In short
- Salinity levels from 5% to 27% force your body to float.
- Bridger Bay Beach offers coin-operated showers to rinse off salt.
- Water shoes are required to protect feet from sharp salt crystals.
In this article
Swimming in the Great Salt Lake is actually more like floating. The hyper-saline water pushes you to the surface. You cannot swim everywhere on the lake, so choosing the right beach is important for safety and comfort.
Can you swim in the Great Salt Lake?
Yes, you can swim at designated state park beaches.
Most visitors prefer to float rather than actively swim. You must use state park access points. Swimming is not permitted at The Great Saltair, as it is a private concert venue.
Why do you float so easily in the water?
The extreme salinity levels create high water density.
Salinity ranges from 5% to 27%. This makes the lake substantially saltier than the ocean. The dense water pushes your body upward, making floating entirely effortless.
Where is the best place to float?
Bridger Bay Beach on Antelope Island is the top location for floating.
This popular beach features white oolitic sand and gradual water access. You will need about 1 to 2 hours here to fully experience the dense, salty water. Antelope Island charges a $15 day-use entry fee per vehicle.
How do you rinse off the salt?
Use the coin-operated showers at Bridger Bay Beach immediately after swimming.
The salt leaves an intense, itchy residue as the water dries on your skin. If you swim at other spots, pack wet wipes or an extra jug of fresh tap water in your car to rinse off.
What should you wear in the water?
Pack water shoes, a swimsuit, and a towel.
The lakebed contains sharp rocks and jagged salt crystals. Foot protection is highly necessary. You should also wear sunglasses and sunscreen to block the severe UV glare reflecting off the water and salt flats.
Are there bugs near the swimming beaches?
Yes, insects are common near the water depending on the season.
Biting gnats can be severe near the water in late spring and early summer. You must pack insect repellent and a fine-mesh head net if visiting then. Millions of harmless brine flies also gather along the shorelines.
Questions travellers ask
Is the water deep where you swim?
No, the lake is very shallow. The average depth is only 14 to 16 feet, and you will have to walk a long way from the beach just to reach waist-deep water.
Can I swim near The Great Saltair?
No. Swimming is not permitted at The Great Saltair. It is a private concert venue, not a beach park.
Does the water smell bad?
The lake can smell like sulfur. This is caused by decaying organic matter and microbes in the terminal basin. The smell varies by wind direction.
