Seattle’s picturesque location on Puget Sound and its access to numerous lakes makes it a top destination for water-based activities. From exploring maritime history to enjoying scenic cruises, this guide highlights the best ways to experience Seattle’s stunning waterfront.
Washington State Ferries, the nation’s largest ferry system, serves ten routes and carries 23 million passengers per year aboard 21 vessels. Ferries range in size from small, high-speed passenger-only boats to vessels that carry 2,500 passengers and 202 automobiles. Among the most popular and scenic routes are the ones leaving Seattle’s waterfront. These car ferries, which are also open to foot and bicycle passengers, travel to Bremerton on the Olympic Peninsula and Bainbridge Island. Other routes operate on Puget Sound with comparable fares and regular sailings, including Mukilteo-Clinton (Whidbey Island) and Edmonds-Kingston (Olympic Peninsula).
Contact Information:
Washington State Department of Transportation
2901 Third Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121-3014
(206) 464-6400
With a fleet of high-speed passenger ferries that operate between Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth, Kitsap Transit provides quick and convenient connections between the Kitsap Peninsula and Downtown Seattle. Local foot ferries connect downtown Bremerton and Port Orchard.
Contact Information:
Kitsap Transit
60 Washington Ave., Suite 200
Bremerton, WA 98337
(800) 501-7433
Black Ball Transport, Inc. operates an auto/passenger ferry (M.V. Coho) between Port Angeles (Olympic Peninsula) and Victoria, B.C. The M.V. Coho ferry operates daily, year-round. The journey takes about 90 minutes and is the most direct ferry crossing between Victoria, B.C. and the United States.
Contact Information:
Port Angeles Terminal
101 E. Railroad Ave.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(888) 993-3779
Viking Travel Inc operates auto/passenger ferries year-round between Bellingham, WA – 80 miles north of Seattle – and several southeastern Alaskan ports. Fares vary depending on the season, automobile, and final destination.
Contact Information:
Viking Travel Inc
101 North Nordic Dr.
Petersburg, AK 99833-0787
(800) 327-2571
FRS Clipper operates several high-speed, passenger-only catamarans from the Seattle waterfront to Victoria, B.C. throughout the year with a two-to-three-hour crossing time depending on the vessel.
Contact Information:
FRS Clipper
Pier 69
2701 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 443-2560
Kenmore Air, which started operating in Seattle in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest float plane operators in the world with a fleet of 25 aircraft flying around two million miles and carrying 125,000 passengers per year. Kenmore Air offers regularly scheduled flights between Seattle and Victoria, B.C., as well as Friday Harbor and other points in the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, and British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. Charters, fishing, and 20-minute Seattle “flightseeing” excursions are also available. Fares change seasonally and vary according to destination.
Contact Information:
Kenmore Air
(866) 435-9524
Lake Washington Terminal
6321 NE 175th St.
Kenmore, WA 98028
Northwest Seaplanes provides private charter flights from Seattle to the stunning peaks of the Cascades. Ideal for special occasions, the planes accommodate up to six passengers with window seats and headsets for a narrated tour. For larger groups, Northwest Seaplanes offers customized tours with capacity for up to 32 passengers.
Contact Information:
Northwest Seaplanes
860 W. Perimeter Rd.
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 277-1590
Argosy Cruises offers several options for getting out on the water. Argosy Cruises is Seattle’s largest water sightseeing tour operator, offering excursions of Seattle’s harbor, Lake Union, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and Puget Sound. The one-hour, narrated Harbor Cruise departs from Pier 55 on the Seattle waterfront and cruises Elliott Bay several times daily with hours changing seasonally. Argosy offers a two-hour Locks cruise which departs from either the Seattle waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union and ventures through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where boats are raised and lowered between the fresh water of Lake Union and the salt water of Puget Sound.
Contact Information:
Argosy Cruises
Pier 55 Boarding Location
1101 Alaskan Way, Ste 201
Seattle, WA 98101
(888) 623-1445
Waterways Cruises & Events operates public and group charter cruises aboard a fleet of luxury yachts that cruise Lakes Union and Washington. Waterways Cruises also offers private dinner cruises and weekend brunch cruises on Lake Washington.
Contact Information:
Waterways Cruises
(206) 223-2060
Lake Union Piers
901 Fairview Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
Experience the Alki Peninsula while overlooking the Seattle skyline with Alki Kayak Tours. Guided tours include Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour, Alki Lighthouse Sea Tour, Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour, and more. Alki Kayak Tours offer hourly, on-site rentals for kayaks, paddle boards, cruiser bikes, and longboards.
