and canoeing. These options offer a more intimate experience of the lake and provide access to remote campsites and quieter areas.

Tours are offered at multiple times throughout the day

Boat tours of Yellowstone Lake are offered at multiple times throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore this vast and scenic lake. The Lake Queen II offers a one-hour guided tour, with up to seven different departure times to choose from. You can set sail across the largest high-elevation lake in the Lower 48, covering 136 square miles at 7,732 feet of elevation.

Tours are typically available from mid-June through mid-August, with a range of morning, afternoon, and evening departure times. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm the exact departure times and book your tour. The boat departs from the Bridge Bay Marina, and you will be treated to stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains, the historic Lake Hotel and Village, and the surrounding lodgepole pine forest.

As you cruise on Yellowstone Lake, keep your eyes peeled for eagles, shorebirds, and the occasional elk and bison sightings along the shoreline. The colourful history of the area will also be brought to life, including the story of the SS E.C. Waters and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, originally built in 1891 to accommodate tourists.

Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour starts to allow time for the mandatory safety talk. Children under three are free but must be included on the reservations due to Coast Guard regulations. So, whether you're looking for a morning cruise, an afternoon sail, or an evening adventure, there's a Yellowstone Lake boat tour to fit your schedule.

Tickets must be booked in advance

Boat tours of Yellowstone Lake are a popular attraction for visitors to the national park. The lake is the largest high-elevation lake in the Lower 48, covering 136 square miles at 7,732 feet above sea level.

Tickets for boat tours of Yellowstone Lake must be booked in advance. You can book your tour by calling 307-344-7311 or by visiting www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventures/water-adventures/. It is important to note that reservations are required and cannot be made on-site. The website provides information on tour times, pricing, and other details to help you plan your visit.

There are a few different options for boat tours of the lake, including the Yellowstone Lake Scenicruise, which offers one-hour guided tours of the lake. The boat, the Lake Queen II, departs from the Bridge Bay Marina, with up to seven different departure times to choose from throughout the day. The tour includes information about the Lake Area Historical District and the remains of the SS E.C. Waters. Along the way, you may also spot eagles, shorebirds, and possibly elk and bison on the shoreline.

Another option is the Yellowstone Lake Twilight Tour, which can be booked through TripAdvisor. This tour offers a peaceful kayak trip on the crystal-clear waters of North America's largest High Alpine Lake. This tour can also be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you choose the Scenicruise or the Twilight Tour, booking your tickets in advance is essential to securing your spot and ensuring you don't miss out on this popular Yellowstone experience.

The tour boat departs from Bridge Bay Marina

The boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the Absaroka Mountains, the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the surrounding lodgepole pine forest. With its vibrant yellow exterior, the grand hotel, originally built in 1891, stands out from the shoreline. As you sail towards Stevenson Island, you'll learn about the Lake Area Historical District and the remains of the SS E.C. Waters. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and shorebirds, and don't be surprised if you spot elk and bison along the shoreline.

The tour boat, known as the Lake Queen or Lake Queen II, offers an informative and engaging experience. With departure times ranging from morning to afternoon, you can choose the slot that best suits your itinerary. Reservations are required, and you can secure your spot by calling 307-344-7311 or visiting the Bridge Bay Marina.

Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your tour's designated time, as the safety talk is mandatory for all passengers. The cruise typically lasts for one hour, and during this time, you'll uncover the fascinating history and natural wonders of Yellowstone Lake.

The tour covers the history of the area and its wildlife

The Yellowstone Lake boat tour is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the area and its wildlife. The lake, with its 140 miles of shoreline, is a sight to behold, and its elevation of 7,732 feet makes it the largest high-elevation lake in the Lower 48 states. The lake is home to native Cutthroat Trout and non-native Lake Trout, and its crystal-clear waters offer a unique perspective of the surrounding Absaroka Mountains, the historic Lake Hotel and Village, and the lodgepole pine forest.

The tour covers the history of the area, including the story of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, originally built in 1891 to attract and accommodate tourists. The hotel's distinctive colour and size make it a notable landmark visible from the lake. As you sail past Stevenson Island, you'll also learn about the Lake Area Historical District and the remains of the SS E.C. Waters.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to spot a variety of birds and animals during the tour. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, ospreys, shorebirds, and the occasional elk and bison sightings on the shoreline. If you're lucky, you might even spot pelicans and other water fowl during your voyage.

The boat tour is a great way to escape the crowds of Yellowstone and enjoy the serenity of the lake. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a calming adventure, the Yellowstone Lake boat tour promises an engaging and informative experience.

The tour usually operates from mid-June through mid-August, with multiple departure times throughout the day. Be sure to arrive early, as a safety talk is conducted before departure, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Frequently asked questions