Top Washington Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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 3 to 5 hours onboard, looking for whales and learning about the area’s ecosystem from an expert naturalist. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

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).

Explore the stunning landscapes of Lake Quinault on this captivating boat tour. Glide across crystal-clear waters while taking in magnificent views and keeping an eye out for local wildlife. This journey begins and concludes at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge, offering a perfect blend of nature and relaxation. Ideal for nature lovers and families alike, this tour promises an engaging experience in one of the region’s most beautiful settings. - Scenic boat tour across the pristine waters of Lake Quinault - Spot local wildlife while enjoying picturesque views - Convenient starting and ending point at Lake Quinault Lodge - Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking to connect with the outdoors

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.

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. Stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to immerse yourself in the park’s fascinating natural features and history. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

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.

Spend a picturesque six hours in and around the water on this kayaking tour, with a friendly guide to help you navigate the water and prepare your lunch on the beach. You’ll float through a wildlife habitat that’s home to the likes of seals, porpoises, and orcas. But don’t forget to look up for a chance at spotting some eagles too.

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.

Have a ball with dynamic drifting fish tale turns and the thrilling "Hamilton Spin," where the boat spins within its own length, echoing the exhilaration of a roller coaster on water. Glide past the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers, and cruise under the US 2 Bridge. Enjoy an unrivaled view of the iconic Rocky Reach Dam. Cherish your experience by our inclusive media package, which offers pictures and an edited video clip from our state-of-the-art action cameras. Wileys Boat Rides invites you to a well-rounded, family-friendly boating adventure in Wenatchee, WA. Located just a short drive from Leavenworth and Lake Chelan, our piloted rides offer the perfect mix of thrilling excitement and tranquil cruising. Our rides are suited to fit most weekend itineraries, offering a hassle-free way to explore the river's beauty.

Explore the stunning Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, on a full-day tour departing from Bellingham. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Scenic Byway, taking in beautiful landmarks and natural beauty. Visit Orcas Village and the Ferry Landing, then immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Moran State Park and Obstruction Pass State Park. The tour also offers opportunities to discover local art galleries and museums, making it a culturally enriching experience. - Full-day tour of Orcas Island with scenic views and landmarks - Visit Orcas Village and Ferry Landing, perfect for relaxation - Explore the natural beauty of Moran and Obstruction Pass State Parks - Optional visits to local art galleries and museums for cultural enrichment

Make the most of summer in Seattle on an evening river 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 cocktail or mocktail and other locally sourced food and drinks (own expense) from the onboard bar and catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains.

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.

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.

See Whidbey Island in Washington from a fresh perspective with a small-group kayaking tour in Deception Pass State Park. Meet your guide at a departure point and climb into a sea kayak to explore the calm waters of Bowman Bay. Learn the basics of paddling and admire views of wildlife, Fidalgo Island, and more. All gear including life jackets is provided.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This full day adventure includes about 4-5 hours of kayaking, high speed powerboat transport to and from the island, exploration on the beaches and a lunch break. We take a power boat to Sucia Island where we spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this spectacular state park. After a brief kayaking safety orientation, you and your guide will hop in your kayaks for a 4 to 5 hour paddle which includes a lunch stop (Lunch is not provided) and short hike at a remote beach. As we paddle around the island we stop by prime wildlife viewing locations and explore some of Sucia’s natural history. After the adventure of a lifetime we return to Orcas by power boat. One can encounter bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and even the occasional orca whale!

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.