Washington On the Water

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this guided, 3-hour whale-watching cruise. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this 4-hour whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered the best place to view orca whales.

Forget the long lines and confusion associated with finding transportation from the many Seattle-Tacoma International Airport arrivals. Skip the taxis and shuttles and travel with confidence — and without worry — by scheduling a private car. Choose from a 3-person sedan or a 5-passenger van. Sit back and relax as the vehicle travels from the airport to a downtown Seattle, Bellevue or Kirkland accommodation.

Experience the natural beauty of majestic Mt Rainier on this guided, small-group tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls and historic towns to Mt Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington and one of the tallest in the lower 48 states. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt Rainier State Park and the aptly named Paradise, at 5,400 feet above sea level on the south slope, among others. This tour includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels.

While in Washington, take a day tour of Mt. Rainier National Park with complimentary hotel pickup from downtown Seattle. Watch an introduction slideshow to the park at the visitor center, and then journey into the natural region to see Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Mt. Rainier. Experience the beauty of this nationally preserved outdoor area with help from a guide who knows the best ways around the park.

Forget about fighting traffic and looking for a parking spot at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Skip all the headaches associated with getting to the airport and travel with confidence—and without worry—by scheduling a private car. Choose from a 3-person sedan or an SUV or van that seats up to five people. Sit back and relax as a professional chauffeur drives from any downtown Seattle, Bellevue, or Kirkland accommodation to the airport.

Step aboard a boat for a cruise on Lake Union, hosted by a skipper/bartender who will mix drinks for you between steering the ship. Traveling with a small group of just six people means you'll get tons of personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. Take in sights of Lake Union's draw bridges, seaplanes, and scenic shoreline while listening to engaging narrative and sipping drinks.

Escape to the beauty of Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, on this winery tour from Seattle. Visit an independent, family-run winery as well as the beloved, world-class Chateau Ste. Michelle, one of Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed wineries. The tour travels over Lake Washington on Seattle’s famous floating Evergreen Point Bridge to Woodinville, home to many of Washington’s wineries. With wine tasting available and beautiful scenery, it’s a relaxing day away from the hustle of the city.

Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market, on this 2-hour, chef-guided food tour. See where chef’s shop and locals hang out. Enjoy diverse tastings at nearly a dozen different stops — places like Beecher's ‘World's Best’ Mac and Cheese, Local Color coffee shop, Britt's Pickles, Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt and more. Feel like a market insider on this behind-the-scenes adventure to savor the flavors, as well as the sights and sounds, of this historic attraction.

Join a local Seattle guide for a fully personalized, private tour that’s designed just for you. With half a day to explore alongside a guide who shares your interests, you can search for the perfect cup of coffee, discover funky neighborhoods, or browse unique shops, skipping group tours' more generic itineraries for a curated experience and local perspective.

Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

Observe Pacific Northwest whales in their natural environment on a 3.5-hour tour from Seattle. You have the chance to get up close to orcas, humpbacks, and minkes. Learn about the marine life from your on board guide.  In the event that you don’t see any whales during your excursion, enjoy a second journey on the boat free of charge.

While in Washington, get more acquainted with the Pacific Northwest on this 4-hour kayaking trip near Olympic National Park. Spend about three hours out on the water, exploring the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Possibly spot wildlife, such as harbor seals, bald eagles, and whales. Then, after, pull your kayak up to the shores, and enjoy some wine tasting in Port Angeles.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from the water on this comfortable, 2-hour, cocktail cruise along Lake Union. Watch seaplane arrivals and departures and see landmark Seattle locations like the iconic Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, the Fremont Bridge, Gas Works Park, the University of Washington and much more — plus a plethora of floating homes, including the one from the popular movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle.’ Choose from a morning, midday, afternoon or evening cruise. The first round of drinks is included.

At peak current at over 8 knots (9.5 mph) almost 900 million gallons of water pour through Deception Pass. That’s 50 times more flow that all the rivers in the Puget Sound. You can see why there is a 4.5 foot height difference in the water level from one side of the pass to the other! But don’t worry, the boat is equipped with latest safety equipment. Captain Brett and crew will ensure safe passage and an entertaining time for all! The Island Whaler is a New Zealand designed jet drive catamaran. The catamaran style and foil assist ensures a soft and stable ride in any conditions. The open deck seating will give you the best 360° viewing opportunity and interaction with the surrounding elements.

Pass through the renowned Ballard Locks and learn about the complex system on a cruise that transports you between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound. The one-way cruise can be used as transportation, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and enjoy a unique journey from the Seattle waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa).

See Seattle’s striking skyline from the water’s edge—and admire a new perspective on the Pacific Northwest scenery—aboard this private sailing tour from Bainbridge Island. Meet your captain at the Bainbridge Island City Dock, hop aboard the sailboat, and set off through Eagle Harbor before raising sails. You can see Seattle and Mt. Rainier, look out for seals and whales, and soak up the peaceful ambiance of Puget Sound.

See a new side of Gig Harbor—and soak up the wild scenery of Puget Sound—on this boat tour. Meet your Coast Guard-certified captain, hop aboard the ex-navy boat, and set sail. You’ll see impeccable views of Mt. Rainier’s snowy peak, and admire local landmarks like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. As you go, look out for eagles, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife, and learn more about the region’s history.

This cruise takes you through the heart of Puget Sound. It is the only public sunset cruise on Puget Sound with this extended duration and distance traveled, nearly 30 miles, round trip. Our cruise is available to individual travelers rather than groups only. Our vessel, "RIVIERA" is a restored, US Coast Guard certified, classic Northwest built charter boat. She and her captain and crew are steeped in Puget Sound legacy and experience. This smooth-water cruise takes us under two major suspension bridges; twice! Wildlife ranges from seagulls to Bald Eagles, seals and sea lions. Can't miss Mt. Rainier for hours and the Olympic Mountain range unimpeded except for some clouds. You can bring-your-own snacks and drinks. This is an interactive trip where we candidly and casually interpret our surroundings, There is plenty of time on this cruise where you are left to enjoy the cruise without interruption. We will talk with you and answer your questions along the way. (Senior Age is 62.)

No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the sea. It offers beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife to seek out. Although this trip is conducted in Deception Pass State Park we avoid the turbulent water near the bridge which is more suitable for expert kayakers. If you plan to visit Deception Pass State Park then don't miss this wonderful opportunity to see it from the unique perspective of a sea kayak!

Explore Washington state’s San Juan Islands Monument on this sea kayak tour starting in Anacortes. Join a small group to paddle past the stunning scenery of uninhabited islands including Burrows Island. There is also an opportunity to spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes even orcas.

The White Salmon River is packed with class III and IV rapids such as Corkscrew and Maytag, making this half-day white-water rafting trip a must for thrill-seekers who love the water. Paddle nearly continuous rapids during the first five miles (eight kilometers) of the trip, and then wind down and enjoy the views of the gorgeous basalt canyon for the remaining three miles (4.8 kilometers).