Take a Cruise Across Crater Lake

The best way to see Crater Lake is by boat! For visitors wanting to explore Wizard Island, we offer a boat cruise or a quick shuttle ride straight to the island. The trail to our boat tours is a little over 2 miles long round trip and drops approximately 700 feet. The hike down to the dock takes approximately 30-45 minutes. 

*All boat tours depart from Cleetwood Cove Boat Dock on the north side of crater lake. Follow the Cleetwood Cove Trail to find your way to the dock. 

Our Tours

Standard Lake Cruise

On this two-hour cruise, you will travel the perimeter of the lake, get up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other natural formations of Crater Lake. Our boat tours offer spectacular views of the natural beauty of Crater Lake and the cliffs that were formed thousands of years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed and Crater Lake was born. An Interpretive Guide will be on board to share history and other information about the lake. 

Wizard Island Tours

Wizard Island is a 763-foot cinder cone created when Crater Lake first filled with water after Mount Mazama collapsed. During the warm summer, Wizard Island boat tours combine a tour of Crater Lake’s perimeter with three hours to spend on the island – plenty of time to explore the island, fish, swim, and explore this cornerstone of Crater Lake National Park.

Wizard Island Shuttle

Our Wizard Island Shuttle is perfect for those that are wanting to explore Wizard Island. With a daily departure time of 9:00 am and 11:30 am we take our passengers directly to the island to begin your afternoon climbing the summit, swimming, and fishing. 

Boat Tour Information

Reservation Information:

  • Tickets can be purchased in advance online and Additional tickets become available 24 hours in advance of the schedule tour. Same-day ticket sales can be purchased up to two hours before departure at the Mazama Village Cabin/Campground Registration Desk, Crater Lake Lodge Front Desk and at the Cleetwood Cove Kiosk.
  • Please note only half of the available boat tour seats are available for advance reservations.
  • If tours are cancelled, we do our best to accommodate guests with advance reservations on the next available tour or we will issue a refund.
  • Children must be at least 3 years of age. 

What To Bring:

  • Wear good hiking shoes and dress in layers for potential inclement/cold weather
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses/hats
  • Water/snacks
  • Camera or smartphone to capture the moment!

Hiking & Weather Notice:

  • Reaching the dock you will need to hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail. This trail is very steep and can be very strenuous as there is approximately 700 ft. elevation change. It may take 45 minutes to 1 hour to descend the trail. (Trail is 2.2 miles round trip). 
  • Boat tour schedules are based upon weather and are subject to change. It is recommended to allow at least 90 minutes prior to the boat trip for travel from Crater Lake Lodge/Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove for your tour.