What gear or kayak equipment should I bring?

Alki Kayak Tours provides all sea kayaking equipment, you provide a sense for adventure. Besides that, please bring closed toed shoes that you don't mid getting wet, or sandals with a keeper strap. Be prepared for any weather with synthetic clothing and a water resistant jacket. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as a snack or two to keep your energy level up over a few hours of paddling. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are always a good idea for UV protection, even on overcast days.

Should I bring my phone, keys and wallet with me?

The general rule of thumb is that you shouldn't bring anything with you that you don't want to lose or ruin, as capsizing is always a possibility. We do have free lockers and locks for your time on the water. If you want to bring your phone to take pictures, we sell floating dry bags that allow you to take pictures from your phone while out on the water. These are one for $13 or two for $20.

What if I have never been in a sea kayak?

No experience is necessary! If you are comfortable with a couple of hours of outdoor physical activity, you should be fine. You don’t need to know how to swim. While our trips are not designed to be strenuous, generally good physical condition is needed.

What about capsizing?

Our sea kayaks provide a stable paddling platform, and capsizes are rare. There are no “wet exits” required and if you follow the guide’s instructions you will be able to safely paddle through any conditions.

Are there any age limits?

You must be 18 years or older to be able to use a kayak by yourself. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver for you. If you are between the ages of 16 and 18 a parent does not have to be present, but if you are under the age of 16 a parent must be present in a kayak as well during the activity.

I was blessed with ample hips, will I fit in the kayak?

You will be sitting in a confined cockpit for 2-5 hours at a time. Seats are generally 17″ wide and total kayak capacity is about 600 pounds for both paddlers. Come out early if you think you might want to see if you can comfortably sit in the kayak.

What if the weather is nasty?

Contrary to popular belief, we have pretty darn awesome weather here in the NW if you are geared up correctly. We paddle rain or shine, so bring your breathable rain jacket with a hood. We use spray skirts, and paddling in the NW is a year round activity. We have a micro-climate rain shadow effect here in West Seattle and are positioned so that southerly low pressure systems break over the peninsula and we have a “donut hole” of blue over our shop while it may be raining in North/South and East of us. But yes, it does get stormy occasionally, and we will call off trips due to high winds or unsafe conditions.

What about stand-up paddle boarding? Can I do that?

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a great way to gain a different perspective and appreciation for our marine environment! While the likelihood of falling in the water is greater on an SUP, our staff will help size you to the correct board for stability and enjoyment. And don't worry, you wear a leash connected to the board at all times, so you'll never be without your SUP!

Seattle, WA Puget Sound Kayaking Tours

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Seattle Kayaking Tours

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Alki Kayak Tours & Adventure Center offers a one of a kind sea kayak, paddle board and rental experience on Alki Beach in West Seattle. Our guided sea kayak tours are a unique experience where locals and tourists alike can paddle and learn about the history and ecosystems of Seattle and Puget Sound. We offer the best Seattle kayaking tours for exploring Puget Sound!

Alki Kayak Tours is committed to the conservation and preservation of Puget Sound as a working marine ecosystem that supports the industries of Seattle as well as the spawning salmon headed up the Duwamish River. Our guides provide an additional set of eyes on the Sound looking over its well-being for preventable ecological harm. We utilize the best management practices and focus on leaving the smallest possible ecological footprint when operating tours. Our kayaking tours are a forum where the Puget Sound community and tourists alike can discuss and learn about the history and ecosystems of the Sound. AKT offers meaningful commentary with a goal of having every paddler leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for our unique corner of the world.

Tour Information

Join us on one of our daily sea kayak tours focusing on the natural and human history of Seattle, the Alki Peninsula, and the Duwamish River. Our tours explore the wilder side of Puget Sound as we scout for curious seals and observe nesting bald eagles perched above the birthplace of Seattle.

ALKI LIGHTHOUSE SEA KAYAK TOUR

Daily 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
$119.00 per person

Paddle from the Seacrest Boathouse (Alki Kayak Tours) to the Alki Lighthouse and back.

