Explore Jackson Lake by Boat – 3 Different Ways

Jackson Lake, in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), is a great place to get away from the crowds, get a closer view of the Tetons, and for boating.

…and you don’t have to have your own boat (but lucky you if you do!)to get on Jackson Lake.

Colter Bay Marina gives you three different boating options to explore Jackson Lake.

1. Rent a Canoe or Kayak

The nice thing about renting a canoe or kayak at Colter Bay is that they are already in the water. You don’t have to load them up and transport them anywhere. You just put on your life jacket, grab your paddle and go. The marina staff will give you a map and instructions.

Canoe Rental from Colter Bay

Kayak Rentals

• First come, first serve
• No reservations needed or taken
• Single and double kayaks
• 2 hour minimum for rental
• Prices

Canoe Rentals

• First come, first serve
• No reservations needed or taken
• 3 people maximum per canoe
• 2 hour minimum for rental
• Prices

Rental Tip: If you have small children with you, a canoe might be the better way to go, as they can sit farther down in the boat and hang on to the bars that go across.

2. Take a Scenic Cruise

If you’d rather relax, get closer to the Tetons, and leave the navigating to someone else, a scenic cruise is a good option.

Colter Bay offers cruises throughout the day with and without food options.

Colter Bay Scenic Evening Cruise

All cruises take you over to the west side of the lake closer to the Tetons. Along the way, a narrator gives you information on John Colter, who Colter Bay was named after, and other history of the area. As you get closer to the Tetons, they give you more information on the geology of the area. If there is extra time (there usually is), the narrator will ask the audience what subject they want to know more about.

If you sign up for a food option: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner… the boat will take you to the west side of the lake and then go to Elk Island to eat the meal. You can explore Elk Island, just make sure you are back in time for when the boat departs.

Scenic Cruise with Food Tip: On food cruises, the boat banks on Elk Island where you will depart from the boat to eat. Depending on where you are on the boat, and how many boats there are, the line for food may be long. You might want to consider one of two strategies:

1. Skip waiting in line and make the most of your time by exploring the island first then eating. The risk being that there ends up being less food to pick from or they run out of some items when you arrive at the buffet.
2. Or you can ensure you get the good pickings of the food by eating first and then use what time you have left over to explore.

In the end, it probably depends on the line and how hungry you are!

3. Rent a Motorboat

If you are comfortable operating a small, 15ft boat powered by a 9.9 horse engine, this is the option for you. You can go farther in a shorter amount of time than kayaks and canoes, and you are not tied to any schedules like with the scenic cruises.

Motorboat from Colter Bay

The marina will give you a boundary map of how far to go, and you will need to wear life jackets they give you. This is our family’s favorite of the three options as it is just us, we can go as long as we want, and we like going along the bank looking for wildlife. We also bring our own snacks and water for the full experience.

Motorboat Rentals

• Max of 6 guests per boat
• Children must be able to fit into an infant life jacket, which is typically around 12 months or older
• Motorboat drivers must be 18 years or older
• 2 hour minimum
• Prices

Whichever way works for you and your group have fun and follow all safety guidelines. Enjoy the scenery and the distance from the crowds!

Which option appeals to you most? Have questions? Let us know in the comment section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP