Top Seattle Water Tours

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.

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. Choose from budget-friendly standard seating or pay extra for premium window seats. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 locally sourced food and drinks (own expense) from the onboard bar and catch glimpse of the Olympic Mountains.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from the water on this comfortable, 2-hour, cruise along Lake Union. Watch seaplane arrivals and departures and see landmark Seattle locations like the iconic Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, the Fremont Bridge, Gas Works Park, the University of Washington and much more — plus a plethora of floating homes, including the one from the popular movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle.’ Choose from a morning, midday, afternoon or evening cruise. Bring your own beer or wine!

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.

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.

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.

Cruise out to the heart of the Puget Sound on this sunset cruise departing from Gig Harbor. Enjoy a smooth water cruise on the restored classic Northwest built charter boat, views of wildlife and the Olympic Mountain range, and learn about your surroundings from the informative narrative. Passengers are welcome to bring a picnic and beverages to enjoy onboard.