Top Washington On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a stunning adventure with the Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands, where nature puts on a mesmerizing light show. As evening descends, paddle through calm waters and witness plankton illuminate with each stroke, creating a magical spectacle beneath your kayak. Guided by expert naturalists, this experience is designed for all ages and skill levels, ensuring a safe and unforgettable night on the water. Feel the thrill of gliding through a world that glows, with jellyfish and shimmering sea life joining the dance of lights around you. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the wonders of bioluminescence.

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).

Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market, on this 2-hour, chef-guided food tour. See where chefs shop and locals hang out and enjoy diverse tastings at several different stops — places such as Beecher's ‘World's Best’ Mac and Cheese, Pike Place Chowder, local artisan chocolate shops and more. Feel like a market insider on this behind-the-scenes adventure to savor the flavors, as well as the sights and sounds, of this historic attraction.

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!

Explore the stunning waters of the San Juan Islands on a full-day kayak tour, offering a unique opportunity to paddle in the whale waters. This six-hour adventure, led by expert guides, takes you through the prime whale-watching areas where sightings of both resident and transient orcas are possible. Glide through scenic shorelines, vibrant kelp forests, and enjoy the diverse marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and various bird species. Each paddle stroke unveils new wonders, making every moment an adventure in nature.

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.

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.

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.

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 exploring beyond Seattle city limits simple—and get up close and personal with the iconic Mt. Rainier—on this hassle-free, full-day trip. Following convenient downtown pickup, journey to Mt. Rainier National Park. Look forward to seeing scenic highlights including Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Mt. Rainier. Experience the beauty of the area with help from a guide who knows the best ways around the park.

Experience the natural beauty of Mt. Rainier with the help of a guide to lead the way on this full-day group tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, historic towns, and Mt. Rainier. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt. Rainier National Park, and the aptly named Paradise. Includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels for your convenience.

Experiencing the Olympic Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a little time on the water. Make an adventure out of it, and sail a living legend out of scenic Sequim Bay! Ingrid Princess is an ocean going, full keel ketch available for a variety of day sailing charters. Onboard this storied vessel, you will get the chance to take the helm, hoist the sails, and trim the sheets, while taking in majestic views, immersed in wildlife on the Salish Sea. Check out the variety of charter options we have to offer. If any of these outings don’t meet your needs, or the departure times conflict with your plans, you can make a customized sail plan with the captain. There is no experience necessary, but a sailing experience is what you will take away from an afternoon onboard the Ingrid Princess!

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.

Set sea and observe the Pacific Northwest’s majestic wildlife on this half-day whale watching cruise. Take in picturesque scenery of the San Juan Islands while searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, spot additional ocean creatures in their natural environment, such as seals, porpoises, sea lions, and otters.

Explore Washington state’s San Juan Islands Monument on this sea kayak tour starting in Anacortes. Join a small group to paddle past the stunning scenery of uninhabited islands including Burrows Island. Spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes orcas. All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets, and safety gear are included for a safe and comfortable experience.

On this two-in-one Snoqualmie Falls and Washington State wineries tour, experience highlights beyond Seattle that many other visitors miss. With round-trip transit included, getting out into nature—and visiting beauty spots including the mighty falls—is made simple. Along the way, visit at least two top-rated estate wineries, where you can enjoy guided tastings (own expense).

Observe Pacific Northwest whales in their natural environment on a 3.5-hour tour from Seattle. You have the chance to get up close to orcas, humpbacks, and minkes. Learn about the marine life from your on board guide.  In the event that you don’t see any whales during your excursion, enjoy a second journey on the boat free of charge.

I've been doing sailing tours for 10 years, and compared to the bigger boats, with more passengers, I offer more intimate setting with great history on an antique modern sailing yacht.