Seattle tourists of any age can enjoy an immersive boat ride experience, capturing views of many popular attractions and landmarks. The city’s location, surrounded by Puget Sound, Lake Washington and Lake Union, offers endless opportunities for exciting boat tours to add to your vacation itinerary. Whether you're into a relaxed sunset cruise or a thrilling whale-watching experience, you'll have many options to choose from with these Seattle boat tours.
Each of these tours provides a unique experience, which means you’ll never run out of new ways to explore the Emerald City every time you visit. Check out these top Seattle boat tours you won't want to miss on your visit.
Argosy Cruises
Known as one of Seattle’s most popular boat tour companies, Argosy Cruises has offered premier sightseeing cruises for over 70 years. Visitors have two options for boat tours here, the Harbor Cruise and the Locks Cruise. Both include informative narrations that cover Seattle’s history and landmarks.
Harbor Cruise
One option by Argosy Cruises, the Harbor Cruise, features a one-hour experience from the skyline to the shipping port. During your experience, you’ll be able to check out sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Guests can also grab a refreshing drink at the full-service bar on-board.
The Locks Cruise (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)
Argosy Cruises also offers the Locks Cruise, a longer two-hour boat tour experience. The Locks cruise takes you through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks attraction, featuring up-close views of seaplanes and floating home communities. The Locks Cruise also features an exciting opportunity to witness salmon migration and spot wildlife along the cruise. After completing this one-way experience, hop aboard the Locks Cruise Return bus to return to your starting location.
Seattle Ferry Tour
Another popular option for top Seattle boat tours is the Seattle Ferry Tour, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding islands. A Seattle Ferry Tour can be booked for year-round private charters, or you can explore weekend Ice Cream Cruises. During an Ice Cream Cruise, enjoy a 45-minute trip around Seattle’s Lake Union while snacking on a delicious treat. This option is a great way to incorporate a quick boat tour in Seattle into your trip itinerary.
Lake Union Cruise
Looking for something different for your Seattle experience? Try a private sunset Lake Union Cruise! You'll pass by drawbridges and seaplanes and enjoy stunning lake views. The Lake Union Cruise can be done as a three-hour sunset tour but is also available as a one-hour sightseeing cocktail cruise. This unique experience offers a guided tour that points out prominent landmarks and local history, such as the Space Needle and Husky Stadium.
The Lake Union Cruise is also amongst the top Seattle boat tours thanks to its casual and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors aboard the cruise can enjoy one free drink included in the ticket price. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Lake Union on this exciting tour.
Island Adventures Whale Watching
Whale Watching is another top activity to explore during your visit to Seattle. With the Island Adventures Whale Watching experience, you'll embark on a memorable and thrilling whale-watching expedition. This boat tour is strategically placed to offer guests the best opportunities to view the whales. Throughout the tour, you'll benefit from expert naturalists sharing insights about marine life, providing plenty of chances to learn fun facts.
This whale-watching experience takes place aboard an elevated wheelhouse with an upper deck, providing better chances to see orcas, humpback whales and other exciting marine life.
Seattle Electric Boat Company
Offering three styles of electric boats available for rentals, the Seattle Electric Boat Company provides a new way to experience Seattle's views. You and your travel group can rent out electric-powered boats (seating between six and twelve passengers) to create your own customizable tours.
With no boating license required, anyone can operate these boats for a self-guided exploration of Lake Union's scenic beauty. This opportunity is perfect for special occasions or intimate gatherings! Plus, the Seattle Electric Boat Company offers year-round excursions, as boats are heated and completely enclosed.
Salish Sea Tours
Experience an eco-friendly tour of Elliott Bay, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation. The one-hour Salish Sea Tour takes place along a catamaran, equipped with two-full service bars for your enjoyment. Along your ride, watch for seals, sea lions, bald eagles and many other species that live in the surrounding environment. Light snacks and refreshments are also available for purchase during your ride. Tour tickets can be purchased online up to two months before your visit date.
Alki Kayak Tours
If you want to experience Seattle with a more hands-on approach, try Alki Kayak Tours. These scenic and informative guided kayak tours explore Seattle's waterfront, offering several different options to choose from. During the Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour, visitors will paddle along Alki Beach and Duwamish River, exploring this historic region. This tour is perfect for families and is about two hours in duration. Throughout this kayak experience, check out the close-up views of marine life and natural habitats in the area.
From electric-powered boat tours to guided Kayak tours, there are plenty of adventures that await you on Seattle’s top-rated boat tours. From leisurely sightseeing experiences to opportunities to get up close to natural wildlife, these memorable experiences will surely create a memorable Seattle trip.
During your next visit to Seattle, dive into exciting aquatic adventures, where the rich history and stunning landscapes of the city unfold on the waters of the Pacific Northwest. What are you waiting for? Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Seattle today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.