SALT LAKE CITY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Salt’s Secret: Floating the Mysteries of the Great Salt Lake
A focused 2-hour, 50-mile outing from Salt Lake City that explores the lake’s hypersaline waters, migratory-bird wetlands and the storied Saltair resort.
Salt’s Secret: Floating the Mysteries of the Great Salt Lake.
This short, concentrated tour takes you out onto the Great Salt Lake — the saltiest lake in the western hemisphere — to float on improbably buoyant water, scan wetlands used by millions of migratory birds, and visit the historic Saltair beach resort and Great Salt Lake State Park for panoramic views and local lore.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Migratory Bird Wetlands and Open Plains
The tour visits the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve where several million migratory birds — more than 250 species — stop each year; antelope also roam the surrounding plains.
Float Like a Cork — The Lake’s Extraordinary Salinity
Experience the lake’s hypersaline waters that make sinking impossible and learn the science behind a body of water up to ten times as salty as the ocean; you may even see the tiny ‘sea monkey’ organism unique to this ecosystem.
Saltair: Coney Island of the West
Visit the historic Saltair beach resort and hear stories of its rise as a family-oriented counterpoint to early 20th‑century pleasure resorts, now maintained in later iterations along the lake’s shore.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
Over roughly two hours and some 50 miles of coastline, the tour alternates between science-rich stops and wide, saline vistas — from bird-dense wetlands to historic beachfront and state-park overlooks — culminating in hands-on moments at the shoreline and visitor center exhibits.
THE WILDLIFE
Migratory Bird Wetlands and Open Plains
The tour visits the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve where several million migratory birds — more than 250 species — stop each year; antelope also roam the surrounding plains.
THE WATER
Float Like a Cork — The Lake’s Extraordinary Salinity
Experience the lake’s hypersaline waters that make sinking impossible and learn the science behind a body of water up to ten times as salty as the ocean; you may even see the tiny ‘sea monkey’ organism unique to this ecosystem.
THE HISTORY
Saltair: Coney Island of the West
Visit the historic Saltair beach resort and hear stories of its rise as a family-oriented counterpoint to early 20th‑century pleasure resorts, now maintained in later iterations along the lake’s shore.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing lasts approximately 2 hours.
Great Salt Lake State Park includes a Visitor Center with science and history exhibits and a gift shop; there are beaches and an observation deck for photos.
Tickets are priced by age band: Adults (Ages 9+) $59.99 plus tax; Children (2–8) $30.00 plus tax; infants on lap ride free.
The tour visits shorebird habitat used by millions of migratory birds representing more than 250 species; wildlife viewing is a primary activity.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 2 hours.
What are the ticket prices and age categories?
Adults (Ages 9+) are $59.99 plus tax; Children (2–8) are $30.00 plus tax; an infant on lap is free.
Can I float in the Great Salt Lake?
Yes. The lake’s salinity is so high that visitors float extremely easily — it’s described as being up to ten times saltier than the ocean.
What wildlife will I see?
The tour visits the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve where several million migratory birds of over 250 species congregate; antelope may be seen on the surrounding plains.
Is there a visitor center and photo opportunities?
Yes — the Great Salt Lake State Park Visitor Center offers exhibits and a gift shop, while Silver Sands Beach and the observation deck provide notable photo vantage points.
What is the mention of a 'sea monkey'?
The tour includes the chance to observe the brine organism often called a ‘sea monkey,’ noted as the lone creature able to survive in the lake and once sold to children via comic-book promotions.