Contact Information:
Alki Kayak Tours
1660 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 935-7669
Located just inside Shilshole Bay Marina, Ballard Kayaks offers rentals for single and double kayaks as well as stand-up paddle boards by the hour. Ballard’s scenic Shilshole Bay is home to seals, sea lions, osprey, and great herons. Ballard Kayaks also offers tours of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Puget Sound, and Discovery Point.
Contact Information:
Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard
(206) 494-3353
Shilshole Bay Marina, W-Dock
7901 Seaview Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98117
The Northwest Outdoor Center located on Seattle’s Lake Union rents kayaks and paddle boards by the hour. A variety of water vessels are available, along with expert instruction. Explore Lake Union’s shoreline, dotted with residential houseboat communities, lakeside restaurants, and seafood bars.
Contact Information:
The Northwest Outdoor Center
2100 Westlake Ave., Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 281-9694
The San Juan Islands, 80 miles north of Seattle, are known around the world as a kayaker’s dream. The islands are home to a resident Orca whale population, nesting bald eagles, sea lions, and a bounty of nature that is often viewed at close range by kayak. San Juan Outfitters operates from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, offering three-hour, five-hour, and family-oriented guided tours led by naturalists.
Contact Information:
San Juan Outfitters
248 Reuben Memorial Dr.
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(866) 810-1483
The Center for Wooden Boats offers rentals of sailboats, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. Located on the banks of South Lake Union, The Center for Wooden Boats encourages visitors to explore Seattle’s waterways via boat.
Contact Information:
The Center for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 382-2628
Sailing Seattle, operating from Pier 56 on the Seattle waterfront, features 90-minute and two-hour private and group sailing excursions May through October.
Contact Information:
Sailing Seattle
Pier 56
1201 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 624-3931
Windworks Sailing, operating from Shilshole Bay in Seattle, offers corporate, group, and private sailing excursions.
Contact Information:
Windworks Sailing
7001 Seaview Ave. NW, Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 784-9386
Puget Sound Sports Fishing, Inc., operating from Edmonds, 20 miles north of Seattle, provides tackle and experienced skippers for saltwater fishing excursions.
Contact Information:
Puget Sound Sports Fishing, Inc.
300 Admiral Way
Edmonds, WA 98020
(206) 546-5710
Northwest Fishing Charters, operating from Edmonds, north of Seattle, offers year-round saltwater fishing.
Contact Information:
Northwest Fishing Charters
Q Dock
336 Admiral Way
Edmonds, WA 98020
(424) 328-4664
Shilshole Bay Marina, operated by the Port of Seattle, is Seattle’s largest marina. The marina is located in the Ballard neighborhood at the Puget Sound entrance to the Lake Washington Ship Canal, offering views of the sound and Olympic Mountains. Seasonal rates are available for the marina’s guest moorage. Businesses at or near the marina include yacht brokerages; marine supplies; a boatyard with engine repair; sailing charters and lessons; and restaurants.
Contact Information:
Shilshole Bay Marina
7001 Seaview Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 787-3006
(206) 601-4089 (24-hour line)
Bell Harbor Marina is downtown Seattle’s only recreational marina, located at the Bell Street Pier/Pier 66. The marina has space for 70 boats, ranging from 30 to 150 feet. Guest moorage is available year-round. With its location on the Seattle Waterfront, it is the gateway to everything downtown has to offer, from world-class cuisine to entertainment and shopping.
Contact Information:
Bell Harbor Marina
2203 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 787-3952
(206) 465-0554 (24-hour line)
Located on Pier 59 along Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium offers an engaging way to explore the region’s marine life. The aquarium connects the marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant Coral Triangle in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the shared, interconnected ocean.
The Seattle Aquarium’s groundbreaking Ocean Pavilion, which opened Aug. 29, 2024, showcases tropical species from the Coral Triangle. Part of Seattle’s major waterfront redevelopment project, it connects Pike Place Market to the waterfront promenade with observation decks, stairways, and an oculus window offering views of sea life to passersby below. Featuring sustainable, next-generation design, the pavilion sets a national standard for regenerative construction in climate impact, energy, and water use.
