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seattle sailboat tour

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  • (888) 623-1445
  • Harbor Cruise
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Seattle’s Original Harbor Cruise™ 

A Harbor Cruise is a unique and fun way to enjoy Seattle from the water! During this 1-hour narrated cruise, you’ll see all of the beauty and history of the Emerald City. From the skyline to the shipping port, there’s views and history everyone will enjoy.

Your experience includes:

  • Live narration with facts and history of Seattle’s past and present
  • Panoramic and up-close views of the Seattle skyline and shipping port
  • Sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound
  • Full-service bar on board with cocktails, local wine and beer, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase

seattle sailboat tour

Groups of 20 or more: Purchase  group tickets (Minimum 20) on the Harbor Cruise and save

Trip Protection/Refund Policy: Receive a full refund on the value of your cruise until 48 hours before departure when you add on Trip Protection. Learn more

CityPASS® reservations:  First,  purchase CityPASS® online  for immediate mobile ticket delivery. Next,  redeem CityPASS® online  to reserve your visit date & time and receive your Harbor Cruise boarding pass.  LEARN MORE about saving 48% off a Harbor Cruise plus 4 more top Seattle attractions with Seattle CityPASS® .

seattle sailboat tour

Washington state residents: Save up to $4 on your next visit! Reservations can be made online or in person. A valid, state issued ID must be shown during boarding.

  • Seattle skyline
  • Container ships
  • Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier **
  • Seasonal wildlife **Weather permitting.
  • Full-service bar –  Sip on local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like mai tais in summer and hot cocoas in winter (Please, no outside drink permitted)
  • Variety of local snacks –  Purchase from a menu of delicious pre-packaged sandwiches, salads and snacks (Please, no outside food permitted)
  • Indoor seating/Outdoor space – Whether you enjoy the breeze through your hair or like to stay cozy, you have the choice of indoor seating or the spacious outdoors
  • Restrooms –  All of our vessels are equipped with gender specific, gender neutral or single stall restrooms
  • ADA accessibility –  Our crew is trained to help guests with wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, etc. to navigate our docks, vessels and facilities. For specific ADA questions, please call our office at 206.623.1445

seattle sailboat tour

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Your Harbor Cruise departs from  Pier 55 on the Seattle Waterfront – 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 .

Parking Info

Map Legend: Blue = Cruise Route 

Additional Details Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Boarding begins about 20 minutes prior to departure and onboard seating is first-come, first-served.

Purchase First to Board for first access to board, visit the bar, and find a seat. Vessel available on the day of your sailing may vary.

No outside food or drink allowed onboard.

Before you depart:

1 Book your reservations

seattle sailboat tour

2 E-pass or print at home

seattle sailboat tour

3 Board your vessel

seattle sailboat tour

seattle sailboat tour

Seattle’s Tall Ship

Come for a boat ride on Seattle’s Tall Ship, a historic 19th-century style gaff-rigged schooner. We offer three public sailing tours daily from Seattle’s downtown waterfront. Our beautiful sailing ship, the Bay Lady, evokes the romance of traditional sailing as we work together to set the sails, turn off the engine, and sail off into an age of cannon fire and sunsets behind the untouched mountain ranges of the Puget Sound.

Bay Lady is the largest public sailing vessel in Seattle. With her high railing and comfortable seating, she is the premier boat ride for families.

Enjoy a drink from our onboard bar and set sail into the perfect day on the water!

Contact us to learn about our daily public sailing boat tours or hosting your next event on the pristine waters next to the iconic Seattle skyline.

  • Address Pier 66, Bell Harbor Marina, 2203 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
  • Phone (360) 209-2109

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Seattle Travel

Seattle’s 10 Best Boat Tours for Unmatched Views and Unforgettable Adventures

One of the most unique things about Seattle is its abundance of waterways. Besides its direct connection to the Pacific Ocean, Seattle is surrounded by a bounty of lakes, bays, and islands to explore via ferry, cruise, or boat tour .

With so much to explore, it can be hard to narrow down the best places and ways to see the beauty Seattle has to offer. Below is a list of 10 of the best boat tours and cruises that simultaneously allow guests to take in the views of Seattle’s waters while having a unique and fun time with family and friends.

