12 Best Seattle Boat Tours in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SEATTLE BOAT TOURS?

You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and Seattle is one of our family’s favorite places to visit. We love this city, and the boat tours in Seattle are so much fun!

There’s nothing quite like experiencing Seattle from the water. We have spent lots of time in the water, whether we’re fishing, exploring the harbor, or taking the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. The views of the city from the water are amazing.

We often stay over on Bainbridge Island and just love the ride from downtown Seattle to the island. Spending time on the water in Seattle is a family favorite. The problem is there are so many Seattle boat tours to choose from!

From a standard boat ride in Seattle around the harbor to a dinner cruise in Seattle, take a look through our list to see which Seattle boat tour is right for your family! 

Quick Guide: Seattle Boat Tours

Candice’s Pro-Tips for Going on a Seattle Boat Tour

✔ If you get motion sick easily, take Dramamine the night before your boat tour and then a few hours before your tour leaves.
✔ It is cooler out on the water and tends to be windier, so bring a windproof jacket or a winter coat if it is a cooler day.
✔ Sunset is our favorite time to be out on the water, so try to schedule your boat tour around sunset if that works for your schedule.
✔ If you decide against a boat tour, you should still walk onto the ferry and go to Bainbridge Island for lunch. Leave your car in Seattle because it is much easier to get on the ferry without a car. The views of the Seattle skyline are beautiful from the ferry, and it is fun to be out on the water.

Seattle Boat Tours in the Harbor 

1. Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars |  🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour | Check Rates and Availability

Seattle waterfront boat tours are some of the most fun and unique ways to experience the city.
Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration offers visitors the chance to enjoy the Pacific Northwest breeze while admiring some of the Emerald City’s most notable highlights. 

The tour showed us a lot of major Seattle sights and provided context on them. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided time to ask questions. The views are beautiful as well!

– Lily (Read More Reviews) 

We love that these cruise vessels have an open outdoor deck. Things can get breezy and cool out on the water, but taking in sights of the city, like the Space Needle, and witnessing the activity of the shipping terminal are memories your family will carry for years to come. 

A boat tour like this is one of our favorite things to do in Seattle with kids. It’s such a fun and entertaining way to explore and learn about a new city. 

▶️ BOOK Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

2. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars |  🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise is one of the best Seattle boat tours of the Puget Sound. Maybe not quite as fancy as a romantic dinner cruise in Seattle, Seattle’s tall ship sailing tour can still be a very romantic excursion for couples looking for the best way to see the city. 

At the mercy of the wind, this Seattle harbor cruise is the perfect place to kick back and truly unwind while enjoying the sights and sounds of the harbor and Seattle area. 

The crew were entertaining but we thought it would travel around the bay but it didn’t. However on the way back the sunset and views of city were amazing. It was well worth it. We went in June and strongly recommend taking extra layers to wrap up!

– Maxine (Read More Reviews) 

When it comes to Seattle harbor boat tours, things don’t get more comfortable than the luxurious seats and spacious decks on this line of sailboats. There’s no better place to spend golden hour in Seattle than aboard one of these sailboats with views of Smith Tower and, on extra clear days, even Mount Rainier! 

▶️ BOOK Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

3. Seattle Harbor Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars |  🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour | Check Rates and Availability

Seattle Harbor Cruise is one of the best Seattle boat tours, thanks to its informative narration. So many boat tours from Seattle are fun purely because they feature the beautiful landscape of the city and its famous landmarks, not to mention Elliott Bay and the towering Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. 

Fabulous, funny, informative commentary and it didn’t rain. City skyline was spectacular. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

– Lorna (Read More Reviews) 

But what sets this particular Seattle harbor cruise apart is its fun and informative narration. No matter the age range of your group, everyone will love the informative and entertaining commentary provided on this boat tour in Seattle. 

▶️ BOOK Seattle Harbor Cruise

4. 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

If you’re looking for one of the best Seattle Puget Sound boat tours, look no further than
2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour! This great tour takes place on a schooner, which is a particularly great watercraft for visitors looking to capture some stunning photos on this Seattle harbor cruise. 

The view of the cityscape was breathtaking. It was so peaceful on the water. Also, the crew fired off a mini cannon, was so cool! The Crew was so attentive and kind! Beer and wine available on the boat, and N/A drinks as well. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

– Christopher (Read More Reviews) 

The cruise departs from Pier 66 at Bell Harbor Marina and carries participants on a two-hour tour showcasing the beautiful Seattle skyline and the undeniable beauty of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It really is an experience to remember! 

