Best Seattle Boat Tours

A boat ride on Seattle's waters is the perfect way to top off your trip around the city. You'll sail while taking in the best views of the city's most popular sites.

Camilla Graciano

Camilla Graciano

11 min read

Best Seattle Boat Tours

Boating in Seattle | ©Patrick Robinson

In Seattle you will find a wide variety of activities to see and do, both in the city and its surroundings, and without a doubt, taking a boat ride to enjoy a unique experience is one of them.

You will be able to sail along the calm waters of the Seattle coast and contemplate the best views of the city while you soak up the history and culture that is in every corner, thanks to the experience of the local guide who will accompany your ride. In addition, you will pass through Puget Sound, Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges and experience an unforgettable moment.

1. A cruise through the port of Seattle

Seattle Harbor Cruise| ©Mark Langlois
Seattle Harbor Cruise| ©Mark Langlois

In this experience, the ship will depart from Seattle's pier and you will be able to see the history of the city from its waters.

You will have the best views of the Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and the city's historic waterfront.

In addition, weather permitting, you will be able to view Mount Rainer, the most prominent mountain in the United States and one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. If you want to learn more about this stunning natural wonder, I recommend that you take a tour of Mount Rainer.

This cruise departs from Pier 55, located on Alaskan Way. At this pier, you will find the city's main marina.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 1 hour.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for approximately €31 per person.
  • What's included: a one-hour guided tour of the waters of Seattle Harbor and Elliott Bay.

Book a boat tour in Seattle

2. A sailing boat tour to enjoy Seattle's best sunsets.

Sailing in Seattle| ©David Herrera
Sailing in Seattle| ©David Herrera

This is an ideal adventure to take in the best views of Seattle and relax as you watch the city's skyline melt into the reddish sky aboard a historic sailboat.

You will have the chance to appreciate the iconic Seattle Waterfront neighborhood, a privileged view of the Space Needle and the other most popular spots in and around the city.

This tour departs from Pier 66, located on Alaskan Way. The Bell Harbor Marina is located there and you can even purchase your tickets for the tour.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for around 55 € per person.
  • What's included: a dream sunset from an exclusive sailboat with the best views of the city from the waters of Seattle.

3. A cruise through the Seattle Locks

Boat in Seattle| ©Byron
Boat in Seattle| ©Byron

On this tour you will learn a little more about Seattle' s maritime and fishing history and discover the famous Ballard Locks and many other important points worth knowing. This unique experience will allow you to travel between the fresh waters of Lake Union and the salt waters of Puget Sound.

At Lake Union, you'll see all kinds of attractions, from Lake Union Drydock Co and the large commercial fishing boats pulled from the water in one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union, to Floating Homes Association where you'll find several of the lake's famous floating home communities, including the one in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle."

You'll also witness Gas Works Park, the decommissioned coal gasification plant that became one of Seattle's favorite parks, cruise the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and see several of Seattle's historic neighborhoods from the water.

The final stop is at Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront so I recommend you tour the surrounding sites such as the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum.

Keep in mind that this cruise is a good option for you to use as an exclusive means of transportation to avoid traffic and move between the Seattle waterfront and the AGC Marina in South Lake Union.

This cruise departs from Pier 55 which is located on Alaskan Way.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for about $54 per person.
  • What's included: it is a tour of Seattle's maritime history, including key points along the way and the company of an expert guide so you can get to know every corner you pass through.

4. A cruise on Puget Sound

Puget Sound Cruise| ©mikeyskatie
Puget Sound Cruise| ©mikeyskatie

Aboard this boat ride you will appreciate the splendors and wildlife of Puget Sound and get the best views from the shore along a journey that stretches for about 19 miles along the Tacoma coast.

This is a tour full of history and wildlife, on this adventure you will pass by the 1933 Brown's Point Lighthouse, Old Town which was the historic center of the lumber heyday when Tacoma was one of the richest cities in the world and the Port of Tacoma.

This cruise begins and ends at Pier D of the Elliott Bay Marina.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for a price starting at 55 € per person.
  • What's included: it is an exclusive experience guided by an expert, as it is designed for small groups.

