Mono Lake Boating in a Nutshell
Mono Lake is open to all kinds of boating - motorized and non-motorized, but a number of restrictions and cautions should be noted:
- "Mono Lake's conditions are not suitable for speedboats or jet skis, since the water is very salty and alkaline and there are many submerged obstacles." [The Mono Lake Committee]
- Island Closures - Islands and water within one mile of the islands are closed from April 1 to August 1 to protect nesting birds.
- Camping - Camping is allowed by boaters and backpackers along the shore of Mono Lake above the exposed lake bed. Check with the visitor center about special regulations for camping: Visitor Center.
- Dangerous Winds - High winds come up every afternoon and create serious dangers to boaters. Wear life jackets, be off the lake by noon, carry survival gear and water, never begin a trip when the wind is blowing.
- Cell Phones - Cell phones do not work from every location on the lake or shore.
- Tufa - It is illegal to damage tufa. Avoid tufa towers and watch for underwater towers.
- Birds - Stay at least 200 yards from Osprey nests and 100 yards from congregations of migratory birds. Avoid creek deltas when birds are present.
For complete information see Boating on Mono Lake
Mono Lake Guided Canoe Tours
Conducted by the Mono Lake Committee
All equipment supplied. Guides take you on a tour of the lake while explaining its geology and ecology. Get an up-close view of underwater
tufa towers, brine shrimp, migrating birds and more.
Website: Mono Lake Guided Canoe Tours
When: From end of June through Labor Day - Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM; Plan to arrive 30 minutes early
Where: Navy Beach. There is no parking at Navy Beach, so park at South Tufa and make the 15-minute walk to Navy Beach
Reservations required: (760) 647-6595
Caldera Kayaks - Mono Lake Tours
Mammoth Lakes, CA
(760) 934-1691
Website: Caldera Kayaks
Guided natural history tours of Mono Lake - 4 hours, departing from Navy Beach
Kayak rentals available at Crowley Lake