The 10 Best Boat Tours from Seattle

Here are 10 of our favorite boat tours from Seattle:

  • Argosy Cruises : The biggest fleet in the Pacific Northwest
  • Boat Tours Seattle : Unique boats available for rental
  • Sailing Seattle : 70-foot sailboat rides with a view of downtown
  • Seattle’s Tall Ship : Going even bigger! An 85-foot boat that gives tours of Elliott Bay
  • Soundview Sunset Cruises : Morning, mid-day, and afternoon cruises of Union Bay and beyond. Soundview has tons of options for seeing Seattle from the water.
  • Emerald City Pirates : Pirate-themed cruises!
  • Waterways Cruises And Events: Dinner and drink pairing cruises and more
  • Seattle Water Tours : Seasonal ice cream cruises
  • Steamer Virginia V Cruises : Cruise aboard a historic landmark
  • Lake Union Charters & Adventures: Ride a 1926 schooner

1. Argosy Cruises

Argosy Boat in Seattle

One of the longest-running boat cruises available in the Seattle area, Argosy Cruises offers cruise tours that explore the beauty and history of the city of Seattle, complete with a full-service bar. Argosy Cruises also boasts the largest fleet in the Pacific Northwest , which in combination with their 70 years of service makes them one of the most trustworthy cruise companies in the state.

Argosy Cruises offers a 1-hour Harbor Cruise and 2-hour Locks Cruise option for passengers to choose from. Their boats can also be reserved for corporate events as well as weddings. Additionally, they also have happy hour cruises that combine the stellar views with tasty drinks and special sales for holidays like the 4th of July.

2. Boat Tours Seattle

Metlite

With a unique fleet where every boat is different, Boat Tours of Seattle i s spearheaded by a group of United States Coast Guard Captains who are dedicated to using their skills to provide some of the safest and most enjoyable experiences on the water. From 2 hour tours to overnight adventures, Boat Tours Seattle is one of the most unique boat tours available in Seattle.

Each boat has its own special features and pricing. From smaller motor boats to full-blown sail boats, passengers can pick and choose their type of tour and the setting. Boat Tours Seattle has multiple tour packages as well, including rent-by-the-hour tours, special event tours, and overnight adventures. Check out the picture above, which shows their Metlite Boat. As you can tell, it’s a pretty unique experience!

3. Sailing Seattle

Sailboat off Seattle

Featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler , Trip Advisor, and more, Sailing Seattle is a sailing-themed boat tour company that allows passengers to enjoy a sailing experience without having to steer or be involved in a guided tour. Hop aboard one of their two 70-foot sailing yachts and enjoy the views without any worries. Each boat is complete with a seating area on the deck, bench seating, and restrooms that guests can utilize while they explore Elliott Bay.

Sailing Seattle is an all-ages experience, including children and infants. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks as well, including alcohol. Passengers can even learn to help sail the boat by simply asking the deckhand or captain, who will then provide instructions. Each route aboard one of their yachts is unique as their routes are determined by wind direction and boat traffic that day. 

4. Seattle’s Tall Ship

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seattle’s Tall Ship (@seattlestallship)

Offering 3 public sailing tours every day, Seattle’s Tall Ship runs all of its tours aboard the Bay Lady, an 85-foot tall sailing ship that currently resides in Elliott Bay. The ship is equipped with bathrooms, a drink and snack bar, and outdoor seating for guests. Apart from their daily tours, Seattle’s Tall Ship also has private charter tours and sunset sailing tours. 

Run by a skilled captain and crew, guests do not have to worry about steering when aboard the Bay Lady. Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy one of their daily 2-hour tours or partake in an evening sunset tour complete with delicious drinks. The Bay Lady is available for reservation for private events for up to 6 hours at a time for events like weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and much more.

5. Soundview Sunset Cruises

Husky Stadium at Dusk

Here’s a great choice for boating options! Want to cruise to a University of Washington football game and “sailgate” ( that’s tailgating on a sailboat )? Well, Soundview has sailgate cruises.

They have mansion cruises, morning cruises, mid-day cruises, afternoon cruises, and much more.

Home of the yacht known as Rainbird, Soundview Sunset Cruises showcases the views, landmarks, and history of Lake Union in addition to Portage Bay, Lake Washington, and Seattle Locks. Most famous for their sunset cruise views, they also have morning, mid-day, and afternoon cruises so passengers can enjoy Seattle in all of its beautiful and scenic forms.

