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 more information see California State Parks - Boating
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