Contact Information:
Seattle Aquarium
Pier 59
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 386-4300
Seattle’s Waterfront, located downtown along Elliott Bay, is the perfect place to experience the city’s stunning connection to water. The ongoing redevelopment, set to finish in 2025, features a 20-acre Waterfront Park with pedestrian-friendly paths linking Pike Place Market to Elliott Bay. Highlights include the elevated Overlook Walk, outdoor seating, and sweeping views of the bay, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Visitors can enjoy improved accessibility, scenic promenades, and breathtaking sunsets along the waterfront.
Contact Information:
Seattle Waterfront
(206) 499-8040
The Waterfront is located along Alaskan Way, from Olympic Sculpture Park to T-Mobile Park.
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
T-Mobile Park
1250 First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
This award-winning restaurant offers a waterfront dining experience with 180-degree views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains. Canlis highlights the Pacific Northwest’s rich ingredients and seasonal flavors, making it an unforgettable way to enjoy time by the water.
Contact Information:
Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 283-3313
Elliott’s Oyster House is located on the Seattle waterfront on Pier 56 and has been one of Seattle’s classic seafood houses for nearly 50 years. Renowned for simple preparations that highlight the natural flavors of Pacific Northwest seafood, the restaurant’s specialty is fresh oysters and serves an expansive oyster bar with 24-26 varieties.
Contact Information:
Elliott’s Oyster House
Pier 56
1201 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-4340
Located on the shores of Lake Union, Gasworks Brewing has dock access, allowing customers to boat or paddle board up to its patio. Gasworks Brewing features an expansive beer garden with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. The space is dog-friendly and food is available at Westward, the restaurant next door.
Contact Information:
Gasworks Brewing
[email protected]
2441 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
Ivar’s is an iconic Seattle restaurant, offering fresh seafood and award-winning chowder right on the waterfront in multiple locations. With stunning views of Elliott Bay at the Pier 54 location and of Lake Union at the Salmon House location, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or grab takeout from the walk-up window for a perfect waterside experience.
Contact Information:
Pier 54 Location
1001 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 467-8063
Lake Union Location
401 NE Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 632-0767
Situated on Alki Beach, this Hawaiian-Korean fusion restaurant boasts a waterfront patio, providing a breezy escape to savor a full bar, a flavorful menu, and great views of the Seattle skyline.
Contact Information:
Marination Ma Kai
1660 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 328-8226
Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grill offers a dining experience with stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. Known for its award-winning Northwest seafood and world-class wine selection, Salty’s is the perfect spot to savor the beauty of the water while enjoying exceptional cuisine.
Contact Information:
Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grill
1936 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 937-1600
Since 1913, each year on the first Saturday in May, thousands of spectators line the shore of the Montlake Cut to celebrate Seattle’s official Opening Day of boating season. The Parade of Boats, sponsored by the Seattle Yacht Club, begins with a cannon blast and the opening of the Montlake Bridge. Hundreds of sailboats and motorboats parade through with their crews in full regalia according to the parade theme. Festivities also include sailboat and crew races and a trophy ceremony.
Contact Information:
Seattle Yacht Club
(206) 325-1000
The West Coast’s biggest boat show, the Seattle Boat Show is a grand display of boats inside Lumen Field Event Center and afloat at Bell Harbor Marina at the Port of Seattle. The show, produced by Northwest Marine Traders Association, has been an annual event for more than 70 years.
Contact Information:
Seattle Boat Show
(206) 634-0911
Lumen Field Event Center
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
Bell Harbor Marina
2203 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
Sponsored by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show runs concurrently with the Seattle Boat Show and is held during April and September. Boats Afloat offers a look at a wide array of watercrafts – all afloat in Seattle’s Lake Union from the Center for Wooden Boats to Yale Street Landing.
Contact Information:
Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
(206) 748-0012
Seafair Weekend in early August is the ultimate on-the-water celebration, featuring hydroplane races, a thrilling air show by The Blue Angels, and a lively promenade of vintage boats. With live music, food, and unbeatable views from Lake Washington, it’s a quintessential Seattle summer experience.
Contact Information:
Seafair
[email protected]
1455 NW Leary Way, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 728-0123
Media Contacts:
Kau’ilani Robinson – (206) 461-5839 | [email protected]
Cory O’Born – (206) 461-5805 | [email protected]
Jared Dionne – (206) 461-5807 | [email protected]
Sydney Martinez – (206) 461-5852 | [email protected]
Joey Thompson – (206) 903-0768 | [email protected]
(Updated 6/2025)
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