Pacific Northwest · Washington, USA
- Position
- 47.6°N · 122.3°W
- Region
- Washington, United States
Overview
Between the Sound and the lakes
Seattle sits between Puget Sound, part of the wider Salish Sea, and Lake Washington. The Lake Washington Ship Canal runs between them through Lake Union, and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard lift and lower boats between fresh and salt water.
That geography gives Seattle charters unusual variety. On Lake Union you cruise past floating homes, seaplanes and Gas Works Park, right in the middle of the city. On Lake Washington you pass the floating bridges and the waterfronts of Mercer Island, Bellevue and Kirkland. In Elliott Bay, the city's working harbor, the downtown skyline rises above the ferries and the waterfront. Linking them, a passage through the Ballard Locks is a memorable experience in its own right.
Seattle is a cool-water, mostly summer destination. Puget Sound is cold year-round, so charters here are about cruising, dining and sightseeing rather than swimming, and the long, dry days of July and August are the peak of the season.
Departures
Where Seattle charters start
Lake Union
Right in the city, near South Lake Union Park and the Center for Wooden Boats, ideal for lake cruises and locks transits.
Shilshole Bay Marina
The Port of Seattle's large saltwater marina in Ballard, just outside the locks on Puget Sound.
Elliott Bay
Bell Harbor Marina on the downtown waterfront and Elliott Bay Marina at Smith Cove, for skyline and Sound cruising.
Where you'll cruise
Locks, lakes and islands
Combine fresh and salt water in a single charter, or focus on one setting.
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Opened in 1917 and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the locks carry more boat traffic than any other in the United States. Transit times vary with traffic, and the fish ladder is busiest in summer.
Lake Union
Floating homes, seaplanes landing beside you and the old gasworks of Gas Works Park on the north shore.
Lake Washington
A 22-mile freshwater lake with three floating bridges, including the SR 520 bridge, often described as the world's longest floating bridge.
Elliott Bay & the skyline
The city's working harbor, from West Point to Alki Point, with the downtown waterfront and the ferry terminal.
Bainbridge Island
A short crossing west of Seattle to Eagle Harbor and the town of Winslow.
The San Juan Islands
A Salish Sea archipelago of state marine parks and harbors such as Friday Harbor, best explored on a multi-day charter rather than a day trip.
Whales & safety
Orcas, rules and cold water
Since January 1, 2025, Washington law requires all vessels, including kayaks and paddleboards, to stay at least 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales and to slow to 7 knots within that distance. Other whales also have minimum viewing distances. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed, and your captain follows the rules.
Puget Sound is cold year-round, so cold-water safety matters: life jackets are recommended, and charters here are not swimming or snorkeling trips.
Seasons & events
Summer is peak season: July is the driest month, and July and August together average under 1.6 inches of rain.
Rain is frequent but light from October to May.
Events include Opening Day of boating season on the first Saturday in May, Seattle's summer Seafair festival with hydroplane racing on Lake Washington, and the holiday Christmas Ship Festival. Popular dates book early, and route closures can apply.
Current fleet & availability
Ask about boats in Seattle
Tell us your date, group size and the kind of cruise you have in mind, from a Lake Union evening to a locks transit or a summer festival. We will check the vessels available.
Related destinations
More of the United States
Seattle FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Seattle
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Seattle. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Where do Seattle charters depart?
From Lake Union, Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard, the downtown waterfront and Bell Harbor Marina, or Elliott Bay Marina, depending on the vessel and route.
Can we go through the Ballard Locks?
Yes. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connect the lakes to Puget Sound, and a transit is a highlight of many Seattle charters. Timing depends on lock traffic.
Can we see orcas on a Seattle charter?
Sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Washington law requires vessels to stay at least 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales.
Can we swim or snorkel in Puget Sound?
Puget Sound is cold year-round, so Seattle charters focus on cruising, dining and sightseeing rather than swimming.
When is the best time for a Seattle charter?
Summer, especially July and August, which are the driest months. Spring and fall charters are lovely too, with more chance of showers.
Can we watch Seafair from a boat?
Seafair's hydroplane racing on Lake Washington is a classic boating weekend. Special rules and passes apply, so ask early.
Can we visit the San Juan Islands in a day?
The islands are about 65 miles north of Seattle, so they are best enjoyed on a multi-day charter.
What is the difference between Lake Union and Puget Sound?
Lake Union is a freshwater lake in the heart of the city; Puget Sound is the saltwater inlet to the west, reached through the Ballard Locks.
When is Opening Day of boating season in Seattle?
Opening Day falls on the first Saturday in May, with a boat parade through the Montlake Cut. The Montlake Cut and southeast Portage Bay close to boats not in the parade for much of the day, so routes are planned around the closure.
When is Seattle's Christmas Ship Festival?
The holiday Christmas Ship Festival runs from late November through most of December. Popular dates book early and route closures can apply, so ask well in advance if you would like a private cruise during the festival.
Can a Seattle charter cross to Bainbridge Island?
Yes. Bainbridge Island is a short crossing west of Seattle to Eagle Harbor and the town of Winslow; for reference, the ferry route from downtown's Colman Dock to Winslow is 8.6 miles.