5. A boat tour of Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges

Boating in Gig Harbor| ©Jeff Miller
Boating in Gig Harbor| ©Jeff Miller

Aboard an old navy ship you will enjoy the main sights of the picturesque town of Gig Harbor and pass by Tacoma Narrows Bridge to appreciate one of the iconic structures and learn about its history.

You'll see 2 bridges, because the first of 3 initial bridges collapsed in a windstorm just 4 months after opening.

You will also see Point Defiance Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States and the picturesque community that lives on Salmon Beach Road.

It is a unique and unrepeatable experience that will also give you the chance to enjoy nature and enjoy a relaxing ride while you contemplate the wild landscape of Puget Sound and see eagles, seals, porpoises and many other animals.

This tour departs from Gig Harbor Pier, located on Harborview Dr., where the legendary Anthony's Restaurant is located.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for a price starting at 55 € per person.
  • What's included: this is a guided tour with a Coast Guard certified captain.

6. A private cruise with cocktail included around Seattle

Private cruise| ©Wendy Smith
Private cruise| ©Wendy Smith

Aboard this exclusive vessel, a skilled steward will be at your disposal to give you a one-hour tour of Seattle through a pleasant boat tour.

The adventure will begin on the north side of Lake Union, on Northlake Way and you will sail with an exquisite cocktail in hand. I assure you that you will experience a moment so special and pleasurable that you will not want to get off the boat at the end of the ride.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 1 hour.
  • Price: you can enjoy this experience for a price starting at 253 €.
  • What's included: this is an excursion with an exclusive captain/waiter to serve cocktails while you enjoy the ride and the views.

Book a boat ride with cocktails in Seattle

How to book a Seattle cruise tour

Booking online| ©Marek Levak
Booking online| ©Marek Levak

All of these experiences support digital ticketing, which is a great advantage. This way, you can buy your pass online, receive immediate confirmation by email and you will have it available to use it directly from your mobile device. That's how simple and fast you can access an unforgettable ride through Seattle.

Although less recommended, as you may run out of seats, another option to purchase your tickets is by making the purchase at the respective departure ports, either at Argosy Cruises, Bell Harbor Marina, Elliott Bay Marina or Gig Harbor Pier.

The only experience you will not be able to book in person will be the private cocktail cruise around Seattle.

Please note that in case your plans change for any reason or you simply have regrets, you can cancel your purchase for free at least 24 hours prior to the date of your experience.

Duration of Seattle boat tours

Boat Tour| ©edgeplot
Boat Tour| ©edgeplot

All of these tours have a relatively short duration of between 1 and 2 hours. This makes them an excellent option to combine with other city tours.

Here you can find a wide variety of Seattle tours to choose from.

How much does a Seattle boat tour cost?

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

You can enjoy a pleasant boat ride in Seattle for a price ranging from 31 to 55 euros. Keep in mind that the price will depend on the tour, the duration, the number of people with whom you share the excursion and the services included.

Therefore, I recommend you to analyze all the variables before choosing the tour that best suits you.

What you will see on a boat tour in Seattle

Space Needle| ©mat79
Space Needle| ©mat79

Seattle is a city full of contrasts, you will be impressed by its futuristic and modern side and you will fall in love with its nature and the outdoor activities it offers. Undoubtedly, from the waters of Seattle you will find the best views of the city and you will get the best pictures of your trip.

These excursions will show you its particular attraction, you can observe the city from the outside and see how the huge skyscrapers are mixed with the vegetation and the most natural landscapes. Here are some of the places you will see on your boat ride.

  • Mount Rainer: if the sky is clear on the day of your excursion, you will have incredible views of one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and undoubtedly Seattle's most famous attraction.

  • Space Needle: you will be able to observe from the waters of Seattle one of the most popular structures in the city and take unpublished pictures of this attraction.

  • Seattle Waterfront: you will have a privileged and panoramic view of one of Seattle's most famous neighborhoods, home to several of the city's attractions, including the famous Seattle Great Wheel, which you will also see on board the ship.

