Seattle is a stunning city surrounded by water, and one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty is from the deck of a boat. Whether you’re a visitor looking to take in the skyline or a nature lover eager to explore Pacific Northwest waters, there’s a perfect boating experience waiting for you. How about a leisurely sightseeing cruise, a thrilling whale-watching tour, or maybe even a stop to explore a well-traveled naval destroyer? This guide covers the best Seattle boat rides for an unforgettable visit. So grab your camera, put on your sunglasses, and get ready for adventure.
Argosy Cruises
Boarding an Argosy Cruises’ sightseeing tour is a fun and easy way to take in Seattle’s iconic sights from a new perspective, the water! For over 75 years, these narrated sightseeing tours have impressed tourists and locals alike. Argosy Cruises has options to go cruising past the skyline, gliding through the Ballard Locks, or floating past Seattle’s famous houseboats, all offering a unique view of the city’s waterways.
Harbor Cruise
This one-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors. It takes you around Elliott Bay for stunning views of the skyline, the updated waterfront promenade, and the majestic Olympic Mountains. You’ll also pass by container ships and ferry boats for a glimpse of Seattle’s bustling maritime and shipping industry. A local guide provides live narration about the city’s history along the route, making this cruise both scenic and informative.
Locks Cruise
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (also called the Ballard Locks) is a working lock system that allows boats to move between saltwater Puget Sound and freshwater Lake Union. On this two-hour cruise, you’ll experience being raised and lowered through the lock chambers while learning about Seattle’s shipping and fishing industries. You’ll also pass through Seattle neighborhoods like Ballard and Fremont, known for their quirky charm and waterfront dining spots. See some of Seattle’s famous floating houseboat communities (like in the movie Sleepless in Seattle!) on Lake Union. You’ll also see seaplanes taking off and landing right next to the boats, making for a unique and exciting experience.
Pro-Tip: Line up your cruise time with sunset which will offer the most breathtaking views, with the city lights reflecting off the water as the sun dips behind the mountains. Ready to book your Argosy Cruise adventure?
FRS Clipper: Trips to Victoria, BC & Whale Watching Adventures
FRS Clipper offers some of the best boat trips in the region. Whether you want to head to Canada for a day or embark on an unforgettable wildlife tour, let’s check out their options.
Day & Overnight Trips to Victoria, BC
Bring your passport for a quick international getaway! The FRS Clipper ferry departs from downtown Seattle and whisks you to Victoria, British Columbia, in less than three hours. Victoria is a charming city with European-inspired architecture, vibrant gardens, and quaint waterfront cafes. While there, stroll through the breathtaking Butchart Gardens, explore the Royal BC Museum, or treat yourself to tea service at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. If you have time for an overnight stay, you’ll get to experience Victoria’s lively nightlife, with cozy pubs and live music venues.
Whale Watching Tours
If seeing whales is on your Pacific Northwest bucket list, FRS Clipper’s whale-watching tours won’t disappoint. Their high-speed catamarans take you to the Salish Sea, where you’ll have the chance to spot orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and even playful porpoises. The onboard naturalists provide fascinating insights into marine life, making this tour as educational as it is awe-inspiring.
Pro Tip: Temperatures are typically cooler on water than on land, even on sunny days. Check ahead for conditions or dress in layers for comfort. Ready to book your FRS Clipper vacation?
San Juan Safaris
With San Juan Safaris, you’ll go on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s marine wilderness. Many people have life-long dreams of going whale-watching, and the San Juan Islands is a fantastic place to make those dreams come true. killer whales return to these waters year after year, making sightings incredibly common. The journey to the San Juan Islands is just as breathtaking as the whale-watching itself. You’ll pass rugged coastlines, rocky outcrops with lounging sea lions, and secluded beaches that make you feel a world away from city life. You may also see humpbacks, gray, and minke whales, too.
San Juan Safaris offers whale-watching tours in the San Juan Islands, with the best viewing opportunities from mid-May to early October. They provide three tour options: Classic Whale Watch (from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor) and Adventure Whale Watch (from Friday Harbor). The classic tours, suitable for families, are 3-4 hours long, and the adventure tour uses a smaller, faster vessel for a more immersive experience.
Before you go, check out the San Juan Safaris website for helpful information on other island activities, travel tips, and their daily Whale Report, which keeps you updated on recent sightings.
Pro Tip: Bringing binoculars is highly recommended. Not necessary for seeing the whales, but you’ll want to catch all the little details. Ready to book your San Juan Safari?
USS Turner Joy
If you love history and boats, the USS Turner Joy is a destination you won’t want to miss. This retired Navy destroyer is now a floating museum in Bremerton, just a short ferry ride from the waterfront in downtown Seattle. The USS Turner Joy played a role in the Vietnam War and was part of major historical events. Walking through the ship, you’ll see exhibits detailing life at sea, naval technology, and stories from sailors who served aboard.
Walk in the footsteps of sailors as you explore the ship’s various compartments, from the bridge where officers commanded the vessel to the engine room where the powerful machinery kept it running. Climb the gun turrets, peek inside the sleeping quarters, and even stand at the helm. Whether you’re a military history buff or just looking for something unique to do, this is an experience that brings history to life.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s best to go early in the day to beat the heat, as the metal decks can get quite warm. Ready to experience a part of Seattle’s naval history?
The Wrap Up
You can’t visit Seattle without exploring its waters. Whether you’re cruising past the skyline, spotting whales in the wild, or stepping aboard a historic ship, there’s a boat outing for everyone. All aboard!
