Private and Luxury

Private and luxury tours make up 59% of Salt Lake City’s tour offerings, with 108 options ranging from short lake excursions to full-day adventures. The median price in this category is $500, but the most-booked tours are much less, starting at $29 per person.

Travelers who choose these tours are often looking for a more personal or in-depth experience, whether that means a small group, a dedicated guide, or access to hard-to-reach places. Only 9% of private and luxury tours are rated below 4 stars, so most deliver on their promises, but differences in focus, length, and value are significant.

Salt Lake City offers 108 private and luxury tours—more than half of all tours available in the city. While the category median price is $500, this figure is inflated by high-priced private vehicle tours; most popular options are between $29 and $112 per person. This makes private and luxury tours accessible for a range of budgets, especially compared to bus tours (median $813) and nature/wildlife tours (median $688).

Most private and luxury tours focus on either the city’s history and landmarks or the unique landscapes of Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, and the Bonneville Salt Flats. The best-rated tours in this category consistently combine knowledgeable guides with engaging itineraries. However, price alone does not guarantee a better experience—several of the top-reviewed tours are among the most affordable.

With 9% of tours rated below 4 stars, satisfaction is generally high, but it pays to read reviews for specific complaints about value, itinerary, or guide quality.

For travelers who want a quick, affordable introduction to the Great Salt Lake, the 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour ($29) is the lowest-priced option and draws over 1,000 reviews with a 4.75-star average. Guests praise the guides’ humor and insights, but some complain about bugs at the marina and a lack of post-swim facilities. This tour is best for those wanting a light, entertaining experience rather than deep exploration.

If you’re interested in city highlights, both the Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour ($52) and the Trolley Tour with Characters & Stories ($52) offer comprehensive overviews. The bus tour is efficient and covers major landmarks, but some feel it overemphasizes LDS history. The trolley tour stands out for its theatrical guides and interactive format, though seating and visibility can be an issue if you board late.

Nature-focused travelers have several options: the Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition ($95) and the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Day Tour ($109) both receive high marks for guide knowledge and wildlife viewing, but reviews mention occasional issues with missed stops or late pickups. The Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure ($112) is praised for unique scenery and guide enthusiasm, but the long drive and uneven attention from guides can disappoint some.

Overall, the best-rated tours in this category (4.75–4.96 stars) share strong guide engagement, clear itineraries, and a balance of sightseeing and storytelling. The lowest-rated tours (4.30–4.50 stars) tend to disappoint on itinerary delivery, value for money, or logistical hiccups like late starts or unclear instructions. For most travelers, a fair price for a well-reviewed half-day private or luxury tour is $52–$112 per person. Only book above this range if you want a fully private or multi-day experience.