Inspections & Permits

Before launching in Yellowstone, ALL watercraft—both motorized and non-motorized—must pass a Yellowstone AIS inspection and receive a permit. This requirement includes but is not limited to:

• Any boat with a motor
• Canoes
• Kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Inflatable boats & angler float tubes

• Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft, trailer, motor, and gear—every time, everywhere.
• Boats arriving after inspection hours cannot launch until they have completed the required Yellowstone AIS inspection.
• Watercraft that do not pass inspection will be denied launch.
• Any watercraft that leaves the park must be reinspected before re-entering park waters.

Banned Watercraft & Equipment

• Watercraft with evidence of dead or live quagga or zebra mussels.
• Watercraft previously fouled with mussels, regardless of cleaning or dry time.
• Watercraft equipped with a ballast tank or similar areas that cannot be visually inspected.
• Felt-soled footwear.

30-Day Dry Time Requirements

• A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and certain motorized boats (inboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard jet drives). Without a valid AIS inspection receipt and intact seal demonstrating a 30-day day dry time, these boats will be denied launch. Boats with outboard motors and non-motorized boats are exempt from the 30-day dry time.
• In addition to Yellowstone National Park seals, the park also honors inspection receipts and seals from these agencies:
  • Colorado Parks & Wildlife
  • Idaho State Department of Agriculture
  • Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
  • Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
  • Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Wyoming Game & Fish Department
• Upon exiting Yellowstone waters, boaters can receive an exit inspection and Yellowstone seal. Returning watercraft with an intact Yellowstone seal and inspection receipt can relaunch without an additional 30-day dry time.

Inspection Locations

Boating Permit Fees

• Non-motorized: $20 for 7 days or $30 for the season
• Motorized: $40 for 7 days or $60 for the season

Includes the required aquatic invasive species inspection. Fees are payable by debit or credit card.

Motorized Watercraft

• Motorized boats are only allowed on Lewis and Yellowstone lakes. Boaters using motorized boats on Yellowstone Lake must familiarize themselves with the 5 mile per hour mileage zones and non-motorized boat zone locations.
• Vessels must not exceed 40 feet in length.
• The use of jet skis, personal watercraft*, airboats, submersibles, and similar vessels is prohibited in Yellowstone.
• Towing water skiers, wakeboards, parasails, or performing similar activities is prohibited.

*A personal watercraft is defined as a vessel, usually less than 16' in length, which uses an inboard engine to power a water jet pump as its primary source of propulstion. The vessel is intended to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than within the confines of the hull.

Non-motorized Watercraft

• Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other non-motorized boats are permitted on all lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon.

Other Regulations

• Swimming in the Bridge Bay Marina Channel is prohibited.
• Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips.
• Check Backcountry Conditions for the status of the docks.

Guided Trips & Rentals

Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides boat rentals and guided boat trips at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. Other companies offer guided services for canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating.