Top Seattle Water Tours

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.

Enjoy Seattle’s cityscape, Olympic Mountain and Mt. Rainier views aboard Seattle's premier tall ship. After hoisting the sails, we’ll cut the engine and enjoy the tranquility on our beautiful schooner. As the sun sets, we will celebrate another beautiful summer day in the Pacific Northwest! Enjoy a beverage and the beautiful views as we sail back to the city.

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.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliott 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.

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).

There’s no better way to experience a summer evening in Seattle than from the water. Join us for the Seattle Sunset Cruise, a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise with minimal narration timed perfectly to capture the golden hour and sunset over Puget Sound. Come aboard and head to the open-air deck as the city begins to glow in the warm evening light. As the captain navigates through Elliott Bay, enjoy breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, passing ferries, and the Olympic Mountains. Whether you’re enjoying a date night, celebrating with friends, wanting a memorable evening on your trip, or simply soaking in summer, the Seattle Sunset Cruise offers a peaceful and unforgettable way to end the day on the water.

Spend a full day discovering the beauty of Olympic National Park, with highlights like the dramatic Hurricane Ridge and the serene, ancient Lake Crescent. Your driver-guide leads you to some of the park’s most stunning spots while sharing insider knowledge you wouldn't get on your own. With park admission, round-trip ferry tickets, lunch, snacks, and bottled water included, all you have to do is enjoy the views.

Have the special chance to explore Olympic National Park with a naturalist guide—and make your sightseeing logistics smooth and hassle-free—on this full-day, small-group tour from Seattle. With round-trip transit from your downtown hotel, getting to the UNESCO–listed park is made simple. From beaches to mountains to forests and beyond, experience the best of this spectacular landscape, seeing and doing more with your guide than you could alone.

Experience spectacular 360-degree views of Seattle and its surrounding mountain ranges on a small-group sunset sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay. This evening excursion is perfect for active travelers seeking the perfect pictures of the Emerald City. All are welcome on this aquatic adventure, as no previous kayaking experience is necessary, and a guide is on hand at all times to ensure traveler safety.

Experience a beautiful Seattle evening on this 2-hour sunset sailing cruise departing from Shilshole Bay Marina near the iconic Golden Gardens Park. Step aboard a classic 70-foot former ocean racing yacht and head out onto Puget Sound as the sun begins to set behind the Olympic Mountains. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way, including seals, seabirds, and even the occasional porpoise. This relaxed, small-group sailing experience is perfect for couples, friends, and anyone looking to unwind on the water away from the crowds downtown. Your experienced crew is there to guide the journey, and you’re welcome to be as hands-on or laid-back as you’d like. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks (BYOB!) and settle in for a memorable evening on the Sound. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply looking for a unique Seattle experience, this sunset sail combines stunning scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and the excitement of real sailing.

Explore the rich ecosystem of Puget Sound on a guided kayak tour with a small group. Suitable for families and beginner kayakers, follow your guide as you paddle around the sound, soaking up the views and keeping an eye out for wildlife such as wild seals, sea lions, great herons, and more.

Make the most of summer in Seattle on an evening cruise that takes you past the city's skyline from a vantage point on the water. Pass by Elliott Bay, Alki Point, and into Puget Sound as the sun begins to set—perfect for snapping golden hour photos. Up on the top deck, enjoy an included drink (cocktail, mocktail, beer, or wine) and feel free to purchase more from the onboard bar and catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains.

Step aboard a private boat for a cruise on Lake Union. Traveling with only your group means personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. Take in sights of Lake Union's draw bridges, seaplanes, and scenic shoreline while listening to engaging narrative and sipping drinks. Bring your own beer or wine!

