Exclusive Excursions is maintaining its Great Salt Lake boat tour operations and watercraft rentals even as Great Salt Lake State Park manages a water main leak and implements Stage 2 fire restrictions. The company offers several excursion options, including sunset cruises and paddleboard rentals, to visitors exploring the area.
Park Infrastructure Challenges
According to information from Utah State Parks, Great Salt Lake State Park is currently managing a water main leak and a power outage. While crews work to resolve these infrastructure issues, the park has notified visitors that water is currently unavailable at campsites, though an area exists within the park where tanks can be filled. Visitors are advised to utilize portable restrooms during this period.
Strict Fire Restrictions
The park has also implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all forms of open fires. This ban includes fires within established fire pits, charcoal grills, pellet grills, and any other ash-producing fuel. The only exception allows for properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves with a shut-off valve, provided they are used in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable vegetation.
Available Water Tours
Despite these environmental and maintenance constraints, boat tours of the lake remain available through Exclusive Excursions. The company provides several different maritime experiences, including 45-minute group tours, two-hour excursions, and private tours. These options allow visitors to participate in saltwater floats or spectate sunset cruises departing daily from the state park marina.
Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals
In addition to motorized boat tours, Exclusive Excursions offers rental equipment for those looking to paddle the lake independently. The company provides stand-up paddleboard and tandem kayak rentals to assist visitors in exploring the Great Salt Lake via manual craft.
Company History and Services
Exclusive Excursions, which was founded in May 2010 by owner and founder Jeff Manwaring, specializes in customizable outdoor adventures. The company has expanded its service model over the years from a pure adventure provider to a full vacation booking service that can assist guests with lodging, restaurant reservations, and event tickets.
Customized Adventure Approach
The company's operational philosophy focuses on tailoring experiences to the specific needs of diverse travelers, including variations in physical ability and financial status. Manwaring stated that the company often uses follow-up questions during the booking process to modify excursions, such as offering guided hikes to hard-to-access local favorites rather than just standard routes.
Park Amenities and Access
Great Salt Lake State Park remains a significant destination for bird watching and maritime recreation, serving as a major stop for millions of migratory birds. The park provides various amenities including boat slips, public viewpoints, and a search and rescue operations center. For those visiting the Black Rock area, a new trailhead has been added that allows for a short walk to the location.