▶️ BOOK 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour

5. Seattle’s Favorite Sightseeing and Cocktail Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Seattle’s Favorite Sightseeing and Cocktail Cruise is a wonderful way for adults to unwind and get an insider’s view of the city along Lake Union. Like many other Seattle boat rides, this cruise covers city highlights like the Great Wheel, Gas Works Park, and Fremont Bridge. 

We had a wonderful time on the sightseeing cocktail boat tour with Dave! It was a great way to get oriented to Seattle from the water. Highly recommend!!

– Beth (Read More Reviews) 

We also love that while enjoying a drink and the serene atmosphere on the water, you can also catch glimpses of the unique and fascinating small neighborhood of floating homes here. Such living conditions make for a great conversation starter! 

If you enjoy unique city features like floating homes, we also recommend checking out Seattle Underground Tours. There’s a whole other dimension of the city most visitors never get to see! 

▶️ BOOK Seattle’s Favorite Sightseeing and Cocktail Cruise

6. 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

This tour will require you to travel about 45 minutes outside of the city, but it’s worth the drive! The 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges will offer your family a completely different harbor tour experience than those in the heart of Seattle. 

The views of Mt. Rainier are impeccable from this tour’s route onboard an ex-navy boat. Your Coast Guard-certified captain will provide an engrossing narrative detailing the history of the area and pointing out all the Gig Harbor highlights like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and others you won’t want to miss. 

Our family of 4 loved the boat ride and all the stories highlighting the area’s history. We loved seeing the bald eagles and seals on the ride!

– Alicia (Read More Reviews) 

This is an amazing tour for families who love wildlife. Kids will be thrilled to catch glimpses of harbor seals, porpoises, and eagles, among many others! 

If you decide to take this tour and enjoy spending some time outside the bustling part of the city, consider taking a day trip or two outside of Seattle. We love spending time in Forks and North Cascades National Park. They both offer so much beauty and opportunities to explore the great Pacific Northwest landscape together as a family. 

▶️ BOOK 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges

Private Boat Tours in Seattle 

7. Private Sunset Cruise on Lake Union

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

The Private Sunset Cruise on Lake Union is the perfect waterway getaway for couples or groups of friends who are looking to enjoy the views of Seattle at sunset in a very luxurious setting. 

This tour of Lake Union is three hours long and features all the Seattle staples, including the Space Needle and the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium. 

We booked this for our first afternoon in Seattle, The weather was beautiful and it was a great way to see parts of the city. Great customer service and easy to find! Highly recommend!

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews) 

Featuring a full bar, drinks are available onboard, with the first round being complimentary. Sipping a cocktail during golden hour, taking in seaplanes, historic sites like drawbridges, and locals enjoying the lake makes for a pretty epic Seattle outing. 

▶️ BOOK Private Sunset Cruise on Lake Union

8. One-Hour Private Seattle Sightseeing Cocktail Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

The One-Hour Private Seattle Sightseeing Cocktail Cruise is one of the best boat tours in Seattle if you’re looking for a more quiet and serene experience on the city’s waters. This private cocktail cruise only accommodates up to six guests, so it offers a more intimate and engaging experience. 

Had a great time with just our family on the boat. I highly recommend it. It was very relaxing we all really enjoyed ourselves.

– Cheryl (Read More Reviews) 

The captain of the boat is a Jack of all trades – navigating the ship, mixing drinks, and playing city historian. The guide will offer an informative narration about the region and happily address any of the group’s questions. This private cruise is an amazing choice if you are looking for a one-on-one type of experience. 

▶️ BOOK One-Hour Private Seattle Sightseeing Cocktail Cruise

9. Private Seattle Lakefront Mansion Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Private Seattle Lakefront Mansion Cruise is another small group tour, but we love that it offers a flexible itinerary. That means you get to call the shots! Lake Union offers a variety of different sights to see and experience, and on this tour, you decide how you want to spend your time at your own pace. 

Captain Dylan is charming, knowledgeable, responsive, and accommodating. The cruise is fun and relaxing. I am sure it is even more fun in the summer. Captain Dylan is a delight to deal with and we greatly appreciated the convenience of being dropped off a Duke’s restaurant at the end of a Lake Union. Highly recommend.

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews) 

A float around the lake can consist of checking out the floating homes in comparison to the massive waterfront mansions. Your kids will love deciding which place they would rather live. And they will be thrilled with the views of departing and arriving seaplanes in this area. 

A personalized tour like this really does leave an impression on your family’s time spent in Seattle!

▶️ BOOK Private Seattle Lakefront Mansion Cruise

Seattle Locks Boat Tours

10. Seattle Locks Cruise 

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

The Seattle Locks Cruise is different from a standard harbor tour, oftentimes just used as transportation from one part of the city to another. Nevertheless, if your family enjoys spending time on the water in this city, it’s yet another way to experience a different side of Seattle. 

