Boating can be a great way to experience the refuge's habitats and wildlife! Most recreational boaters enjoy being on the water from May through September.

Refuge staff maintain 26 boat landings that generally accommodate 18 foot watercraft or less, due to ramp sizes and water depths. An additional 220+ non-Refuge owned boat landings are scattered throughout the length of the Refuge. 

While much of the refuge is open to motorized boats, there are some special designation areas where watercraft must travel at slow, no-wake speeds and some areas that are closed to all motorized vehicles except those powered by electric motors. These special designation areas are described in the refuge Public Use Regulations and can be seen on refuge Pool Maps. Recreational boating is subject to respective state boating laws and regulations and applicable US Coast Guard regulations.