There are rental spots all over Seattle’s various waterfronts — consider this a sampling of what’s available. Walk-ins are welcome at most of these locations, but reservations are recommended.
Northwest Outdoor Center
🚣 Founded way back in 1980, NWOC offers classes in everything from kayaking on the sea to whitewater trips. You can also buy all sorts of gear and get your suits and kayaks repaired. If you’re just getting into kayaking, though, you can come here to rent boats and explore Lake Union.
Know before you go: The hours here shift depending on the season; it closes earlier as the sun sets earlier. Consult the website for more details.
Green Lake Boathouse
🏃 Tired of running around Green Lake? Go across it instead. This boathouse offers pedal boats, kayaks, row boats, and paddle boards, ideal for low-key or family outings.
Know before you go: If you need a little pick-me-up, they also sell coffee and breakfast sandwiches here.
Alki Kayak Tours
🌊 If you want a more guided boating experience, this business on Alki — located next to the West Seattle Water Taxi stop — offers tours across Elliott Bay to the Alki Lighthouse and sunset tours around the mouth of the Duwamish River. Check the website for more information about timing and which tours are available when.
Know before you go: Once a month, Alki Kayak Tours has a nighttime excursion while the full moon is out.
Seattle Paddle
🌲 A great way to explore the southern half of Lake Washington is to grab a paddle board or kayak from the Adams Street location of Seattle Paddle, not far from Seward Park. Lake Washington Boulevard has a gorgeous view, why not get in the view?
Know before you go: Lake Washington Boulevard is closed to cars on weekends until Labor Day, but cars can still drive onto the Adams Street boat launch — just look out for cyclists and pedestrians as you cross Lake Washington Boulevard.
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats
🔥 You may have seen these hot tub boats around Lake Union. They are what they sound like — boats that double as hot tubs, so you’re soaking in warm water while you float around in the colder lake water. (These boats, made in the Netherlands, are wood-fired.) It’s the kind of thing you get for anniversaries or bachelor/bachelorette parties, though if you are bringing drinks onboard, be advised you can’t take glass containers.
Know before you go: This is quite a bit more expensive than renting a kayak, for obvious reasons — prices start at $400 for one boat on a weekday. (Weekends start at $450)