ELLIOTT BAY SEA KAYAK TOUR

Daily 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
$89.00 per person

Join us for a paddle to explore historic Elliott Bay with stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Duwamish River, and the Olympic Mountains.

WEST SEATTLE SUNSET SEA KAYAK TOUR

Daily 2 Hours Before Sunset
$89.00 per person

Paddle out on the Puget Sound, then sit back and relax as your day ends. Watch the sun melt into the Olympic Mountains as it creates a natural light show off the Seattle skyline.

FULL MOON SEA KAYAK TOUR

Every Full Moon Thru October
$89.00 per person

Come paddle with us every full moon and experience Elliot Bay in the Puget Sound with breathtaking views of the Seattle city skyline!

BLAKE ISLAND OVERNIGHT TOUR

$289.00 per person
Minimum 2 people

Take a guided overnight tour/camping trip across the Puget Sound to Blake Island. Explore the island’s 15 miles of trails, circumnavigate the 5 miles of coastline, or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Sublime cuisine and stellar sunsets make this our signature tour.

CUSTOM SEA KAYAK TOURS

We can provide sea kayak outfitting for any occasion you can think of, so get some friends together and we will take you on your own custom tour!

Looking for more outdoor adventure in Seattle? Check out all our Seattle outdoor activities here.

Alki Lighthouse Tour

Join us for a sea kayak tour from the Seacrest Boathouse (Marination) to the Alki Lighthouse and back. Get offshore with us and explore Elliott Bay on an adventure that changes daily. We will meet at 10 a.m. and after a brief kayak fitting and tutorial, get in the boats and head on around Duwamish Head toward Alki beach. Incredible views of the city, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains will be the backdrop for an urban wildlife exploration and journey along a peninsula rich in history.

Elliot Bay Sea Kayak Tour

Come see what species of wildlife live right outside of the city and appreciate the Puget Sound in one sea kayak tour!

Ready for an afternoon adventure exploring the “old Seattle” across the bay? Join us for a paddle exploring historic Elliott Bay and the mouth of the Duwamish River with outstanding views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. If we are lucky we may encounter some of the local urban wildlife including California sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, or osprey.

West Seattle Sunset Tour

Join us for a kayak tour from Alki Kayak Tours (West Seattle) around the west side of Elliott Bay. After a brief boat fitting and paddling instruction, we first head out on the water to search for wildlife at the mouth of the Duwamish river. Next off to Duwamish Head for views of the islands as the sun melts into the Olympic Mountains and creates a light show off the downtown Seattle skyline.

This trip is offered daily and is busiest on summer weekends. Reservations are required, but we can sometimes sign you up on short notice.

Full Moon Tour

Come paddle with us every full moon and experience Elliot Bay in the Puget Sound with breathtaking views of the Seattle city skyline!

We meet as a group, get geared up and then share this unique nighttime paddle. We head around the channel marker at the head of the Duwamish River then paddle into the full moon with the skyline radiating on the water as an added bonus. Join us for this epic and entertaining experience for everyone!

Blake Island Overnight Tour

Join us for an overnight sea kayak and camping trip across Puget Sound to Blake Island. With 15 miles of trails and 5 miles of beaches, Blake Island State Park offers a serene getaway from the city, and incredible views.

The overnight tour will launch from the Alki Kayak Tours dock, then head north around Duwamish Head. We will paddle along Alki Beach and its easy landings will allow for a brief rest at the west section of Alki Beach. From there, we will paddle across to Puget Sound Blake Island, where we will find our feet on solid ground again and set up camp. Bring your walking shoes to enjoy a hike through the beautiful madrona forests of the island.

In the event that winds kick up, the Southworth ferry will offer a default ride back to West Seattle and home harbors. Due to weather, tours may also begin with a launch from the west side of West Seattle.

Alki Kayak Tours will provide dinner, breakfast and all group camping and kayaking gear including tents. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pad (something you can carry and will fit in an enclosed space), a mess kit, and lunches. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. There is a 6 guest maximum for this tour, so get a group together and book online or give us a call to make your reservation!

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