Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Canoe Mono Lake before the season ends

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

This post was written by Matt Rice, 2015 & 2016 Mono Lake Intern.

Enjoy a peaceful morning float on Mono Lake with a guided canoe tour. Photo by Erv Nichols.
Enjoy a peaceful morning float on Mono Lake with a guided canoe tour. Photo by Erv Nichols.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about Mono Lake from the water? Why not join one of our famous canoe tours? Canoe tours have been an exciting part of the Mono Lake Committee since the beginning. One of our founders, David Gaines, used to take visitors out in his canoe in order to show off the wonders of Mono Lake up close and it is a tradition that is still very popular to this day.

Join our seasoned guides as we wind our way through majestic tufa towers that are so high that it is hard to believe that they were all once under water. Be amazed as we observe trillions of brine shrimp and thousands of alkali flies that have taken years to adapt to such a harsh environment. Contemplate the extraordinary powers of volcanism and glaciation as we view the stunning vistas of the mountains, valleys, and islands that make up the Mono Basin. Learn the thrilling cultural history about the basin and even how the lake got its name. All this and more awaits on the waters of Mono Lake.

Get up close to brine shrimp, alkali flies, bubbling tufa, and Mono Lake's salty, soapy water during a canoe tour. Photo by Sandra Noll.
Get up close to brine shrimp, alkali flies, bubbling tufa, and Mono Lake’s salty, soapy water during a canoe tour. Photo by Sandra Noll.

With three different tours at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am every Saturday and Sunday, there are a variety of options to accommodate your schedule. Tours take place every weekend through Labor Day and last about an hour. Our fleet of canoes consists of four canoes that can each hold three passengers with one guide and two large “cruise ship” canoes that can hold up to four people and one guide. Each spot is just $25 per person ($30 on holiday weekends). So, what are you waiting for?

Each canoe holds several members of the public and your Mono Lake Committee tour guide. Photo by Erv Nichols.
Each canoe holds several members of the public and your Mono Lake Committee tour guide. Photo by Erv Nichols.

9 Comments

  1. Hi
    Would like to book a canoe tour for Sunday Aug 14 at 9:30 for 2
    Thank you
    Debbie

  2. I would like to book a “Canoe Mono Lake” tour for four adults on September 3 or 4th, preferably at the 9:30 time. Please let me know if you have openings if not for this time, any time on those dates. If I need to call, please provide a phone number.

    Regards,

    Beth Lowe

  3. Hi Beth and Debbie,

    If you would like to book a tour, please give us a call at (760) 647-6595 or the easiest way to reserve your spot is to simply visit monolake.org/canoe to book and confirm your seat.

    Hope to see you all on the water!
    -Andrew

  4. Hello, Mu husband and I are bringing our 19 lb dog with us to experience Mammoth. I wanted to know can I bring my dog in the canoe? Of course she will be on leash.

  6. My husband and I will be in the area in late September, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, September. 26-28. Is there any way to get on the water on Mono lake during the week then?

    Hopefully,

    Joyce Lombard