Seattle is a city that boasts beautiful views of the waterfront and a rich history. If you’re looking for an activity that will allow you to enjoy both of these qualities, then consider booking a boat tour in Seattle!
There are many different types of boats, and they all have different things to offer. Each boat tour is a unique experience. The following are some of the most popular options:
Waterways Cruises
Waterways Cruises is a family-owned company that has been operating since 1946. They offer multiple boats to choose from, including The Spirit of Seattle and The Pride of Puget Sound. You can choose between lunch or dinner cruises, which each include full service bars and food service. Waterways also features an onboard gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs for yourself or others!
Argosy Cruise’s Harbor Tour
- Departure time: 10 a.m.
- Duration of tour: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- What you will see: The Seattle waterfront, Elliott Bay and Lake Union, Pioneer Square and the waterfront, Pike Place Market, Gas Works Park (if open), South Lake Union Park & Amazon campus (if open). You’ll also hear about Seattle’s natural history including how it was formed by volcanoes millions of years ago.
The Vintage Yacht Charters
The Vintage Yacht Charters is a 2-hour tour that departs from the Ballard Locks, which are located right near the Ballard neighborhood. The boat itself is a classic wooden yacht, and it offers tours with two different itineraries: one that includes a narrated tour of Lake Union, and one that includes both a narrated tour of Lake Union as well as an up-close look at some salmon jumping in Salmon Bay. Either way, you’ll get to see some incredible sights while learning about Seattle history from your experienced guide!
Victoria Clipper
The Victoria Clipper is a fun, luxurious boat tour that’s great for first-time visitors to Seattle. Families will enjoy the spacious seating and kid-friendly amenities, while romantic couples will appreciate the airy cabins and stunning views of Puget Sound. Groups of friends can easily split the cost of one or two tickets, while solo travelers may want to consider splurging on a private room (the most expensive option) so they can take in all that nature has to offer without distraction.
The Victoria Clipper departs from Pier 69 at Fisherman’s Terminal in downtown Seattle and offers several daily tours around Puget Sound as well as longer trips into British Columbia’s Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands region during summer months (May through September).
Duck Dodge
On a Duck Dodge tour, you’ll get on a double-decker amphibious vehicle and drive around Seattle before taking a short boat ride across Lake Union. You can see the Space Needle, Gas Works Park, Fremont Troll and more from the water! The tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $39 for adults.
For reservations or more information about this tour visit: www.duckdodge.com
Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club
Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club is located in Ballard, one of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods. The food here is good, but it can be expensive for what you get. If you’re looking for a place where kids will be happy, this might be the spot for you (or if you want to impress out-of-towners). It makes sense as a date spot too; it’s romantic without being overly intimate or awkward due to loud music or crowds of people.
Agua Verde also makes an excellent lunch spot if you’re doing business with someone who lives nearby–the waterfront views are beautiful and provide great conversation starters!
Seattle Boat Show
Seattle is a beautiful city, but if you’ve lived here for any length of time, it’s easy to take the beauty for granted. The Seattle Boat Show is a great way to see the city from a different perspective: on the water. The 2023 Seattle Boat Show presented by Union Marine and the Port of Seattle is back at Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina, February 3 – 11, 2023 thousands of people gather in downtown Seattle to enjoy marine-related activities and exhibits that showcase some of the latest boats and gear available today–and also give them an opportunity to learn about boating safety, sustainability practices and other important issues facing our waterways today.
The Odyssey Whale Watch
The Odyssey Whale Watch is a great way to see the whales. It’s also a great activity for the whole family, so you can bring your kids along! The company has a good reputation and offers affordable tours on their boats. The location is also convenient: they have multiple locations around Seattle that make it easy for you to get there.
Argosy Cruise’s Locks Cruise Adventure
- Located in the Ballard neighborhood, this cruise is a great way to see Seattle’s waterfront.
- You’ll pass through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and travel through Lake Union, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and Lake Bellevue before returning back to your starting point at Argosy Cruises’ Pier 69.
Sightseeing Cruises
These cruises give you views of Seattle’s natural beauty from the water, including Elliot Bay, Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. You may also see whales during your trip!
Seattle is a great city for boat tours, and there are plenty of companies offering them. Whether you want to see the sights from the water or learn more about Seattle’s history, there’s something for everyone here. We hope this list helps you find the best option for your next adventure!
