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What To Know About Renting a Boat in Seattle

With saltwater to the west and freshwater to the east, Seattle offers a plethora of boating opportunities. A Puget Sound boat rental is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning nature of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re feeling up for a longer voyage, boat rentals in Seattle give you many opportunities to charter a boat. Cruise the Puget Sound during the week or head up north to the San Juan Islands and the Inside Passage to Alaska. If you’re looking for a day out on the water, you can trailer your boat to larger lakes or rent a powerboat by the hour or by the day. If you don't want to rent or charter a boat on your own, you can also book a boat tour with a group to see more of Seattle and learn about the city from the water. It's a great way to gain a new perspective of a place you're traveling to. 

Enjoy sailing a small watercraft or even take a tour in a kayak or canoe on Green Lake and Lake Union to the north, or Lakes Washington and Sammamish inland. Fishing charters in Seattle— a popular activity in the Sound— are also available if you are looking for large catches. And because of its ideal position at the northwest corner of the United States, Seattle has many cruise options available, either going north to Alaska or south to Mexico. It's a great jumping off point for exploring the nature and beauty of the west coast of North America. 

Seattle offers a perfect playground for marine animals— and whale watching is an activity that cannot be passed up. Anytime from March to October, you can expect to see either gray whales, orcas, minkes, and humpbacks, not to mention the sea lions, porpoises, and seabirds who also inhabit the area near Seattle. Seeing whales in their natural environment is an experience that cannot be matched by going to a zoo or aquarium. It's the most ecologically responsible and sustainable way to enjoy the beauty of these animals without supporting the cruelty that comes with keeping them in captivity. 

For water sports enthusiasts, Seattle is a great place to try something exciting. Book a wakeboarding trip in Seattle or try parasailing to fly over Puget Sound with a parachute. Water sports are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and get an adrenaline rush during your travels, and GetMyBoat has a lot of options! 

Make sure to check boat rentals in areas nearby Seattle when choosing a location to spend your day on the water. Popular boating destinations nearby include Edmonds, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Lake Tapps, Shoreline, and Port Orchard.

 

Boating Events in Seattle

There are lots of fantastic boating events that take place in Seattle and the surrounding area of Puget Sound. Some of the best boating events include the Leukemia Cup Regatta, the Salmon Derby Series, and the Seattle Boat Show. If you're a boating enthusiast visiting Seattle, definitely check out a boating events calendar for a schedule of the different sailing regattas and competitions going on in Puget Sound and the Seattle area. 

Other Types of Experiences and Rentals in Seattle

Seattle Sailboat Rentals

Book and Amazing Fishing Charter Near Seattle

Seattle Paddleboard Rentals

Marinas in Seattle

Some of the top marinas in Seattle include the Bell Harbor Marina, Shilshole Bay Marina, and Elliott Bay Marina. These marinas are great places in Seattle to explore. They are accessible from the city and are near to other attractions. Take a walk past the marinas to admire the gorgeous boats moored in their berths or to watch sailing regattas. 

 

About Seattle

Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and the largest in the Pacific Northwest region. The Emerald City is also known for their arts and music scene, having produced such legends as Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, and Nirvana, among many others. Seattle has a long boating history with one of the highest levels of boats per capita in the U.S. The city is settled in between the famed Puget Sound and Lake Washington. 

The best time of year to visit Seattle is during the summer or early autumn. The city is famous for being rainy, but there are plenty of days of sunshine to enjoy. In fact, the summers are relatively dry and are never too hot, so it's the perfect place to enjoy boating. 

Using GetMyBoat to Rent Your Next Boat

Experiencing the water has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. GetMyBoat allows you to quickly search, compare prices, submit rental inquiries, and pay for your rental or charter from the convenience of your phone or computer. We offer a secure platform for renters to facilitate a seamless rental transaction. For boat owners, we connect millions of renters to their boat and provide the security and safety checks on each rental.

Search for the perfect experience now and book your dream day out on the water.

Seattle Boat Rental FAQs

How much is it to rent a boat in Seattle?

Boat rentals in Seattle vary in price. A simple electric boat can be rented for $75/hour, and luxury motor yachts can cost up to $600/hour in Seattle. There’s a range of boats available to rent in Seattle that can work for many budgets.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Seattle?

Yacht rentals and charters in Seattle typically cost between $200-$600 an hour. The price for a yacht rental will depend on the captains fees, and other special extras that can be added to the experience.

When is the best time to go boating in Seattle?

The best time to go boating in Seattle is during the summer months. The sunshine and warmer weather makes it a great time to enjoy the Pacific Northwest on a boat rental. May through September is the best time to rent a boat in Seattle.

What is Seafair weekend?

Seafair weekend is a summer festival in Seattle that is celebrated with many events, including many boating events on the water. It’s a popular weekend to rent a boat and get out on the water in Seattle to see airshows and fireworks.

What is the log boom for seafair weekend?

The log boom of Seattle’s Seafair weekend is a giant on-water boat party. Hundreds of boaters tie up to anchored logs for a celebration on their boats, giving them a chance to meet other boaters and get great views of the hydroplane show that takes place over the water.

What time of year is best for whale watching in Seattle?

The best time of year to see whales on a whale watching tour in Seattle depends on what types of whales you want to see. Typically, you’ll have a good chance of seeing pods of whales during the migrations of March and April or November and December. In June, you can see lots of orcas off the coast of Seattle, and the summer months are the best times to see the resident pods on a whale watching tour.

How much is whale watching in Seattle?

Whale watching tour prices vary in Seattle, but you can typically find group tours for about $70-$100 for adults and $50 for kids for a 3-4 hour tour. You can book private boat tours for a higher price, if that’s your preferred method of whale watching.

How long are whale watching trips?

Whale watching tours are typically 3-4 hours in duration. Many tours will include lunch or drinks and snacks in addition to the whale watching tour. You can also find and book full-day tours that can be up to 8 hours.

Are there dolphins in the Puget Sound?

While it is possible to occasionally see dolphins in Puget Sound, it’s not common to find them in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest. You can see whales and orcas in the waters of Puget Sound year-round.