Top Seattle Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make the most of summer in Seattle on an evening 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 drink (cocktail, mocktail, beer, or wine) and feel free to purchase more from the onboard bar and catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains.

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.

- Get up close and personal with magnificent transient orcas, minke and humpback whales as well as harbor seal and an array of seabirds - Experience the beautiful Salish Sea as you learn about local Indigenous history, culture, and cuisine - Enjoy delicious bites from Native entrepreneurs, stories from local elders and knowledge keepers. - Soak in stunning mountain, island and ocean vistas as you cruise through the Salish Sea

Experience the magic of being carried by the wind, just as Peter Puget was when he mapped these waters back in 1792. From Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina we sail west across Puget Sound toward the magnificent Olympic Mountains. Along the way we will watch for orcas, schools of our local porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and other wildlife. On the Sunset Cruise, we’ll enjoy the light show as the sun drops behind the well-named Mount Olympus and other peaks in the Olympic Range and illuminates feathery horizon clouds into glorious colors. Captain Grant, who holds a 100-ton Master of Inland Waters License from the U.S. Coast Guard, is dedicated to sharing the joy of being on the water with others. A former reporter for the Seattle Times, former Science and Medical writer for the Associated Press, and author of four books (one of which was named one of the year’s 10 Best nonfiction books by the American Library Association) Grant is a natural story teller.

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.

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.

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.

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 the most of your time in Seattle with the Ultimate Seattle Experience. Tour by land and sea in this extended Seattle City Tour. Your day includes a 1-hour Harbor Cruise with Argosy Cruises, time for lunch on the Seattle Waterfront, 90 minutes at Pike Place Market, a taste of the Seattle Underground and photo opportunities at local headquarters of Starbucks & Amazon before ending at the Space Needle.

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour that is great for locals and tourists alike who want to learn more about this city. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States.

Step aboard a private boat for a cruise on Lake Union. Traveling with only your group means personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. Take in sights of Lake Union's draw bridges, seaplanes, and scenic shoreline while listening to engaging narrative and sipping drinks. Bring your own beer or wine!

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.

This cruise takes you through the heart of Puget Sound. It is the only public sunset cruise on Puget Sound with this extended duration and distance traveled, nearly 30 miles, round trip. Our cruise is available to individual travelers rather than groups only. Our vessel, "RIVIERA" is a restored, USCG certified, classic Northwest built charter boat. She and her captain and crew are steeped in Puget Sound legacy and experience. This is a smooth-water cruise. Wildlife ranges from seagulls to Bald Eagles, seals and sea lions. Can't miss Mt. Rainier for hours and the Olympic Mountain range unimpeded except for some clouds. You can bring-your-own snacks and drinks, no alcohol please. This is an interactive trip where we candidly and casually interpret our surroundings. There is plenty of time on this cruise where you are left to enjoy the cruise without interruption. We will talk with you and answer your questions along the way. (Senior Age is 62. Tour is recommended for ages 10 and above.)

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.

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.

Experience Seattle from a unique vantage point on a small-group sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay. No previous experience is necessary for this aquatic adventure, and a guide is on hand at all times, ensuring you have a fun and safe experience. As you paddle along the calm waters, enjoy unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re lucky, you may spot local wildlife, like California sea lions.

Step into the world of the Twilight Saga with this immersive film-themed day tour to Forks and Olympic National Park. This is the ultimate experience for fans of the iconic series — visit real filming locations, see Bella’s red truck, and explore spots featured in the movies, such as Rialto Beach where werewolves roamed. Beyond the cinematic magic, enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Olympic National Park, with its lush rainforests and dramatic coastline. This small-group tour blends pop culture with nature, making it perfect for movie lovers, curious travelers, and anyone looking for a truly unique adventure.