  • Lake Union: a popular lake that is entirely located in the city of Seattle and has glacial origins. You will surely learn more about its history while sailing through its fresh waters.

  • Puget Sound: it is the deep inlet of the Pacific Ocean, there you will have views of the islands and bays that make it up and that are interconnected with each other.

  • Gig Harbor: you will have access to the most picturesque views of this small town with unique natural landscapes.

  • Tacoma Narrows Bridge: it is a set of two parallel suspension bridges of 1800 meters, with a very particular history that you will know in your walk.

Book a tour to Mount Rainier in Seattle

Tips to enjoy a boat ride in Seattle

Boating in the Harbor| ©Byron
Boating in the Harbor| ©Byron

I recommend that for these excursions you wear comfortable clothes according to the weather. Also, keep in mind that you will spend some hours outdoors, so sunscreen will be your best ally.

Before the tour, it is essential that you check the weather to choose the most appropriate attire and not suffer neither cold nor heat on board the boat, also taking into account the temperature of the day and the date on which you are going to do it.

Best time to take a boat trip in Seattle

Sunset on a boat in Seattle| ©Emily Wiley
Sunset on a boat in Seattle| ©Emily Wiley

Please note that all these Seattle boat tours are weather dependent, as good weather is necessary for them to take place, otherwise they will have to be rescheduled or you will be refunded.

Since it is not possible to guess the exact weather on the day of your excursion, I will tell you which are the best months to visit Seattle and enjoy this type of experience.

I will start by telling you that you are lucky, because Seattle usually has good weather almost all year round. However, there are months when you will have milder temperatures and others that are colder or more unstable.

The best time is between May and September, with the mildest months being July and August. But the coldest, most unstable and rainy months are January, November and December. Although February is cold, it does not usually rain as much as in the rest of the months.

Here is a complete guide to the best things to do and see in Seattle in summer, so you can combine your boat ride with other activities in the city: 10 things to see and do in Seattle in summer, 10 things to see and do in Seattle in July and 10 things to see and do in Seattle in August.

Save on your boat ride with Seattle Tourist Cards

Seattle City Pass| ©Andres N
Seattle City Pass| ©Andres N

I've got good news for you: with the Seattle City Pass, you'll get a one-hour boat ride around Seattle included.

With this exclusive city pass, you will have access to the most popular attractions and activities to know Seattle, among which you will find Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium and you can choose 3 more from a wide list: a 1-hour boat ride or tickets to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo or Chihuly Garden and Glass.

This way, by purchasing the Seattle City Pass at a fixed and exclusive price you will be saving on access to all these activities and in addition, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing boat ride in Seattle included in your pass. Very complete!

Why is it advisable to take a boat ride in Seattle?

Houseboat in Seattle| ©Joe Stump
Houseboat in Seattle| ©Joe Stump

This is a special and different excursion that I definitely recommend you to do. You can get the best views of Seattle from its calm waters and learn another part of its history in a unique and unrepeatable excursion.

It is the ideal option to get to know its most eccentric and aesthetically impressive natural wonders, its wildlife and maritime life and one of the main activities carried out in this city, such as sea fishing.

You will have the chance to get the best views and a more complete and finished knowledge of the city. You will not regret getting on the boat, relax, absorb all the knowledge that the guide can give you, get the best pictures and spend a relaxing and comforting moment on board.

If you would love to do this plan, but you have little time in the city, I have a solution: a boat ride is an ideal plan for you to combine with the tour bus through Seattle.

This way, you can take a boat ride on the waters of Seattle without worrying about not having time to visit the main attractions of the city.

Book your Seattle sightseeing bus

If you are interested in taking a boat ride in Seattle, you will also be interested in

Chinatown Bus Tour| ©Viator
Chinatown Bus Tour| ©Viator

The duration of these excursions makes them perfectly combinable with other tours and experiences so you can get to know Seattle in depth.

You will have a wide variety of excursions to do from Seattle to surrounding areas full of nature and attractions to visit. You can get more information at: best excursions from Seattle.

In addition, you can complete the experience by including a gastronomic tour around Seattle and discover the most exclusive flavors of the city. Here you will find more information: best food tours in Seattle.