How to get a Boat Permit
Purchase your 2024 boat permit online
- All watercraft, including but not limited to powerboats, sailboats, and small watercraft, require an annual permit.
- Purchasing instructions and all relevant information is linked at the bottom of this page. Updated fees are coming soon.
- Once you have your permit, be sure to read through all of our rules, regulations and policies, which are link at the bottom of this page.
- Access is not included with your permit or storage. You need to purchase some type of membership pass, punch passes, or pay the daily entry fee from April 1 - October 31. Check out our Res Only pass!
Small Craft Permits
SWC permit sales for 2024 will open on February 7
Any and all small craft used at the Boulder Reservoir must have an annual permit. Small craft permits (non-motorized craft used outside the swim area: canoes, kayaks, SUP - inflatable or standard, kite boards, etc.) are available for purchase online only.
Demand for small watercraft permits is extremely high.
Permit stickers will be applied directly to your watercraft by the boat inspector when you first bring your watercraft to the Reservoir for use. Permit stickers will be at the Reservoir, April 1st, under the name used to purchase permits. Please bring your watercraft with you as we will not give out permit sticker(s).
Power and Sailboat Permits
Applications for new power and sail boaters open February 7!
- No new applications will be accepted until February 7, 2024; we do not accept applications at any other time. The link will be posted here, once live. Permits are sold based on availability.
- We will not be accepting applications for any Class 5 powerboats, and no new class 5 permits will be issued. Only renewals will be allowed for class 5 boats, for the existing boat. Class 5 permits include pontoon boats, house boats, cabin cruisers and boats with ballasts (including removable ballasts). Please see ANS protocol for further definition of a Class 5 watercraft.
- The use of personal water craft such as jet skis, e-foils and jet boards is prohibited at the Boulder Reservoir. Jet skis are only used by water safety staff.
