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Seattle Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Seattle Cruises & boat tours

Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

1. Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

Admire the beauty of Seattle's vibrant and historic harbor on this narrated cruise. Enjoy the fresh air and a bit of history while taking in all the impressive sights, including the famous Space Needle. Start your tour from the Seattle Central Waterfront and get an impressive and comprehensive look at the city's most beautiful sights. Enjoy a perfect trip for tourists and locals alike and take in views from the outdoor open deck.

Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

2. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

Experience the romance of traditional sailing on sunset cruise through the Seattle Harbor. Relax on the boat's comfortable seats or take in the views from the high spacious decks. Have the chance to purchase some delicious snacks and drinks while you sail. Hop aboard the schooner 'Bay Lady' and depart from Pier 66 on Seattle's waterfront. Feel the thrill of letting the wind decide the direction of the ship. Admire sights like the Space Needle, Smith Tower, and on clear days, see Mount Rainier's snowy peak. Let the sunset over the mountain ranges of the Puget Sound take your breath away. Unwind with a drink from the onboard bar that serves a refreshing range of drinks like cider, beer, wine, champagne, soda, and water. 

Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

3. Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

Hop aboard the only Seattle whale watching tour that leaves direct from downtown at Pier 69! The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest and biologically rich areas teeming with an array of spectacular wildlife. One of the best places to see transient orca killer whales as well as humpback, gray and minke whales breach, splash, feed and play in their natural habitat. Our popular half-day Seattle whale watching tour is a great option (and the most convenient!) for those visiting Seattle looking for a fun day on the water whale watching. Our watching tour features an expert onboard naturalist who guides and educates guests about the surrounding area, local sealife as well as wildlife. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll be offered a free trip! The perfect Pacific Northwest family or couples adventure to spend a beautiful day on the water and learn about local whales and sealife while observing these beautiful animals in their natural environment. As a member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we abide by all state and association viewing regulations to protect and and not disturb whales and sealife. Seats may be upgraded to window seats if space is available when checking in at terminal.

Seattle: Gray Whale Watching Tour

4. Seattle: Gray Whale Watching Tour

Discover the gray whales off the coast of Seattle on a relaxing boat tour. Be on the lookout for these giants of the sea as you learn about their biology and behaviors from an expert naturalist onboard. Board the boat at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. With the guidance of Clipper’s expert onboard naturalist, you will be on the lookout for these huge special whales as they migrate north. Learn about their astounding annual migration from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea. Discover interesting facts about their behaviour and intelligence. As you cruise offshore of Seattle and Langley on Whidbey Island, try to spot the whales breaching the surface. The area is popular with grays due to the robust shrimp population. Each March and April, the gray whales detour from their off-shore journey into the Salish Sea to feed and fuel up for the remainder of their journey to Alaska.

Seattle: One-Way Locks Cruise

5. Seattle: One-Way Locks Cruise

Take a ride on a boat elevator during a 2-hour cruise departing from the Seattle Waterfront or South Lake Union. On this 1-way cruise, venture through Elliott Bay, Ballard Locks, and Lake Union. Enjoy spectacular views and experience first-hand the transition between salt and fresh water on this exciting ride. During the journey, get a feel for what it means to follow the tides of the Puget Sound, as the boat is lifted and lowered in the Ballard Locks. Fully-narrated and full of fun facts, bring the whole family along for an entertaining and informative experience. Glide past large fishing vessels docked to unload their catch, seaplanes landing or taking off, the fascinating Gasworks Park, and more.

Seattle: Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

6. Seattle: Tall Ship Harbor Cruise

Experience the romance of traditional sailing on a schooner sailboat. Relax on the boat's comfortable seats or take in the views from the high perimeter railing. Have the chance to purchase some delicious snacks and drinks while you sail. Hop aboard the schooner 'Bay Lady' and depart from Pier 66 on Seattle's waterfront. Feel the thrill of letting the wind decide the direction of the ship. Admire sights like the Space Needle, Smith Tower, and on clear days, see Mount Rainier's snowy peak. Search for local wildlife like swooping seagulls, frolicking porpoises, and playful harbor seals. Unwind with a drink from the onboard bar or sea if the sailor's life is for you by trying your hand at hoisting the sails. If the conditions are right, go full pirate ship and watch the canons fire.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Seattle

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What people are saying about Seattle

One hour of sightseeing from the "other side" - very nice views of the skyline and the port of Seattle with lots of information spoken live by the guide on the upper deck. Drinks supply on the deck below: doesn't have to, but can. Our friends got their coffee included (maybe by mistake), we had to pay for it. But no problem, prices were okay. All in all recommendable.

I went to Seattle for a friend’s weekend getaway and this was the highlight of our trip. It was relaxing, beautiful and a lot of fun. The crew was extremely attentive and they tried to engage everyone throughout the 2 hours trip.

The narration was incredible. The speaker was clear and his story telling about the history was really nice, it captivated the listener. All the employees there were super kind at all times.

It is awesome experience for that price in the Seattle downtown.

One of the best boat tours I've been on. Highly recommend.