You can expect a fun-filled day with food, games, and more than $1,000 in raffle and prize giveaways, and free junior-sized Hyperlite t-shirts all day.

Why Celebrate at Navajo Lake Marina?

As a family-owned, full-service marina serving the Four Corners for over 30 years, Navajo Lake Marina is your gateway to 15,000 acres of crystal-clear water. We provide everything you need for a safe and memorable lake experience:

• Rentals: Pontoons, houseboats, floating lodging, fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
• Safety First: Comprehensive orientation and safety instructions for all new boaters.
• Dining & Gear: A well-stocked marina store and a lakeside restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views.

See all Navajo Lake Marina offerings.

What are the event details?

• Date: June 13, 2026
• Location: Navajo Lake Marina, #42 CR 4110, Navajo Dam, NM
• Live Broadcast: KPTE 92.9 The Point will broadcast live from the docks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., & 97.9/99.3 Kiss Country from noon to 2 p.m.
• Prizes: A two-hour HydroBike rental, free bumper boat rentals, and more.
• Contact: Call at 505-632-3245 or visit navajomarina.com

What are the event highlights?

Navajo Lake Marina Day is packed with interactive activities and contests designed for the whole family.

• Free hot dogs: Splash Cafe and Navajo Lake Marina staff serve more than 500 free hot dogs to hungry visitors.
• Treasure & rock hunt: Juniors can hunt for over 100 hidden geodes and pieces of “fool’s gold” (pyrite) along the docks or try their hand at gold panning.
• Contests & competitions: Join multiple rounds of water balloon tosses and hula hoop contests throughout the day, with separate divisions for kids and adults.
• Meet Charlie Carp: Snap a photo and grab a “fin five” with our friendly marina mascot as he roams the docks.
• Can Recycling for a Cause: Help us fill the recycling trailer! All aluminum can proceeds benefit C.A.S.T. for Kids, supporting children in need within our community.

What is the event schedule?

National Marina Day at Navajo Lake Marina has an action-packed day planned for you, and more to come. Below is the initial lineup. Visit navajomarina.com to check for new activities and events added to the schedule.

EVENT	TIME	DESCRIPTION
Keep Our Lake Clean	9–11 a.m.	Help the Friends of Navajo Lake collect garbage along the shoreline. Collection supplies provided.
Free Kayaking and Paddle Boarding	11 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Try out the marina’s stock of single and two-person Ocean Kayaks and paddleboards in a safe area at no cost to you. All age groups welcome.
Free Mechanical Bull Rides	11 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Test your rodeo skills on Blue’s Bull outside of the boat rental office.
Kids’ Fishing Contest (13 and under)	11 a.m. to 3 p.m.	Head to the new fishing hole for your chance to win a new fishing pole. All entrants receive six free minnows.
Face Painting	11 a.m. to 3 p.m.	Face Painter Cindy Yakovidy and her assistant will paint your face with an animal or a cartoon character
Live Broadcasts from KPTE 92.9 The Point	11 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Hear your favorite emcees at live radio broadcasts on the Navajo Lake Marina docks.
Live Broadcasts from 97.9/99.3 Kiss Country	Noon to 2 p.m.	Hear your favorite emcees at live radio broadcasts on the Navajo Lake Marina docks.
Splash Pad	All Day	Children’s water activity throughout the event.
San Juan County Fire Department	11 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Visit the SJCFD for a fire hat, badge, novelties, and a possible fire boat display.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary	11 a.m. to 3 p.m.	Visit the USCGA booth for water safety information and to schedule a boat safety inspection.
Free Hot Dogs	Noon to 3 p.m.	Splash Cafe and NLM staff grill up more than 500 hot dogs cooked by the Hangover Cafe.
Treasure/Rock Hunt & Panning for Gold	1–3 p.m.	Treasure hunt for more than 100 pieces of fool’s gold (pyrite) and geodes, and pan for gold to take home.
Water Balloon Toss Contest for Kids and Adults	Various times throughout the day	Test your water balloon tossing skills.
Hula Hoop Contest for Kids and Adults	Various times throughout the day	See how long you can hula hoop.
Meet Charlie Carp	11 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Take pictures with Charlie Carp and exchange “fin fives.”
Can Recycling	All day	Bring aluminum cans to fill the NLM trailer, with proceeds benefiting C.A.S.T for Kids.
Mark Smith Live	6–9 p.m.	Hear live music from solo act Mark Smith (vocals, saxophone, and keyboards).

Plan Your Visit

• Parking: Ample parking is available at Navajo Lake State Park, but early arrival is highly recommended due to the popularity of this event.
• Stay Over: Extend your visit by booking a floating lodging unit or getting a campsite at Navajo State Park for a complete weekend getaway.
• Reservations: If you plan to rent a boat for the afternoon, reserve your vessel in advance online or check availability at the marina office upon arrival.

Make a Splash in the Four Corners

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate community and New Mexico’s beautiful waterways at Navajo Lake Marina. 

It’s a day designed to create lasting memories with thrills and educational activities. Register for the contests, grab a hot dog, and join Navajo Lake Marina, 97.9/99.3 Kiss Country, and KPTE 92.9 The Point for the best party welcoming summer!

National Marina Day FAQs

What is the primary goal of National Marina Day?

First established in 2001 by the Association of Marina Industries, National Marina Day is a summer celebration across North America. The event aims to introduce more people to the world of recreational boating, teach safe and clean water practices, and support local charities. It serves as a community gathering that highlights marinas as essential hubs for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

Is there a cost to attend the event at Navajo Lake Marina?

Admission to the National Marina Day celebration is free, and most of the featured activities, including the hot dog lunch, mechanical bull rides, and kids’ and adults’ contests, are offered at no cost to the public. While participation in the games and giveaways is free, remember that standard Navajo Lake State Park entry or parking fees may still apply.

Where can I find the live broadcast during the event?

97.9/99.3 Kiss Country and KPTE 92.9 The Point will be set up right on the docks at Navajo Lake Marina. They will be broadcasting live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 13. Stop by their booth to hear your favorite emcees and learn more about the day’s festivities while they share the fun with listeners across the region.

How does the recycling program help the community?

The can recycling initiative is an easy way for visitors to protect the environment while supporting a great local cause. By bringing your aluminum cans and filling the marina’s dedicated recycling trailer, you are directly contributing to C.A.S.T. for Kids. This organization empowers children with disabilities and their families through fishing.

What should I do if I’ve never been on a boat before?

National Marina Day is the perfect time for beginners to visit. Our knowledgeable staff provides comprehensive safety instructions and orientations for anyone renting a vessel. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is often on-site to provide water safety literature and advice. If you aren’t ready for a motorboat, trying out our free kayak and paddleboard rentals in our designated safe zone is a great way to get comfortable on the water.