Lars was a great guide and pointed out many points of interest around the Seattle waterways and gave some history. Very much enjoyed this excursion.

– Kimberly (Read More Reviews) 

One of the best Puget Sound boat tours in Seattle, this cruise carries passengers through the famous Ballard Locks. The cruise’s onboard guide will offer insight into how the system works as well as its history. 

During our last visit to the Ballard Locks, our kids thought it was so cool to see the locks fill with water and let the water out so the boats can move in and out of the ocean. If you’re looking for a short boat tour that is interesting for kids, this is a great option.

▶️ BOOK Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour

Seattle Boat Tours of the San Juan Islands 

San Juan Clipper from Seattle is the best option to consider when in need of transport to the San Juan Islands from Seattle. The clipper experience really is purely transportation and doesn’t really qualify as a tour. 

This cruise is very low-key and offers visitors a chance to really enjoy the Seattle skyline along the one-way journey. 

Seattle Whale Watching Boat Tours

11. Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

⭐️ RATING: 3.6 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Orca whale watching is a very popular pastime in Washington. The Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour departs from Pier 69 in historic downtown Seattle and explores the Salish Sea on a 4-hour-long journey. 

During our last trip to the San Juan Islands, we went out on a boat, and this area is beautiful. If you have the time to head up there, you will really enjoy the area. The water, nearby shorelines, and wildlife are phenomenal.

This area is one of the best spots to catch sight of an Orca Whale as well as a Humpback Whale, Gray Whale, and Minke Whale. Adults and kids alike will be in awe, watching these magnificent creatures splash and play in such beautiful natural surroundings. 

What an absolutely magical experience! We saw porpoises, orcas and even a humpback whale! The crew was amazing as well, and could tell us so much about what we saw and some more background information on all the wildlife we spotted. This trip is absolutely not to be missed!

– Britt (Read More Reviews) 

The whales are definitely the stars of the show on this tour, but the phenomenal tour guides run a close second. They are highly educated about the types of marine life that call this area home. So your family will likely leave this tour knowing a lot more about whales than when you arrived. 

And there’s even a silver lining for families who are skeptical about sightings. Some may be concerned about spending a lot of money and getting their kid’s hopes up just to leave disappointed. This tour guarantees a whale sighting. If one does not happen, they will refund your tickets! 

▶️ BOOK Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

Seattle Boat Tours to Victoria, BC 

12. Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 12 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

British Columbia is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Seattle. So, if you’ve ever dreamed about taking your family across the border for a Canadian adventure, a Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper might be the right call for you! 

The high-speed ship carries passengers from downtown Seattle through Puget Sound to Vancouver Island. The ship features comfortable seats, a snack bar, and a gift shop to enjoy during the 2-hour and 45-minute ride.

Once you’ve arrived, your family will have a wonderful time exploring the quaint neighborhoods and striking architecture of gorgeous Victoria, British Columbia. 

What a wonderful experience from start to finish. The Clipper was very comfortable ,and the crew attentive. Victoria was beautiful!

– Rebecca (Read More Reviews) 

If you’re looking for other interesting places to explore during your visit to Seattle, aside from Victoria, we highly recommend a day trip to Ocean Shores! It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive outside of Seattle, but trust us, the tide pools there alone are worth the travel time! And for those who are traveling with a pet, Ocean Shores is dog-friendly, so even your pooch will have a great time! 

▶️ BOOK Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

What to Bring On Your Seattle Boat Tour 

Layers

The wind and proximity to the water during a Seattle boat tour can make for a cool experience, even during the summer months. That said, it’s wise to travel with appropriate layers – whether that be a sweatshirt or jacket during warmer seasons or coats, hats, and gloves if you happen to be visiting Seattle in December or January.

Plus, when we head out on a boat in the ocean, it always seems a little cooler and windier than when we are on the shore. Our family always stays happier when we’re dressed warm enough for the boat tours in Seattle, WA!

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are all great items to consider bringing with you on a Seattle boat tour. 

Food & Beverages

Many boat tours in Seattle allow customers to bring their own food and drinks onboard. We definitely recommend doing this since it’s always good to stay hydrated, and snacks can be helpful to keep busy kids at ease if they get a little stir-crazy during the tour. 

Camera

Don’t forget to bring a camera along to capture the striking beauty of Seattle and commemorate your family adventure! 

Conclusion: Seattle Boat Tours 

Seattle boat tours have long been one of the city’s most fun and interesting attractions. From the old-school Duck boat tours in Seattle, beloved by locals and tourists alike, to the wide variety of Argosy boat tours in Seattle, there’s a water-based adventure for every traveler here! 

We hope this guide will help make your trip to Seattle that much more memorable as you enhance your adventure with one of Seattle’s boat tours!