Rent a Boat in Seattle

The combination of wildlife encounters and exquisite scenery plus renowned food, culture, and events, put Seattle at the forefront of our top boating destinations list. Seattle’s Elliot Bay opens into Puget Sound, offering all the sights the Pacific Northwest has to offer. But don’t forget two of the region’s boating gems: Lake Union and Lake Washington.

What To Know

The most popular boat rental styles in Seattle include:

• Bowriders, which are ideal for your typical summer boat day in the Puget Sound or any of the area’s nearby lakes, allowing for versatility whether you’re ready for watersports, dock-and-dining, or general day cruising.

• Cruisers are also a hot commodity, particularly for night boating or cooler days in the fall. They also are able to hold more passengers to accommodate bachelorette/bachelor parties, or company outings.

• Trawlers and houseboats are also widely popular in the Pacific Northwest, with houseboats filling up many of Seattle’s marinas. Trawlers are great for long-distance cruising north to the San Juan Islands or into the Salish Sea leading into the Pacific Ocean.

Only experienced boaters will want to try long-distance or overnight cruising to the San Juan Islands or beyond. Be sure to communicate with the boat’s owner to plan your own rental itinerary and ask for local recommendations for each of Seattle’s popular bodies of water.

Safety Requirements:

• Boating License/Education Rules: Washington residents born after January 1, 1955 who operate vessels with 15-horsepower or higher, must carry a Washington Boater Education Card and be over 14 years of age or older in order to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWCs).

• Life Jacket Requirements: Children ages 12 and under must wear a PFD.

For more information, visit the Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office.

Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:

• Mohai Play Field

• Sunnyside Boat Ramp

• 14th Ave NW Boat Ramp

• Fisherman's Terminal Marina

• Lake Union Piers

Learn more in Boating in Seattle: Everything You Need to Know.

Weather Conditions

Seattle summers are the best time to be out on the water, while the rest of the year is typically much colder and rainy. Keep in mind, the year-round water temperatures are a bit cooler than what most boaters might expect. The wet winter season runs from October through March, but does present some opportunities for anglers who participate in the winter salmon season (blackmouth) from January to the end of March.

Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 80°F in August

Avg. Temperature Low: Around 36-42°F during winter months, from November through April.

Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Seattle:

• 48°F in the Spring (April, May, June)

• 53°F in the Summer (July, August, September)

• 50°F in Fall (October, November)

• 44°F in Winter (December, January, February, March)