Taking to the water in your power boat, sailboat, jet ski, or canoe is a great way to enjoy Colorado’s many waterways.

Whether you're swimming or boating, it's important to use common sense while you’re out on the water. The Colorado Boating Program helps you get underway safely while enhancing your boating experience.

Registration is required for all power boats and sail boats operating on Colorado waters. Boating accidents that result in injury or death, or damage beyond $500 must be reported using a Boating Accident Report Form.

Updated ANS Inspection Guidance

Boating is allowed in State Parks during Governor Polis's Stay at Home order. Please go boating in your local area and do not travel to go boating; visit lakes or reservoirs in your local area.

Boaters must comply with CDPHE requirements and CPW's Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations to stop the spread of zebra or quagga mussels and other invasive species.

Maintain a social distance of six feet minimum when interacting with CPW staff or other people.
Wait for the inspector to wave you forward to the inspection station.
Remain in your vehicle, set the parking brake, and turn the vehicle off.
If you have a green seal receipt, please keep your window closed and show it to the inspector through the window glass.
Follow the inspector’s instructions if they need you to get out of the vehicle and assist with the inspection. Always maintain six feet minimum between you and staff or any other people.
Avoid groups larger than 10 individuals or gathering with anyone that doesn’t reside in your household. Local health board guidance may limit to groups as small as four persons; please know and follow all local health board guidance.

CPW encourages people to take local and state stay-at-home orders seriously, stay home when sick, and limit travel time wherever possible, even for approved recreation.

Find the most up to date information on how CPW is responding to COVID-19 on the COVID-19 Response page.

New ANS Stamp Required

Motorboats and sailboats must have an ANS Stamp prior to launching in Colorado in 2019.

Boat owners are required to purchase the ANS Stamp and operators must retain proof of purchase (electronic or printed receipt) on his or her person, the motorboat or sailboat, when operating the vessel (C.R.S. 33-10.5-104.5).

Motorboats and Sailboats from Colorado - $25.00

Colorado residents will purchase the ANS stamp at the time of registration. If you register/renew your vessel online or via a registration renewal postcard, the cost of the ANS stamp appears as part of your total amount due. You do NOT need to manually add another $25 to your payment for the ANS stamp.
Residents with motorboats or sailboats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or otherwise exempt from in-state registration can purchase the ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com, or at any CPW office or sales location.

Motorboats and Sailboats from Another State - $50.00

Non-residents can purchase their ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com, or at any CPW office or sales location.

Funding contributes to prevention and management of ANS in the state. To learn more about the ANS stamp, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Thank you for protecting our waters and contributing to conservation in Colorado!

Boatable Waters

Looking for a new place to take your boat?

See the Boatable Waters page for an alphabetical list of Colorado waterways. Colorado's Boatable Waters range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs.

Be a safe and competent boater by becoming familiar with the current Colorado Boating Rules & Regulations.