In addition to their daily cruises, Soundview Sunset Cruises has holiday cruises, UW sailgate cruises for sporting events, and custom cruises. They even have a boat tour showcasing some of Seattle’s gorgeous mansions. Custom tours can refine their route for specific locations or special occasions. Passengers can also add things to their tour package, such as drinks.

6. Emerald City Pirates

Emerald City Pirates

One of the most unique water experiences available in Seattle comes in the form of a fully interactive pirate-themed ship. Known as the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship is the home of themed boat tours of the area, treasure hunts for families, and adult only parties, all complete with pirate flags and costumed crew.

Emerald City Pirates is for all ages, even babies. Dogs under 25 pounds are also allowed on board provided they are well-behaved. All tours come with snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and cider for sale, as well as a ship store full of hats, swords, eyepatches, and more. Passengers can join tours without reservations, but for events like birthday parties or other private boat charters, it is best to make reservations ahead of time. Party cruises can be booked for either families or adults only.

7. Waterways Cruises And Events

Blue Angels

From dinner and drink pairing cruises to private events and holiday tours, Waterways Cruises And Events has a boat tour for every occasion. They regularly offer dinner cruises, weekend brunch cruises, and Sunday dinner buffet cruises. All of these cruises are complete with either a buffet or a plated dinner with roughly 2 hours of time on the water, making it a fabulous way to take in the views while spending time with friends or loved ones.

In addition to their regularly hosted tours, there is no shortage of special cruises throughout the year. Holidays like the 4th of July and Father’s Day come with special pricing, events, and food, from brunches and dinners to party cruises. They also have karaoke night cruises and drag brunches for Pride Month and miscellaneous special tasting events for breweries, chocolate and wine pairings, and spirits sampling.

If you’re looking for something to do during Seafair (held in early August), Waterways Cruises is a top option.

8. Seattle Water Tours

Ice Cream in Waffle Cones

Known for their seasonal summer ice cream cruises, Seattle Water Tours takes passengers to historic sites on Lake Union aboard the Fremont Avenue. Throughout the year they offer special event cruises for holidays, sports events, and more. Guests can book the Fremont Avenue for private charters for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and more.

Seattle Water Tours’ Sunday Ice Cream Cruise is their most popular cruise, which runs from March through October. They also offer it on Saturdays from June to August. Each ice cream cruise is walk-ons only with no reservations or advance tickets available. Every cruise hosts up to 42 passengers and serves ice cream while showcasing local landmarks and history, such as the Boeing Company, a 100-year-old shipyard, the busiest drawbridge in the world, and more.

9. Steamer Virginia V Cruises

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steamer Virginia V Foundation (@steamervirginiavfoundation)

As the name implies, the Steamer Virginia V Cruises is a historic boat tour aboard the Steamer Virginia V, which is a nearly 100-year-old steam-powered wooden ship. These tours simultaneously serve as a great way for passengers to explore the local area and to learn more about maritime history. It is also a great way to keep one of the most iconic historical ships of Seattle functioning for generations to experience and enjoy.

Passengers can enjoy public cruises, educational tours, and special events aboard the Steamer Virginia V for 9 months out of the whole year. Guests can rent the ship for private charters, like weddings, parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and more, either as a dockside rental or a leisure cruise. Private charters all come with a 3-hour rent time and come with tables, seating, speakers, microphone, projector, and more. Guests can then bring any cutlery, plates, food, and drink as needed for their celebration through Lake Union, Elliott Bay, or the Ballard Locks.

10. Lake Union Charters & Adventures

Lavengro Schooner

Lake Union Charters & Adventures has a number of options. There are Lake Union Cruises, private sailings, sailing battles, and even lessons. One big reason to look into Lake Union Charters? They have a 63-foot schooner named the Lavengro, which can accommodate up to 22 people. It’s beautiful and can be chartered for all kinds of sailings ranging from nights out to family events and sunset sails.

Ashleigh on ferry Island hopping.

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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Seattle Sailing Tours

Rates and Schedules

Daily sailing schedule.

Our sailing season runs from April 28th – October 31st, with 2-4 sailing tours per day (depending on the season).

