Crater Lake Boat Tours: Opening Dates And Details

Crater Lake boat tours are a popular attraction for visitors to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The tours typically operate during the summer months, with the 2023 season running from July 1 to September 11. However, it is important to note that the boat tours are currently closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The tours offer a unique perspective of the lake, providing up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other natural formations. Visitors can choose from different tour options, including a standard lake cruise, a cruise with a Wizard Island layover, and a Wizard Island shuttle. The boats have recently been upgraded, with larger capacity and improved safety features, ensuring a more comfortable and eco-friendly experience for passengers.

Tours closed for 2025 and 2026

Boat tours at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon are currently on hold and will be closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The tours, which are typically offered daily during the summer months of July through mid-September, provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the country's deepest lake.

In the past, these tours have departed from Cleetwood Cove Boat Dock, with visitors hiking the steep and challenging Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the lake shore. The trail is approximately a one-mile round trip and involves a 700-foot descent.

The boat tours have offered a unique perspective of the lake, showcasing natural landmarks such as Llao Rock, Phantom Ship island, and the tiny waterfalls that feed the lake. With the guidance of National Park rangers, visitors have gained insights into the lake's natural history, geology, and cultural significance.

The closure of the boat tours for the next two seasons may be due to various factors, including maintenance, safety concerns, or environmental preservation. It is important to check official sources for updates and further information regarding the tours' status.

During this time, visitors can still explore the area through other means, such as hiking trails, trolley tours, or by visiting nearby communities and attractions. It is recommended to check the Crater Lake National Park website and other official sources for the latest information on alternative activities and offerings during this period.

Tour types: standard, Wizard Island layover, shuttle

Boat tours at Crater Lake National Park are currently closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. However, here is some information about the different tour types that have been offered in the past and are expected to resume in the future.

Standard Lake Cruise

The standard lake cruise is a two-hour cruise that takes passengers around the perimeter of Crater Lake. It offers spectacular views of the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding cliffs, which were formed thousands of years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed and Crater Lake was born. An interpretive guide is on board to share history and other information about the lake. This cruise typically departs daily at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m., with an additional 10 a.m. departure on Thursdays through Sundays. The cost for adults is $44, and $30 for children aged 3 to 12.

Wizard Island Layover

The Wizard Island layover tour is perfect for those who want to explore Wizard Island up close. This tour combines a cruise around the lake with a three-hour layover on the island, giving passengers plenty of time to hike the trail to the top of Wizard Island, fish, swim, and explore. Wizard Island is a 763-foot cinder cone created when Crater Lake first filled with water after the volcano collapsed. The hike to the 90-foot-deep summit crater is rated as moderate and is a 2.2-mile round trip. This tour typically departs daily at 9 a.m. and costs $55 for adults and $37 for children aged 3 to 12.

Wizard Island Shuttle

The Wizard Island Shuttle takes passengers directly to Wizard Island, where they can spend the afternoon climbing the summit, swimming, and fishing. This option is particularly popular with fishermen, as no license is required, and hikers interested in the Wizard Island Summit Trail. The shuttle departs daily at 12:30 p.m. and costs $28 for adults and $18 for children aged 3 to 12.

All three tour options depart from and return to the Cleetwood Cove boat dock, which is reached by a strenuous 1.1-mile trail from the Rim Drive Cleetwood parking lot. The trail involves a 700-foot elevation gain and may take up to an hour to descend. It is important to note that children must be at least 3 years old to join the tours, and children under 2 are not permitted.

Tour duration: 2 hours, 3 hours, or shuttle

Boat tours of Crater Lake are offered by Explor Crater Lake, a park concessionaire. Tours are available daily during the summer, with a US Coast Guard-certified captain and a park ranger on board. The tour circumnavigates the caldera and lasts for two hours.

To board the boat, visitors must be able to descend and ascend the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a one-mile trail that drops 700 feet (213 meters) to the lake shore. This trail may be challenging for some due to its steep and dusty conditions. Children must be at least three years old to join the tour, and all visitors must be prepared for sun exposure, wind, occasional rough waters, and engine noise.

There are no bathrooms on the boats, but composting toilets are available before and after the tour. It is important to consider the clothing and supplies you will need for two hours on an open boat, as you will be fully exposed to the elements, including sun, cool temperatures, rain, and wind. It can get very cold on the lake, and passengers may get wet during windy conditions.

In addition to the boat tours, Crater Lake Trolley offers two-hour daily tours during the summer, typically from July through mid-September. These tours include narration, trivia, and fun facts from a ranger on board. The trolley can accommodate up to 25 passengers and is wheelchair accessible. The trolley tour covers the historic 33-mile Rim Drive, making five to seven stops at significant overlooks for photographs and reflection.

Unfortunately, there is no shuttle service within the park.

Tour prices: $44-$55 adults, $30-$37 children

Boat tours at Crater Lake National Park are currently closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. In previous years, the tours have been priced at $44 for adults and $30 for children aged 3 to 12 for the standard lake cruise option. This cruise takes around two hours and offers spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty.

For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Wizard Island Layover option has been available for $55 for adults and $37 for children aged 3 to 12. This tour includes a three-hour layover at Wizard Island, allowing visitors to hike, explore, or fish. Wizard Island is a 763-foot cinder cone created when Crater Lake first filled with water, providing a unique setting for outdoor activities.

The boat tours at Crater Lake have been a popular attraction, with the new boats increasing capacity to 55 passengers and offering improved safety and stability. The tours typically operate during the summer months, with dates varying slightly from year to year. In 2023, the tours were scheduled to operate from July 1 to September 11, with reservations opening on July 1.

It's important to note that the trail to the boat dock at Cleetwood Cove involves a strenuous hike with a significant elevation change, so visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they have the necessary hiking gear and physical ability to navigate the trail.

Tour times: 8:30am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Boat tours at Crater Lake National Park are currently closed for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. However, in previous years, boat tours have typically been offered during the summer months, with tour times scheduled throughout the day.

In the past, boat tours of Crater Lake have departed from the Cleetwood Cove Boat Dock, with visitors taking a trail to reach the dock for boarding. The tour times have varied, with departures at 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on different days of the week.

The 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. tour times have been offered daily, providing visitors with an early morning and late morning option to suit their preferences and schedules. Additionally, there have been tours departing at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., catering to those who prefer an afternoon experience.

The 9 a.m. tour time, on the other hand, has been specifically associated with the Wizard Island Layover tour. This tour option has been designed for visitors who wish to hike the trail to the top of Wizard Island and engage in activities such as fishing or exploring the island.

It is important to note that the availability of these tour times may vary from season to season, and it is always advisable to check the official website or contact the tour operators for the most up-to-date information regarding tour schedules and any potential changes or updates.

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