This cruise takes you through the heart of Puget Sound. It is the only public sunset cruise on Puget Sound with this extended duration and distance traveled, nearly 30 miles, round trip. Our cruise is available to individual travelers rather than groups only. Our vessel, "RIVIERA" is a restored, USCG certified, classic Northwest built charter boat. She and her captain and crew are steeped in Puget Sound legacy and experience. This is a smooth-water cruise. Wildlife ranges from seagulls to Bald Eagles, seals and sea lions. Can't miss Mt. Rainier for hours and the Olympic Mountain range unimpeded except for some clouds. You can bring-your-own snacks and drinks, no alcohol please. This is an interactive trip where we candidly and casually interpret our surroundings. There is plenty of time on this cruise where you are left to enjoy the cruise without interruption. We will talk with you and answer your questions along the way. (Senior Age is 62. Tour is recommended for ages 10 and above.)

Experience Seattle from a unique vantage point on a small-group sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay. No previous experience is necessary for this aquatic adventure, and a guide is on hand at all times, ensuring you have a fun and safe experience. As you paddle along the calm waters, enjoy unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re lucky, you may spot local wildlife, like California sea lions.

Experience the beauty of Lake Union and Lake Washington from the comfort of your very own private luxury lake boat. Pass by Gas Works Park and the many floating homes along the shore, including the iconic Sleepless In Seattle home. Cruise through the Montlake cut into Lake Washington, passing by Husky Stadium and the boat house made famous in the movie 'Boys In The Boat.' Take in views of Mount Rainier and the many mansions along the shores of Medina, including the Bill Gates Estate. Finally, return to Lake Union for one last look at the Seattle skyline and its iconic Space Needle. Optional stops include Downtown Kirkland, Old Bellevue, and Fisherman's Terminal near the Ballard Locks. Each stop provides guests with access to a variety of restaurants and boutique shops to enhance your experience in the Pacific Northwest. Feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages. We have a cooler on board to keep things cold and plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the ride.

Experience Bainbridge Island the way locals do. This tour combines a scenic Washington State Ferry crossing, charming waterfront streets, fascinating World War II history, beautiful parks, and Thomas Dambo’s famous wooden troll. With hotel pickup, round-trip ferry tickets included, and a knowledgeable local driver-guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, authentic Pacific Northwest experience beyond Seattle.

Experience the magic of being carried by the wind, just as Peter Puget was when he mapped these waters back in 1792. From Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina we sail west across Puget Sound toward the magnificent Olympic Mountains. Along the way we will watch for orcas, schools of our local porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and other wildlife. On the Sunset Cruise, we’ll enjoy the light show as the sun drops behind the well-named Mount Olympus and other peaks in the Olympic Range and illuminates feathery horizon clouds into glorious colors. Captain Grant, who holds a 100-ton Master of Inland Waters License from the U.S. Coast Guard, is dedicated to sharing the joy of being on the water with others. A former reporter for the Seattle Times, former Science and Medical writer for the Associated Press, and author of four books (one of which was named one of the year’s 10 Best nonfiction books by the American Library Association) Grant is a natural story teller.

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour that is great for locals and tourists alike who want to learn more about this city. 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.

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.

The ONLY Whale Watching tour with hotel pickup in Seattle! Most whale sightings in the Puget Sound happen near the San Juan Islands - make the most of your day and explore Deception Pass before your Whale-watching cruise! Journey north of Seattle to Deception Pass State Park, a Pacific Northwest hidden gem with views that rival our National Parks! Explore the old growth forest among the jagged cliffs and secret coastlines before enjoying a seasonal catered picnic lunch. After lunch, we'll drive up to Anacortes and join our partners, Outer Island Excursions, on a 3-hour Wildlife and Whale Watching boat tour. The Outer Island Excursions Captain and Naturalist will share information about the Salish Sea while we cruise around the channels in search of whales and other wildlife. Our all-inclusive small-group day trip is limited to 10 travelers. We also bring assorted snacks, water, and other cold beverages for the day. Don’t worry about a thing.

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.

Make the most of your time in Seattle with the Ultimate Seattle Experience. Tour by land and sea in this extended Seattle City Tour. Your day includes a 1-hour Harbor Cruise with Argosy Cruises, time for lunch on the Seattle Waterfront, 90 minutes at Pike Place Market, a taste of the Seattle Underground and photo opportunities at local headquarters of Starbucks & Amazon before ending at the Space Needle.