Utah does not require a general boating license or boater education card for adults in 2026, although all boaters must complete the annual mussel aware course. Operators ages 12 through 17 must complete an approved course and carry the certificate when operating personal watercraft. Children under 12 may not operate a PWC. Ages 12 through 15 also need direct visual supervision by someone at least 18; anyone under 16 operating another motorboat needs onboard, direct adult supervision. A printable certificate is valid immediately. Rental customers follow these rules, and rental businesses must explain Utah boating laws. The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation administers the program.

Source: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (recreation.utah.gov)

The main Utah boating rules cover life jackets, sober operation, registration, personal watercraft, and invasive species requirements. Carry one approved wearable life jacket per person; passengers 12 or younger must wear one, and everyone on a personal watercraft must wear one. Motorboats and sailboats must be registered. Operating a motorboat at 0.05% BAC or higher is illegal. Personal watercraft cannot operate between sunset and sunrise; operators ages 12 to 17 need approved safety certification, with ages 12 to 15 under direct adult supervision. In 2026, every watercraft user must complete the annual mussel aware course, and Lake Powell departures require inspection during station hours.

Source: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (recreation.utah.gov)

Late May through mid-September is generally the best boating window in Utah, with June through August as the peak for warm air and water. At Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, the stated boating season runs from late May to mid-September, and summer water reaches 73 to 74 degrees. May and September are useful shoulder months, but expect cooler water, especially at higher elevations.

In southern Utah, summer and early fall monsoon weather can produce threatening thunderstorms and heavy rain. Reservoir levels may also drop enough to expose hazards, reduce boatable water or close ramps, so review Utah State Parks’ ramp conditions before departure.

Source: Utah State Parks (stateparks.utah.gov)

The best places to go boating in Utah include Bear Lake, Jordanelle Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Green River and Lake Powell, which represent several distinct water settings. Bear Lake offers broad blue water in northern Utah, while Jordanelle provides mountain reservoir boating near Heber Valley. In northeastern Utah, Flaming Gorge combines a large reservoir with canyon scenery, and the Green River offers moving water for float and raft trips. Southern Utah’s Lake Powell features red rock channels, bays and coves used by powerboats, houseboats, sailboats and kayaks.

Source: Utah Office of Tourism (visitutah.com)

Utah’s most popular boating destinations include Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Sand Hollow Reservoir, Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Creek Reservoir. Lake Powell is known for houseboating, shoreline camping and trips into sandstone canyons. Bear Lake draws boaters with aqua blue water and sandy beaches. Sand Hollow pairs warm water with a red sandstone setting. Jordanelle offers three recreation areas above the Heber Valley for boating, picnicking and camping. Deer Creek combines boating and windsurfing on cool water with views of Mount Timpanogos.

Source: Utah Office of Tourism (stateparks.utah.gov)