Top Washington Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor on this 1-hour 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 on board the ship. Depart from Pier 55 at Seattle’s Central Waterfront.

Taking a day trip from Seattle to Victoria, Canada has never been easier. Leave from downtown Seattle to Vancouver Island aboard the Victoria Clipper. The high-speed vessel takes you on a relaxing cruise through the Puget Sound to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. This is a passenger-only ferry featuring comfortable seats, a duty-free gift shop, and a cafe with one-way or round-trip options available. Proper identification is needed to cross the border.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from the water on this 2.5-hour narrated cruise along Ballard Locks, one of the the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and 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. See the houseboat and waterfront homes of the area’s rich and famous. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board the boat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise out of downtown Seattle’s Pier 69 in the morning and soak in breathtaking scenery on your journey from Seattle to Friday Harbor. Catch sight of the stately Cascade Range as you clip past the eastern coast of Whidbey Island and glide under the impressive and historic Deception Pass. Upon your arrival in Friday Harbor, wander the town’s picturesque streets, stop by Lime Kiln State Park, rent a bike or grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants. Return to Seattle that evening on the 5:15 PM sailing.

Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996.  Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required!  The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.  

Sail the seas around Seattle on this private, 3-hour adventure to Puget Sound. Climb aboard the S/V Kingsley and set sail from the Shilshole Bay Marina with an experienced captain leading the way. Learn how to sail or simply sit back and enjoy the view. See an abundance of marine wildlife, the downtown Seattle skyline — including the iconic Space Needle — plus incredible views of the Olympic Mountains, featuring majestic Mount Rainier in the distance.

Cruise Lake Union to see Seattle's best sights from the water while sipping your favorite cocktail on this private cruise. Enjoy personalized attention from the staff and captain for your private group as you make your way past famous sights such as the Fremont Bridge, the Space Needle, and St. Mark's Cathedral. Bring a picnic or food from a favorite restaurant to munch on while you travel. This family-friendly cruise welcomes all ages.

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.

This one way tour starts & ends at two different marinas (see specific marina departure notes when booking). For a round trip tour, please see our Boat & Bus Locks Cruise package. Enjoy a narrated cruise over Lake Union, Ballard Locks, Puget Sound & Elliott Bay. Lake Union is home to the famous floating home community seen in the classic  Sleepless in Seattle. The lake is an active airport for seaplanes, water sports and the fishing industry. You'll pass many commercial docks (home to vessels from the show  Deadliest Catch). On your way from the freshwater of Lake Union to the saltwater of the Puget Sound, you pass through the Ballard Locks which holds the saltwater out of the lakes. In Puget Sound, you enjoy astonishing vistas of Seattle's unique skyline, Mount Rainier hovering in the distance, and ferry boats plying the waters.

Enjoy a calming float down the Wenatchee River on this guided, 5-hour, family rafting adventure. Perfect for children and first-timers, this excursion excludes the typical whitewater waves associated with many rafting trips. Enjoy the view of orchards and local wildlife along the way. Also, stop at famous Sleepy Hollow Beach for a swim, if desired. A barbecue lunch, plus all the necessary rafting gear — like a wetsuit, footwear and personal flotation device — are included.

While in Washington, go whitewater rafting and beer tasting on an overnight camping tour on the Wenatchee River. The river is located about 2.5 hours east of Seattle in central Washington, near Wenatchee and Leavenworth. The tour includes a morning of whitewater rafting on class 3 rapids, a riverside lunch, an afternoon of beer tasting at three craft breweries, and overnight camping accommodations (camping equipment not included).

On a typical 4 hr charter, Amelia departs Shilshole Marina and heads SW past West Point Lighthouse. Clearing the point, we encounter spectacular views of Rainier and sea lions perched on channel markers. Heading further S, we take in the majestic Olympic and Cascade mountains, and watch the ferries shuttle passengers between Bainbridge Island and downtown Seattle. We then sail into Elliott Bay, for an up close look at Seattle's incredible waterfront before turning back N towards Bainbridge Island and finally Shilshole Marina.With 5 or more hrs, we can sail you and your party around Bainbridge Island, through sublime Agate Passage.With 6 or more hrs, we sail to serene Port Madison or sun soaked Blake Island, where we anchor out, kayak, swim, explore the shoreline. Alternately, we can sail into the artsy town of Winslow, Bainbridge Island, for lunch or dinner before heading back to Seattle (note: all longer charter cover standard 4 hr charter agenda, plus the additional items noted).

Soak in Victoria’s rich history and culture at British Columbia’s premier museum with a quick and easy day trip from downtown Seattle on our high-speed Victoria Clipper catamaran. Discover impressive First Nation’s art as well as a variety of fun interactive exhibits that allow you to get a peek at the flora and fauna of BC’s coastal rainforests or wander through a collection of life-sized totem poles. If you are a history buff, this is an experience you won’t forget!

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.

Experience the excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided, 5-hour excursion. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, then ride along the Wenatchee River in the great state of Washington — one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the country. Challenge gentler Class II rapids, perfect for the beginner or more advanced rafter. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery and hop in the river for a swim, if desired. All the necessary rafting equipment, including neoprene booties and a personal flotation device, are provided. A barbecue lunch is included.

Skip the traffic and Anacortes ferry lines and hop on the San Juan Clipper ferry for the fastest way to travel direct from Pier 69 in Seattle to San Juan Island for a visit to beautiful Friday Harbor, WA!The 3 hours and 45 minutes ferry ride through the Salish Sea will take you past Whidbey Island and underneath historic Deception Pass bridge before arriving in Friday Harbor. Upon arrival, you’ll be steps from Friday Harbor's charming downtown.Please Note: This is ONE-WAY only. Please book 2nd leg of trip for your desired return time.

You’ll arrive at our boat office where we have 2 warm and dry changing rooms for you to get changed. We have storage available for your dry clothes and personal belongings in our locked dry box while you are out on the boat. Then you and your friends (up to 6 people total) will climb into the 100+ degree hot tub and after listening to our brief safety instruction will take off and drive our hot tub boat around Lake Union!

When visiting the Puget Sound, it’s tempting to want to get out in the water. With this adventure, you do just that. Learn how to sail, or just sit back and enjoy the experience. Embark from the Shilshole Bay Marina and appreciate the ocean breeze, views of the Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle, and Mount Rainier. You may even encounter marine wildlife like sea lions and humpback whales.

You will be seeing some views of the Olympic mountains, Hood Canal and other beautiful sites in between Seattle and Bremerton that you would not otherwise experience.I can also customize the tour if need be to fit your agenda.

The only tour utilizing beautiful Lake Chelan. When not tasting you'll be spending your time enjoying one of Washington's greatest treasures. Customize your wine tour and let your guide take care of everything and let you sit back and enjoy. Get tan, sip delicious wines and enjoy everything that Lake Chelan has to offer. The only wine tour to get you out of the car and onto the lake!