Additionally, our ship is available for private charters 7 days a week throughout our sailing season. Charter lengths are available from 2-6 hours, between the hours of 10:00am – 10:00pm.

If you are interested in a private charter outside of our normal sailing times, please feel free to contact us ! We will make every effort to accommodate special requests when possible. Please try to call to schedule your charters a minimum of 1 week in advance.

Harbor Sailing Tours

Ticket rates vary based on time of day, season and other factors For up-to-date availability and pricing, please choose your sailing date and tour from our calendar below.

Private Charter Rates

Private charters available from 2-6 hours in length. Open bar and catering available at a per person price. Contact us for more information, or to schedule a charter.

IMAGES

  1. Seattle Sunset Sailing Tour

    seattle sailboat tour

  2. Seattle Sailing Tours

    seattle sailboat tour

  3. Seattle Sailing Tours

    seattle sailboat tour

  4. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

    seattle sailboat tour

  5. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

    seattle sailboat tour

  6. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

    seattle sailboat tour

COMMENTS

  1. Sailing Seattle

    Trim the sails or sit back and relax. Seattle's #1 Boat Ride Since 1984! 70ft ocean racing yachts showing amazing views of the Pacific Northwest. A relaxing boat cruise powered by wind. Seattle's eco-friendly harbor tour. Private Charters and Ash Scatterings also available.

  2. Seattle Sailing Tours

    Seattle Harbor Sailing Tour Departure times vary by season. Come aboard for a day sail on our classic schooner! Our Harbor Sailing tour is family-friendly and is an excellent way to see the Seattle skyline, the beauty of the Puget Sound, even mountain views! We will depart from our dock at Pier 66 Bell Harbor Marina, then set our sails for a 2 ...

  3. Seattle Sunset Sailing Tour

    The photography from our boat tour is always spectacular! Pricing: Tickets start at $49 for adults / $39 for children (ages 2-12). Infants (under 2) always $1. There is no more beautiful or romantic way to experience a sunset cruise than on-board an authentic tall ship. On our sunset sailing tour, we will work.

  4. Seattle Boat Tours & Events

    Deals, Special Offers and More. Receive an occasional email update about Argosy Cruises deals, news and special offers. Argosy Cruises offers fun, narrated sightseeing boat tours of Seattle around Elliott Bay and Lake Union. Private charters & events available!

  5. Harbor Cruise of Seattle Waterfront

    Seattle's Original Harbor Cruise™. A Harbor Cruise is a unique and fun way to enjoy Seattle from the water! During this 1-hour narrated cruise, you'll see all of the beauty and history of the Emerald City. From the skyline to the shipping port, there's views and history everyone will enjoy.

  6. Seattle Harbor Sailing Tours

    The photography from our boat tour is always spectacular! Pricing: Tickets start at $39 for adults / $29 for children (ages 2-12). Infants (under 2) always $1. View Calendar // Buy Tickets. Our Seattle sailing tours are a perfect family-friendly activity for a beautiful sunny afternoon. We will set the sails, turn off the engine and experience.

  7. THE TOP 10 Seattle Boat Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours (w/Prices)

    Early-Bird Tasting Tour of Pike Place Market. 894. Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle's most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market, on this guided tasting tour. Enjoy diverse tastings, from fresh produce and smoked salmon to local pastries and much more.

  8. THE TOP 10 Seattle Sailing Tours (w/Prices)

    1. Come sailing on Seattle's Tall Ship, a historic 19th-century style gaff-rigged schooner. We offer three public sailing tours daily from Seattle's downtown waterfront. Our beautiful sailing ship, the Bay Lady, evokes the romance of traditional sailing as we work together to set the sails, turn off the engine, and sail off into an age of ...

  9. Seattle's Tall Ship

    119. Sunset Cruises. 2 hours. Sailing aboard Seattle's premier tall ship is the best way to see our city from the water. Help hoist the sails, then we…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 99% of travelers. from. $65.

  10. Seattle Sailing

    Passionate local guide dedicated to maximizing your tour experience. 50-55 minute Helicopter flight. 2 hour private sailing charter on Elliot Bay with champagne toast. Complimentary bottled water. Dinner & Drinks at Seattle's premier view restaurant. Customized private pick up & drop off at locations of your choosing. Driving tour of downtown ...

