Great Salt Lake Tour
Discover the Mysteries of America’s Dead Sea
Join us on this 40-mile adventure to the shores of Great Salt Lake to learn of its mysteries!
Hear the myths and mysteries of Great Salt Lake from a local expert on this two-hour sightseeing bus tour full of entertaining stories and fascinating facts! On this 50-mile adventure, you get to discover the saltiest lake in the western hemisphere, America’s Dead Sea.
Float like a cork; Great Salt Lake is so salty that you simply cannot sink in it! Learn the science behind the lake that is up to ten times as salty as the ocean. Travel to a historic beach resort and enjoy romantic tales from a century ago. Missing this tour when you’re in Salt Lake City is like having popcorn without salt!
QUICK DETAILS
TIME: 2:30 PM
DURATION: 2 hours
PRICE: $59.99 Adult / $30 child (age 7 and under)
Starting Location: Radisson Downtown Hotel (215 W South Temple, Salt Lake City)
Parking: available for a small fee in a public parking lot across the street from Radisson
Tour Highlights:
Great Salt Lake State Marina
Saltair Resort — once known as “the Coney Island of the West”
Catch live sea monkeys in fascinating colors
Wetlands habitat — one of the world’s greatest migratory bird refuges
Swim in the lake or feel the water — as it dries, it tingles the skin
Entertaining narration by a local expert tour guide who provides stories, humor and local insights that you simply can’t get on your own
Comfortable, air-conditioned sightseeing tour bus with large panoramic windows — relax and enjoy the views while we do all the driving and navigating
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can! You’re welcome to go for a brief swim to experience the eerie sensation of being unsinkable. It is true that the lake is too salty to sink in. Just try to keep that salt water out of your eyes; and we recommend that you don’t shave that morning or you could be in for a bit of a sting!
If you do plan on swimming, bring a change of clothes, a towel and a bag for your wet swimsuit.
Just FYI, most visitors prefer to just dip their feet in the water but it’s always fun to watch someone go for an actual swim.
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The tour begins at the Radisson Downtown Hotel (215 W South Temple, SLC) and returns to the same spot where the tour bus parks curbside directly in front of the main lobby entrance.
PARKING: All-day parking is available for a small fee at a lot directly across the street from the Radisson (address of parking lot entrance is 50 John Stockton Drive, SLC)
This ideal location is 1 block away from both Temple Square and City Creek Shopping Center, which offer popular sightseeing and dining options that many choose to enjoy after the tour.
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Across the street from Radisson Downtown SLC Hotel is a large public parking lot that charges a small fee (Typically $10 for all-day parking, can vary with events of the day). Please allow yourself 10 minutes to pay, find a spot, and walk to Radisson Downtown Hotel.
Park Place is the name of the lot, with the main entrance located at 50 N 300 West Street. 300 West Street is also known as John Stockton Drive, so “50 John Stockton Drive, SLC” should also work in your GPS. See map links below:
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Walking is minimal. This tour is designed to be comfortable for all ages and abilities. Many of our guests are seniors so we’ve kept them in mind. And it's truly up to you how much walking you'd like to do.
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Approximately half of the total tour time is spent on the bus as you travel a 20-mile loop around Salt Lake City through various historic districts. At evenly spaced intervals you'll be able to explore off the bus with your tour guide at several stops.
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Space is very limited, we don’t have room for wheelchairs or strollers. We may be able to accommodate folding wheelchairs or walkers but you must first call us directly at 801-364-3333 to confirm there will be space on your desired tour.
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There’s actually not a lot of boating or water sports activity on the lake due to the high salt content of the water and the shallow depth.
Sailing is one of the most popular activities on Great Salt Lake but most days you won’t see many boats on the water. It’s a very tranquil and peaceful lake without much activity on the water. The lake is known more for its scenic views than its water activities.
Great Salt Lake Tour Itinerary
Migratory Bird Wetlands
Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve: Several million migratory birds of over 250 species visit Great Salt Lake each year.
Wildlife: Antelope roam the open plains.
Historic Beach Resort
Saltair: Hear tales of a historic beach resort built by the Mormon Church to be a family-friendly attraction amidst the rowdy pleasure resorts of the early 1900s. Once known as the “Coney Island of the West,” it’s now in its third iteration.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Utah State Marina: home of the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club, “the world’s saltiest sailors!”
Visitor Center: science and history exhibits, gift shop
Silver Sands Beach: walk the shores of soft, pearl-like sand. Photo opportunities abound!
Observation Deck: scenic overlook of the Great Salt Lake, its islands, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, making for spectacular photos
Catch a live sea monkey! The only creature that can survive in this lake, once sold to children through comic books.