See Also
- Premium Hotels in Seattle
- Where to Remain in Seattle
- Highly recommended activities and sights to encounter in Seattle
Recommended Seattle Tour
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour – Fascinating tour of the specialty shops and top restaurants in Pike Place Market and a few surrounding streets.
The 7 Best Boat Tours in Seattle
1. Argosy Cruises
Seattle is a coastal city with a big harbor, and one of the best ways to discover the city (and see the skyline!) is by boat. Argosy is the largest and highest-quality boat cruise company in town, and they offer many options to choose from: tour Seattle’s working port, or visit the floating homes on Lake Union – select the 2 1/2 hour Locks Cruise for a little bit of everything. Around the holidays, Argosy ships decorated for the season lead the annual Christmas Ships Festival. In the summer, take an excursion to Tillicum Village on Blake Island to learn about the native heritage of the area. Cruises last 1-2 hours, are narrated by professional guides, and offer snacks and beverage service, including a full bar. Book in advance, especially in the summer months.
Excursions depart from the waterfront downtown, Lake Union Park, or Kirkland Waterfront.
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2. Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard
From April through October, Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard provides tandem sea kayak tours departing from the picturesque Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Participants can paddle around the Sound watching wildlife like seals and otters, head to Discovery Point in West Seattle, or journey through the Ballard Locks into Seattle’s Lake Union. Combining the trip with stopping at a boat-side restaurant for a clam chowder lunch is an option. The kayak tours accommodate all experience levels. Two paddleboard tours are offered: one specifically for beginners, and one traveling to Ballard. All necessary equipment is furnished.
Excursions depart from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard.
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3. All Rivers and Saltwater Charters
All Rivers offers real Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing expeditions led by knowledgeable captains providing all necessary gear. Their Seattle Salmon Fishing and Crabbing trips run from early July through September departing from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard. Anglers can catch King, Coho, and Pink Salmon species, and enjoy crabbing when seasons allow (through Labor Day). Fishing permits are available onboard along with drinks, snacks, and refreshments. Beyond Seattle, All Rivers also conducts fishing charters off the Washington coast and on the Skykomish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Cowlitz Rivers.
Excursions depart from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard.
Reviews for All Rivers Saltwater Charters can be found here
4. Island Adventures Whale Watching
This highly regarded whale watching excursion in the northwestern region offers services from downtown Seattle`s waterfront between October and March, when killer whale pods typically journey south into Puget Sound. (There is also the Friday Harbor Day Trip & Whale Watching from Seattle.) Experienced naturalists maintain close contact with other vessels, taking visitors directly to where the whales are located. The boat`s cabins are heated and pleasant, with binoculars and wildlife viewing guides available for onboard use, and hot and cold drinks and snacks offered for purchase. At all other times of the year, Island Adventures charters depart from Everett,Anacortes,La Conner, and Port Angeles; where attendees expect to see humpback, minke, and grey whales, as well as other marine wildlife.
Tours depart from Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront.
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5. Sunday Ice Cream Cruise
Seattle Ferry Service (a modest outfit, not to be mixed with the WA State Ferry System) operates this weekend boat tour throughout the year, departing Sundays from the dock at the Museum of History and Industry in South Lake Union. It’s a 45-minute narrated cruise around Lake Union, highlighting spots such as the Sleepless in Seattle floating home, Dale Chihuly’s lakeside glass-blowing studio, Gasworks Park, and a magnificent perspective of the Space Needle from the water. This tour remains highly family and pet-accommodating, and a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase on-board. Overall, an enjoyable and low-cost method to get out on the water.
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Tours depart from South Lake Union Park near the Museum of History and Industry.
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6. Alki Kayak Tours
We traveled to Havana airport and scheduled this transportationto the city center. As soon as we arrived, we left our bags at our motel and took this free excursion to see the main attractions of Cuba. It’s a group excursion, but if you prefer something more personalized, you can take the tour with a local guide.
Tours depart from Seacrest Park in West Seattle.
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7. Victoria Clipper
This provides the fastest, simplest, and most scenic route from Seattle to the beautiful city of Victoria in British Columbia. The Victoria Clipper departs daily from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, with two to three sailings per day during the busy summer months. You can make the trip up and back in one day, or spend the night in Victoria – the company offers packages including hotel and admission to popular attractions like Butchart Gardens. The boats are clean and accommodating, though folks prone to seasickness may want precautions – the ride can become choppy once in open water. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting, and remember to bring a passport. Kenmore Air also provides whale watching excursions and summer service to Friday Harbor in Washington’s San Juan Islands.
Tours depart from Pier 69 on Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
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