The Lake Havasu sandbar is Arizona's ultimate summer hangout. Here's how it works, what to pack, and how to get a boat out there.
If you've heard about the Lake Havasu sandbar, you've heard right — on a summer weekend it turns into a floating block party: boats rafted together in shallow, bath-warm water, music going, floaties everywhere. Here's how to do it right.
What is the sandbar, exactly?
"The sandbar" refers to the shallow, sandy stretches where boats anchor close to shore so people can stand, wade, and hang out between boats. The water is warm and calm, which is exactly why it's such a social scene. It's the heart of a day on Lake Havasu.
What to bring
- •Way more water than you think — it's the desert, and it's hot
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat (shade is limited out there)
- •A cooler with drinks and snacks
- •Floaties or a shade tube for lounging
- •A dry bag for phones and keys
- •A trash bag — pack out what you bring in
Getting a boat
A big party tritoon is the move for a sandbar day — room for the whole crew, a sound system, and often a slide. Prefer something sportier? A wakeboard boat or a couple of jet skis are great too. Book one straight from a local Havasu owner and skip the trailer entirely.
A few tips
- •Get there early on summer weekends — the good spots fill up
- •Watch the wind; afternoons can pick up chop
- •Assign a sober driver, always
- •Anchor properly so you don't drift into your neighbors
Make it a weekend
Havasu is a road trip, so plan a full day (or two). When you're ready, see the boats on Lake Havasu and lock in your date.