Rent a Boat in Seattle, WA

Seattle blends saltwater adventure with laid-back lake life. Thread past houseboats and seaplanes on Lake Union, watch sunset behind the Olympic Mountains from Puget Sound, tie up for lunch at Kirkland or Bellevue on Lake Washington, or lock through the historic Ballard Locks for a day of salmon-spotting and waterfront sightseeing.

What to know

The most popular boat rental styles in Seattle include:

• Electric runabouts and Duffy-style cruisers for no-stress Lake Union loops and floating picnics.
• Pontoons, tritoons, and deck boats for group outings to swim spots like Andrews Bay or the Sand Point shallows.
• Wake-surf and ski boats for tubing, boarding, and long, glassy runs on Lake Washington.
• Cabin cruisers and small yachts for salt-air excursions through Elliott Bay or overnights to Bainbridge, Blake Island, or the San Juan gateway.

First-time skippers should know the daily opening schedule of the Ballard Locks and be comfortable with shifting Puget Sound tides, large-vessel traffic, and frequent summer seaplane paths.