Top Washington On the Water

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Paddle through the calm, winding waterways of Scappoose Bay, one of the most serene and wildlife-rich kayaking areas in the region. This guided experience takes you into quiet tidal channels surrounded by wetlands and forest, where it’s common to spot birds, river otters, fish, and other native wildlife. The tour follows a relaxed pace, with time to float, observe nature, and take photos rather than rushing. With stable kayaks and attentive guidance, it’s well suited for both first-time paddlers and those seeking an easy, enjoyable outing on the water. What truly sets this experience apart is its private and unrushed format. The route and rhythm are adapted to the group and conditions, creating a more personal connection with the landscape. To keep things seamless, private transportation from a location chosen by the traveler is included, along with fresh snacks and water—so you can focus entirely on the experience.

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.

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.

Our services cater to people who want to enjoy fishing but don't have the necessary skills or equipment, including access to a boat or knowledge of fishing locations. You will be able to enjoy great views of the Puget Sound at each fishing location. Captain Kyle provides on-site tutorials that teach clientele a unique Japanese American-influenced style of fishing, called “Mooching”. The tutorial is suitable for all levels of fishers. Most salmon fishers and charters use a different technique that uses a downrigger, which isn't engaging and can't feel the fish bite like "mooching". The Catch Mooching for salmon offers a more interactive experience, allowing customers to feel the excitement of actively hooking a fish. This technique involves casting out a line with a herring hooked to a leader and attached to a sinker. As the herring sinks and spins through the water, its movement mimics natural prey, drawing in the salmon and enticing them to bite.

Get ready for adventure on White Salmon River's glacial meltwater, which flows through the collapsed lava tubes of Mt. Adams volcano. In springtime, this National Wild and Scenic River offers Class IV rapids, and in summer Class III. This offers just the right amount of fun for first timers and thrill for veterans. We'll bus you in so that your 8.5 miles river trip ends right back at your car.

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.

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.

See Seattle and its surrounding views from a unique vantage point on a small-group sea kayak tour to Alki Lighthouse. This aquatic excursion is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive and dynamic sightseeing experience. No previous kayak experience is required, and you can choose a 1-person or 2-person kayak. As you paddle across the calm bay, enjoy unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountains, Seattle skyline, and more.

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.

Relax, take in the views, and discover why Lake Union, in the very heart of Seattle, is one of the city's most fascinating—and beautiful—places to explore. Your captain, Grant, born and raised in the great Northwest, has been sailing since he was 12 years old and loves taking guests out on the water--while inviting them to steer the boat as much as they like, while he borrows your phone to take photos of you on the helm. Grant is a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed 100-ton Master of Inland Waters who has sailed in a race to Hawaii, and served as navigator on a sailboat going from Seattle to San Diego. He was also a charter captain in Greece. Grant is a former reporter for The Seattle Times and a former Science & Medical writer for the Associated Press. His book "The Tomorrow Makers" about AI, robotics, and the future of humanity, was named one of the 10 best books of the year by the American Library Association. He' a natural storyteller who loves conversing with his guests.

Sail around Seattle on this private trip on Puget Sound for up to six passengers. Set sail from the Shilshole Bay Marina with an experienced captain leading the way. Learn how to sail (conditions permitting) or simply sit back and enjoy the views of marine wildlife, the downtown Seattle skyline — including the iconic Space Needle — and the Olympic Mountains.

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.

Our kayak tours offer a unique immersion into the breathtaking Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Perfect for families spanning multiple generations, our crystal-clear waters provide an up-close view of fish darting beneath your kayak, while bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons soar overhead. Experience the quintessential Northwest tradition of blackberry picking right from your kayak during midsummer excursions, adding a delightful local flavor to your adventure. What sets our tours apart is our commitment to personalized experiences. With small group sizes and expert guides, we ensure that each participant receives individual attention and gains valuable insights into the local environment and wildlife. See the Columbia Gorge from a unique perspective and embark on an adventure you'll cherish forever with Gorge Paddling Center.

The White Salmon River is packed with class III and IV rapids such as Corkscrew and Maytag, making this half-day white-water rafting trip a must for thrill-seekers who love the water. Paddle nearly continuous rapids during the first five miles (eight kilometers) of the trip, and then wind down and enjoy the views of the gorgeous basalt canyon for the remaining three miles (4.8 kilometers).