Boat and Trolley Tours

Visitors on a boat tour looking at Phantom Ship

NPS Photo

Boat Tours

***Due to major rehabilitation work on the Cleetwood Trail and lakeshore facilities, boat tours will not be available in 2026 or 2027. There will be significant improvements to the trail and marina area as a result of this important project. Thank you for your patience!***

Contact Explor Crater Lake for ticket prices, tour descriptions and reservations or call their toll-free reservation line, 866-292-6720.

In summer, Explor Crater Lake, a concessioner for the park, offers daily boat tours on Crater Lake. An interpretive guide is aboard each tour, which circumnavigate the caldera. Captains and boats are US Coast Guard certified.

In the event that boat tours are canceled due to weather, smoke or safety concerns, the concessioner attempts to make appropriate accommodations for ticket holder.

Things to Know Before Booking a Boat Tour or Shuttle

• Visitors must be capable of descending and ascending the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the dock and participate in boat tours. The trail is 1.1 miles long with an elevation change of 700 feet (213 meters) to the lake shore and back to the parking lot. The trail is steep, dusty, and very challanging for some visitors.

• For their safety, children must be at least 3 years of age to participate in any tour or shuttle.

• Every visitor must be able to endure sun exposure, wind, occasional rough waters, extreme temperature changes, and engine noise.

• Children 12 or under are required to wear a life vest that is provided at the docks.

• There is no bathroom on board the boats. There are composting toilets available for use before and after the tour at Cleetwood Cove and on Wizard Island.

• Visitors should bring enough supplies for extended time on the water, including food, water, extra layers of clothing, sunscreen and sun protection, etc. Temperatrure changes can be extreme and passengers may get wet during the tour.

 

Ranger and visitors next to trolley, NPS Photo

Trolley Tours

Contact Crater Lake Trolley for tour times, reservations, and ticket prices or call 541-882-1896.

During Summer, Crater Lake Trolley, a concessioner for the park, offers daily trolley tours. The tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September. The many benefits of a trolley tour include the luxury of enjoying the scenery while the trolley driver safely navigates the historic 33-mile Rim Drive. Each trolley makes five to seven stops at significant overlooks with opportunities for photographs and moments for reflection. The on-board guide offers narration, trivia, and a dash of fun.

Trolleys are enclosed, wheel chair accessible, and seat 25 passengers. The tours are two hours and there are no bathroom stops.

Advanced reservations can be made at the Crater Lake Trolley website. Tickets can also be purchased from the trolley ticket office in Rim Village the day of a tour if there is availability.