Top Washington Water Tours

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 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.

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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Just a short drive from Leavenworth, WA, experience the natural beauty of the Columbia River on a relaxing two-hour cruise and drift through the heart of Washington State. This is a shared experience, with up to four passenger seats available to the public, and a professional captain handles all navigation. The experience includes approximately 20 minutes of travel using the boat’s louder main engine, followed by about 100 minutes of quiet drifting or traveling under electric-motor power at only a few miles per hour. Cruise north beneath the US 2 Bridge toward Rocky Reach Dam while learning about the river and surrounding landscape. Once the main engine is turned off, settle into a peaceful downstream drift and enjoy views of the Columbia River and its scenic confluence. This experience is designed for guests seeking a slow, relaxing sightseeing trip rather than a high-speed boat 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.

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.

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.

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).

For those who are especially passionate about Orcas, this trip is for you! Be prepared for up to five hours on the water in the diligent quest for the region's Biggs killer whales. This population of orca is healthy and thriving and can be found year-round in the Salish Sea. They are incredible to watch and can travel over 100 miles in a single day. We load up on our on fastest vessels and depart in search of orcas. We may also encounter the regions other species of whales and wildlife, but the focus is finding orcas. Our success rate is very high, over 95 percent! Tours typically last between 3 to 5 hrs. It can often be a cold trip so bundle up. Don't forget your camera!

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.

Explore the stunning waters of San Juan Island on a full-day kayak tour designed for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Paddle along the west side, where wildlife encounters are likely, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a small beach scenic walk to the lighthouse. Experienced guides ensure a safe and memorable experience, providing all necessary equipment and small group sizes for personalized attention.