Top Washington On the Water

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this whale-watching cruise led by naturalist guides. Climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters—plus a wide variety of birds and more.

There are very few places in the world where you can experience the stars in the sky and illuminated water around you at the same time. Our trip starts off with a beautiful sunset paddle in Griffin Bay off of San Juan Island where we kayak among harbor seals, roosting birds, and other wildlife. Then as the night progresses, the environment around us becomes even more serene as the bioluminescent sea life comes to life. This is one of those experiences that you will truly remember forever. Please contact Outdoor Odysseys directly to complete your waivers prior to the tour. The last ferry leaves Friday Harbor at 9:50pm and our June, July, and August tours end later.

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.

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.

The White Salmon River rafting trip has attracted whitewater enthusiasts for generations. Perfect for beginners and advanced rafters, the river’s Class III-IV whitewater rapids challenge even our most experienced veteran rafting guests. Fed from the glaciers of the majestic Mt. Adams and aquifers beneath surrounding orchards, the river’s water runs crystal clear all year long. Once a lava tube, the White Salmon runs through narrow, volcanic basalt canyons before heading out into the warm sunshine of a forested valley. Protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the White Salmon River transports raft guests to a remote wilderness conveniently located just outside of Portland, Oregon. The undeveloped shoreline and inaccessible deep forests invite wildlife to visit the refreshing river, a sight only experienced by rafters and kayakers. Whitewater river rafting on the White Salmon River epitomizes the lush and wild character of the Pacific Northwest in one exciting raft trip!

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

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).

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.

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. Spend several hours onboard, looking for whales and learning about the area’s ecosystem from an expert naturalist. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

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.

This is the perfect tour for anyone looking to get out on the water for a few hours on their San Juan Island vacation. With pick-up and drop-off in downtown Friday Harbor, this family and beginner-friendly three hour tour gets you kayaking among pelagic wildlife in the shadow of Mt. Baker. After picking you up at the Friday Harbor waterfront, we'll take a short drive over to Jackson's Beach, coach you through basic paddling and safety techniques and get you out on the serene waters and tidal zone of Griffin Bay as to circumnavigate Dinner Island with views of the Olympic Mountains cresting above Cattle Pass. With morning and afternoon departure times, we think this tour is a great way to dabble in some kayaking, have some laughs, enjoy nature, and make memories with your travel companions.

Join us for an evening tour as the day fades into a stunning canvas of orange and purple, like a living painting. After sunset, you’ll witness the magical glow of bioluminescent dinoflagellates lighting up the water.

What makes this tour special is the combination of calm-water kayaking and rich, place-based storytelling. As your local guide, I don’t just point out wildlife—I help you understand the why and how behind what you’re seeing. Why do harbor seals choose Liberty Bay to raise their pups? How does the marine ecosystem here support such abundant birdlife? What’s the story behind Poulsbo’s Nordic harbor and its transformation over time? This is more than a paddle—it's a guided exploration through history, ecology, and the unique identity of Liberty Bay. Whether you're new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, this tour is designed to be accessible, educational, and memorable. Expect a relaxed pace, stable kayaks, and thoughtful interpretation that leaves you with a deeper connection to the Puget Sound.

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.

Enjoy a calming float down the Wenatchee River on this guided, 5-hour, family rafting adventure. Perfect for children and first-timers, this excursion excludes the typical whitewater waves associated with many rafting trips. Enjoy the view of orchards and local wildlife along the way. Also, stop at famous Sleepy Hollow Beach for a swim, if desired. A barbecue lunch, plus all the necessary rafting gear — like a wetsuit, footwear and personal flotation device — are included.

Make the most of your day at Lake Sammamish with a kayak rental from Lake Sammamish Paddle Co by Wheel Fun Rentals. Launch right from a convenient shoreline location and paddle into calm, scenic waters perfect for beginners and experienced adventurers alike. Glide past lush greenery, explore quiet coves, and keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and even salmon near Issaquah Creek. Take your time soaking in the mountain views, then head back to shore to relax at Tibbetts Beach, enjoy a picnic, or stroll nearby trails. When you’re ready to recharge, grab a refreshing bottled water or treat yourself to a classic ice cream favorite available for purchase on-site. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, book your Lake Sammamish kayaking experience today!

Embark on a breathtaking 4-hour whale watching and wildlife adventure, departing from the picturesque Port Townsend on the stunning Olympic Peninsula. This exciting tour offers you the chance to witness the majestic creatures of the sea up close, along with a variety of other wildlife, in their natural habitats.

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this half-day whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered one of the best places to view orca whales.

Enjoy paddling through tranquil waters on a stand-up paddleboard. Easy to learn, and fun even for beginners, you'll have a blast regardless of your desire for a workout or for leisurely paddle to explore your way around the water. Special Note Half Day Rental = 2 - 4 hours Full Day = 4+ hrs (product is yours until closing) ID REQUIREMENT: • The primary renter must be 18+ and present a valid government-issued ID (which will be held during your rental). • All group members must be present at check-in.

This is a boat ride like nothing else in Seattle! Our 70ft custom built sailboats were created to race around the world, and now are perfectly at home on Puget Sound. Sit back and relax as our trained crew hoist the sails and turn off the engine to get great views of the Seattle city skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. Enjoy your own food and drinks while we cruise around under power of the wind.

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.

Depending on conditions we will paddle Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend Bay, or Kilisut Harbor. All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.

Anacortes is strategically placed to offer the best whale viewing opportunities. There's no company that sees more whales than Island Adventures. As members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we have access to the best whale-sightings network in the world. If whales in the area, we know it. High-speed, low profile vessels often travel past whales without seeing them. Our elevated wheelhouses and upper decks allow us to find more whales, spot them sooner, and view them better than smaller boats.