Boating

Boating capital of America? We like to think so.

A visit to Seattle’s Ballard Locks on a hot summer day certainly lends credibility to the claim!

Fresh water and salt water marinas surround the city. You can enjoy your favorite water sport be it kayaking or luxury cruising.

The Washington State Ferry is a bargain boat ride. Walk aboard and have a delightful cruise across Elliot Bay to Bremerton. It takes about an hour, but is certainly worth the city and island views.

The U.S.S. Turner Joy is located on the Bremerton Boardwalk. You can walk through this Vietnam War configured ship; go down in the crew quarters, the engine room, the boiler room, even up to the bridge. The tour takes about an hour and a half, and there are some restrictions. However, it is a reasonable event for the whole family.

If your budget permits being more upscale, you’ll find comfortable tours by Argosy Cruises of Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, the Ballard Locks and Blake Island.

Half day sailboat and yacht rentals are available at Lake Union marinas.

Whale watching is just a day trip north to the San Juan Islands. Board a Victoria Clipper on the Seattle waterfront and sail to Friday Harbor. Then take a whale watching boat tour to see the Orcas feeding grounds. Wildlife to watch for on the cruise includes bald Eagles, Dalls’ porpoise, seals, otters and sea lions.

If whitewater rafting is your idea of adventure, you’ll find it within hours of the city. Spring whitewater rafting tours include all equipment and experienced guides to get you through challenging rivers on the west side of the Cascades. Summer river float trips are fun for the whole family.

Sport fishing charters will take you on board to try your skills at catching fish like the prized King salmon. Look for charters at Puget Sound marinas in Edmonds, Everett, Port Angeles and Anacortes as well as Seattle’s Lake Union.

Mountain streams feed into area lakes and offer great fly fishing for trout. Rivers like the Stillaguamish, Skagit, Sauk and Dungeness all have great steelhead fisheries. Guides are available on many area rivers. In season, a small boat on Lake Washington will get you to salmon fishing grounds.

And if you fear being seasick, you can still enjoy the water with a picnic lunch at one of the many saltwater beaches such as Alki or Golden Gardens. Or take a walk along the easy path around Green Lake, or one of the many beaches around Lake Washington.

Ship Ahoy!