Top Seattle On the Water

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.

Hop aboard a schooner for a 2-hour sailing journey out into the Puget Sound, ideal for photographers or anyone who wants to capture images of the city from the sea. You'll board right in downtown Seattle's Pier 66 terminal and set out into the water for some fantastic views of the city's skyline and the mountains beyond.

Pass through the renowned Ballard Locks and learn about the complex system on a cruise that transports you between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound. The one-way cruise can be used as transportation, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and enjoy a unique journey from the Seattle waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa).

Sailing aboard Seattle's premier tall ship is the best way to see our city from the water. Help hoist the sails, then we will shut the engine down and enjoy the quiet of our beautiful schooner cutting through the tranquil Puget Sound Waters. Enjoy a beverage as the sun sets beyond the Olympic Mountains. We may even fire our cannon to salute another amazing summer day!

See a new side of Gig Harbor—and soak up the wild scenery of Puget Sound—on this boat tour. Meet your Coast Guard-certified captain, hop aboard the ex-navy boat, and set sail. You’ll see impeccable views of Mt. Rainier’s snowy peak, and admire local landmarks like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. As you go, look out for eagles, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife, and learn more about the region’s history.

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States. Each small-group tour is unique, with insider tips from a professional, local guide.

Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.

Find out what makes Seattle one of the most popular areas in the US on this half-day Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle city tour. Visit Snoqualmie Falls, and then journey into the vibrant interior of Seattle itself. Sit back and enjoy the sights of the Emerald City from your window seat as you pass Pioneer Square, Fremont Troll, and a top city vantage point. Ample time at each stop is included.

Taking a day trip from Seattle to Victoria, Canada has never been easier. Leave from downtown Seattle to Vancouver Island aboard the Victoria Clipper. The high-speed vessel takes you on a relaxing cruise through Puget Sound to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. This is a passenger-only ferry featuring comfortable seats, a duty-free gift shop, and a cafe with one-way or round-trip options available. Proper identification is needed to cross the border.

It might seem a little bit intimidating exploring one of the largest cities in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region all on your own, but there’s no need to stress. This 4-hour guided tour helps you conquer all the hot spots of Seattle, including the Space Needle, China Town, and T-Mobile Park. Your guide knows all the quickest ways around, so you can see more in less time.  

You don’t have to venture into the San Juan Islands to see whales in their natural habitat—with this tour, you can board a whale-watching cruise right in downtown Seattle. You'll spend anywhere from 4 to 6 hours onboard, looking for whales and learning about the area’s ecosystem. Choose from budget-friendly standard seating or pay extra for premium window seats.

Sail the seas around Seattle on this private, 3-hour adventure to Puget Sound. Climb aboard the S/V Kingsley and set sail from the Shilshole Bay Marina with an experienced captain leading the way. Learn how to sail or simply sit back and enjoy the view. See an abundance of marine wildlife, the downtown Seattle skyline — including the iconic Space Needle — plus incredible views of the Olympic Mountains, featuring majestic Mount Rainier in the distance.

See Seattle’s striking skyline from the water’s edge—and admire a new perspective on the Pacific Northwest scenery—aboard this private sailing tour from Bainbridge Island. Meet your captain at the Bainbridge Island City Dock, hop aboard the sailboat, and set off through Eagle Harbor before raising sails. You can see Seattle and Mt. Rainier, look out for seals and whales, and soak up the peaceful ambiance of Puget Sound.

Join US Coast Guard licensed Captain Paul Kim on a truly Northwest adventure—salmon fishing in the Puget Sound. (Flounder or squid is also possible in certain seasons). These scenic waters lay between two mighty mountain ranges with plenty of opportunities for seeing marine and wildlife. On clear days the impressive sight of Mt. Rainier is visible, too. This private trip includes professional guidance and all necessary gear and leaves from Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle's historic Ballard neighborhood.

Sailing Puget Sound is an unforgettable experience! We’ll set sail and soak up the panorama of these beautiful and inspiring waters. Departing daily from Bainbridge Island, a 30 min ferry ride from Seattle. This 2hr private sailing experience, on our beautiful 44ft classic sailing ketch, will explore the shoreline of Bainbridge Island, or head out towards the Seattle skyline, with the breeze in your hair and a smile on your face. Take the wheel, learn the ropes, or kick back and relax. This sailing experience is for you! You'll be hosted by Capt Ben who has over 5000mi of ocean passage experience, sailing all over the world. He has spent the last 10 years plying these waters and can share about marine wildlife, sea birds, boating history, local industry & tribal use of these waters, both historical and present day. Experience the tranquillity of life under sail in this stunning setting dotted with islands, distant volcanos, city skyline and abundant wildlife, maybe even whales!

Winter squid fishing is a fun and memorable way to get a taste of life in Seattle. Join us on a boat from Shilshole Bay in Ballard to fish for Loligo Opalences aka Pacific Market Squid using light tackle. Not only are these cephalopods a blast to catch, they are delicious to consume. Come out with the originals—we are the first professional guided squid charter based in Seattle and love what we do!

Go whale watching in the waters of the Puget Sound and visit Whidbey Island on a full-day catamaran tour from Seattle. During the whale-watching part of your cruise, look for migrating gray whales along with seals, dolphins, and other Pacific Ocean wildlife. The onboard naturalist guide provides commentary about the whales and more. After about two hours, your boat docks at Langley on Whidbey Island where you have a couple of hours to explore the historic town on your own before returning to Seattle.

Admire the splendors of Puget Sound—and get a new view from the water’s edge—aboard this small-group, narrated boat tour. Meet directly at the dock, hop aboard your vessel, and embark on a 12-mile (19-kilometer) journey along the Tacoma coast. You’ll learn all about the region’s history, former industry, and wildlife—and can even keep an eye out for bald eagles, seals, and more as you go.