  11. Seattle 2-Hour Harbor Sailing Tour 2024

    Overview. Hop aboard a schooner for a 2-hour sailing journey out into the Puget Sound, ideal for photographers or anyone who wants to capture images of the city from the sea. You'll board right in downtown Seattle's Pier 66 terminal and set out into the water for some fantastic views of the city's skyline and the mountains beyond. Get fantastic ...

  12. All about Seattle Waterfront Boat Tours

    The boat trips and tours from here range from 1-hour harbor cruises to overnight excursions in some of the world's most beautiful waters. Want to smell the breath of a whale or taste the liquor (juice) of a live oyster? Your Seattle Waterfront adventure starts here. Take your pick of departure points anywhere between Pier 50 and Pier 70.

  13. THE 10 BEST Seattle Boat Rides & Cruises

    These experiences are best for boat tours & water sports in Seattle: Seattle Harbor Cruise; Seattle Locks Cruise - One-Way Tour; 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour; Half-Day Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour; Seattle Wildlife & Gray Whale Watching Tour; See more boat tours & water sports in Seattle on Tripadvisor

  14. Seattle's Tall Ship

    Enjoy a drink from our onboard bar and set sail into the perfect day on the water! Contact us to learn about our daily public sailing boat tours or hosting your next event on the pristine waters next to the iconic Seattle skyline. Address Pier 66, Bell Harbor Marina, 2203 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121. Phone (360) 209-2109. Connect.

  15. The Best Seattle Harbor Sailing Tours

    Another one of the best Seattle Harbor Sailing Tours, Seattle Locks Cruise, takes you through the Ballard Locks and can be taken for a tour or even just as public transportation. The cruise is one-way and takes riders from the Seattle Waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa - depending on the time of day). ...

  16. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

    16 Nashville. 17 San Diego. 18 St. Augustine, Florida. 19 Everglades City. 20 Niagara Falls, USA. Watch the sunset over Seattle's Harbor on this sunset cruise onboard an authentic tall sailboat. Raise the sails and set off through the harbor to admire the city's skyline and mountain ranges at dusk.

  17. Seattle Harbor and Elliot Bay Narrated Cruise 2024

    This is the Seattle sightseeing cruise that started it all. Since 1949, this narrated harbor cruise has been a favorite attraction for millions of people, both visitors from afar and locals alike. Enjoy this sightseeing tour of Seattle's historic waterfront, with seemingly never-ending views of the city skyline, the Great Wheel Ferris wheel, the Space Needle, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ...

  18. Seattle's 10 Best Boat Tours for Unmatched Views and Unforgettable

    The 10 Best Boat Tours from Seattle. Here are 10 of our favorite boat tours from Seattle: Argosy Cruises: The biggest fleet in the Pacific Northwest. Boat Tours Seattle: Unique boats available for rental. Sailing Seattle: 70-foot sailboat rides with a view of downtown. Seattle's Tall Ship: Going even bigger!

  19. SEATTLE'S TALL SHIP

    Specialties: Come sailing on Seattle's Tall Ship, a historic 19th-century style gaff-rigged schooner. We offer three public sailing tours daily from Seattle's downtown waterfront. Our beautiful sailing ship, the Bay Lady, evokes the romance of traditional sailing as we work together to set the sails, turn off the engine, and sail off into an age of cannon fire and sunsets behind the ...

  20. 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour

    2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour price starts from $45.00. Discover and book 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour on Tripadvisor. What is the 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour cancellation policy? 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. ...

  21. About

    Seattle's Tall Ship operates the schooner Bay Lady. She has the largest passenger capacity of any sailing ship on the west coast, and is the only public sailing cruise in Seattle licensed to serve alcohol and snacks. We think you'll agree, she is definitely one tremendous boat. Boasting an impressive 85 foot length, we are the most ...

  22. Top 10 Best Sailing Tour in Seattle, WA

    9. Seattle Donut Boat. "We rented a boat for 2 hours and did the grand tour of Lake Union. The boat is sturdy and easy to..." more. 10. Far Niente Sailing Charters. "None of us had ever been sailing before, and we all agreed that this was a great first experience." more.

  23. Rates and Schedules

    Daily Sailing Schedule. Our sailing season runs from April 28th - October 31st, with 2-4 sailing tours per day (depending on the season). Additionally, our ship is available for private charters 7 days a week throughout our sailing season.