Navigating Voyageurs National Park: Buoy Basics & Boating Safety

Boating through Voyageurs National Park is an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Minnesota’s north woods. With more than 84,000 acres of water to explore across Kabetogama, Rainy Lake to the north, and to the south Namakan, Sand Point and Crane Lakes, navigation is key, and that starts with understanding the buoy system.

Before you launch, here’s what every boater should know to stay safe and on course.

NOTE – As of July 2025, every boat driver is required to have a boat driver’s license. Learn more here.

📱Our #1 Tip: Have GPS at Hand

Cell phone reception on the lake can be spotty. The best solution is to rent an NLRO boat complete with a GPS unit. We recommend also having the Navionics app downloaded on your phone with maps of the lake ready for offline use. In a pinch, 911 dispatches to the national park rangers and is independent of the phone carrier service.

Water Flows North, and That Matters!

Here’s something that surprises a lot of visitors: the waters in Voyageurs flow northward.

Why does that matter? Because when it comes to navigating channels, it determines how you interpret the buoys.

Red Right Return

You’ve probably heard the saying “Red Right Return.” This means you should keep red buoys on your right (starboard) when you’re heading upstream, that is, in the opposite direction of water flow.

So, in Voyageurs, heading south toward Ash River or Crane Lake means you’re going upstream, and that’s when you want red on the right.

Map Source: Voyageurs National Park

Buoy Basics: What the Colors and Shapes Mean

Understanding buoys helps you avoid hazards and navigate safely. Here’s a quick guide:

🔴 Red Buoys

  • Mark the right side of the channel when heading upstream (southward).
  • Keep red buoys to your right when returning from Namakan Lake to Kabetogama or Ash River.

🟢 Green Buoys

  • Mark the left side of the channel when heading upstream.
  • Keep green buoys to your left going south.

Going north (downstream toward Rainy Lake)? Reverse it: Red on your left, green on your right.

⚠️ Hazard & Warning Buoys

These are essential for protecting you from shallow water, rocks, and dangerous areas:

  • White buoys with orange diamond: General hazard – could be rocks or shallow water.
  • White buoys with orange circle: Restricted areas – no wake zones, speed limits.
  • White buoys with orange cross: Exclusion zones – do not enter.

Always stay outside the area marked by hazard buoys. That means: never pass between a hazard buoy and shore, or between a hazard buoy and the navigation buoy –there’s usually something hiding just beneath the surface!

✅ Safety Tips for Smooth Boating

Whether you’re cruising with family or fishing the back bays, follow these tips to stay safe and have a great experience:

  • Carry a waterproof lake map (available at Northern Lights Resort and visitor centers).
  • Watch the wind, open water can get rough fast.
  • Use GPS, but trust your eyes too, some rocks are unmarked or close to the surface.
  • Go slow near shorelines and islands.
  • Wear life jackets, especially for kids.
  • Bring essentials: flashlight, rope, whistle, first aid, snacks, and extra water.
  • Tell someone your route if you’re going off the beaten path.

Local Insight: Kabetogama’s Hidden Hazards

Certain areas, like Lost Bay, Namakan Narrows, and around Grassy Islands, are especially rocky and can shift with water levels. Watch for white hazard buoys, and always steer wide of them. Never cross between a white hazard buoy and the shoreline (or a navigational buoy).

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about a route or the latest water conditions, ask your resort or outfitter. Locals are often the best source of up-to-date info!

Explore with Confidence

Voyageurs National Park is full of beauty, adventure, and solitude, but it also demands respect. Understanding how the buoy system works and knowing what to watch for on the water helps ensure your experience is safe, smooth, and full of unforgettable memories.

Need help with route planning or navigation tips?

Stop by the Northern Lights Resort office, we’ll help you chart your course and get the most out of your Voyageurs boating adventure.

Don’t own a boat?

No problem! We’ve got you covered. All boat rentals at Northern Lights Resort are equipped with high quality GPS units. Whether it’s a fishing boat or a leisurely cruise on a pontoon that you desire, we have a boat ready for you to explore “boaters paradise.” Find out more about our rentals here.

Reference Links

https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/lake-navigation-buoy-and-marker-reference-guide.htm?fullweb=1