Utah, United States
Explore the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. See free-roaming bison on Antelope Island, float in dense salt water, and view the historic Great Saltair.
4.8 from 414 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided wildlife safaris and quick boat trips from Salt Lake City.
Top ratedThis tour allows you to experience the vast beauty and quietude of Utah while being close to Downtown Salt Lake City. You get to see wildlife in its natural...
Most bookedExclusive Excursions is happy be on The Great Salt Lake, which is the saltiest body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Come enjoy this experience by actually going out...
Best valueThis tour combines wildlife, history, and stunning scenery in one experience. You’ll see free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, and more than 250 bird species in...
Explore
Learn about the state parks, marinas, and historic architecture.
The lake is substantially saltier than the ocean, allowing humans to float effortlessly.
Salinity ranges from 5% to 27%.
Plan your visit
Tours last 2 to 5.5 hours. Self-guided visits take 1 to 3 hours on-site plus driving time.
April, May, September, and October offer mild temperatures. Biting gnats are less prevalent during these months.
Drive 45-60 minutes north on I-15 to the Syracuse causeway for Antelope Island. Guided tours offer hotel pickup.
Antelope Island charges $15 per vehicle for day-use. Guided tours range from $50 to $145+ depending on duration.
The Great Salt Lake is an extreme, highly saline environment. It contains no fish but supports massive populations of brine shrimp, brine flies, and millions of migratory birds. The average depth is only 14 to 16 feet.
Most visitors head to Antelope Island via a 7-mile causeway from Syracuse. The island features free-roaming bison, white oolitic sand beaches, and the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. It is an ideal location for Where to Float.
Alternatively, you can visit Saltair & State Park, located 15 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. You can view the 1981 Moorish-style concert venue and explore the marina.
We check exact tour lengths to fit your schedule.
We note if park entry fees and binoculars are provided.
We highlight tours led by experienced naturalists.
From Viator
414 reviews of the wildlife experience on Viator
Jarred was an excellent guide who added to the experience with some surprising facts along with a great sense of humor. The boat was a pontoon-style boat, well kept, and very comfortable. The lake was calm, making for a serene trip with slow cruising speed. We really enjoyed it!
Phenomenal experience on the Great Salt Lake! Super highly recommend for the views and excellent tour guide.
Not a lot of time in the sun. No need for extra sunscreen or hat. Mostly popping in and out of tour van. The hike at the end is a little steep for older people but there is still a good view if you don’t go to the top. Bring water.
Our tour guide Sarah was welcoming from the start and helped our group converse with each other. The entire tour felt like we were with friends instead of random strangers. Sarah was accommodating throughout our time together and it was such a great time. We lucked out with having a breezy hike so bugs were very minimal. I had just one buzzing near me on the descent. Highly recommend this tour!
A very good experience. Dimi was knowledgeable and friendly. He was able to answer ALL our questions.
I really enjoyed this trip. The guide is full of knowledge, friendly and thoughtful. I would like to recommend this if you like seeing wildlife animals and stunning views of salt lake.
Our guide Clayton was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience enjoyable. Everything was well organized, and we’d definitely recommend it!
Great tour to see Salt Lake, Antelope Island, and the local wildlife. We saw bison, pronghorn, burrowing owls and lots of other birds. Learned about the history of the island and the lake area. Sinéad Was a great guide - so friendly and knowledgeable. Picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel, right on time. A great experience and great value for the money.
Such an amazing trip and experience. Dima is a cool tour guide, very humorous and willing to answer any questions you have. Stinky springs was exceptionally stinky (sulfur). Golden Spike was very cool. Loved the trains. But the pink lake, salt crystals, seeping oil from an old rig, and the gypsum crystals were fantastic. Like being on another planet. Such a great experience.
Travel tips
Tours vs. DrivingCompare guided bus tours from Salt Lake City with self-drive trips.Read 
Where to FloatLearn how the hyper-saline water makes you float and where to swim safely.Read 
Antelope Island BugsFind out when biting gnats peak and how to protect yourself on the lake.Read 
The Lake SmellUnderstand the science behind the famous Great Salt Lake smell.Read 
Safely View BisonFind and view the free-roaming bison herd on Antelope Island safely.Read 
Great Saltair HistoryThe story of the 1893 resort that became a modern concert venue.Read Yes, you can swim in the state parks. Bridger Bay Beach on Antelope Island is the most popular spot. Swimming is not permitted at The Great Saltair. Read our Where to Float guide for details on floating.
The lake is a terminal basin, meaning water flows in but does not flow out. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind concentrated minerals and salts.
The lake contains no fish. The salinity is too high to support them. However, it supports massive populations of brine shrimp and brine flies.
Antelope Island State Park charges a $15 day-use entry fee per vehicle. Great Salt Lake State Park charges a separate fee.
Guided bus and minibus tours from Salt Lake City typically last between 2 and 5.5 hours. See your options on our Tickets page.
Biting gnats can be severe in late spring and early summer. You will need a fine-mesh head net and insect repellent during those times. Read more about Antelope Island Bugs.
Book your Great Salt Lake tour in advance to secure hotel pickup.
