How To Explore Washington State’s Puget Sound

Puget Sound offers visitors endless adventures on and off the water, from kayaking at sunset and waterfront strolls to epic wildlife watching and exploration on cruise and ferry boats.

Wildlife spotting 

There is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for in Puget Sound. From otters to orcas, visitors can hope to spot something on one of the many wildlife tours available. Tours depart from multiple areas, including the San Juan Islands, where visitors can spot humpback and minke whales in addition to resident orca pods. Orcas can be sighted in the Puget Sound throughout the year, but visitors’ best chance for spotting one of the three Southern Resident pods is usually from April through September. Take a tour with San Juan Outfitters, Orcas Enchanted, or Outer Island Excursions to spot one of the resident orca pods as well as the porpoises, humpback whales and bald eagles that also inhabit Puget Sound. See our whale-watching guide HERE

Watersports 

For adventurous visitors wanting to get a little closer to the water, there are plenty of water sports opportunities. Hop in a kayak, canoe or on a paddle board and head out onto the water, where lucky visitors will catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife living in the Puget Sound. Visitors can rent their own canoe or kayak for a self-led adventure or join a group to explore. Exotic Aquatics on Bainbridge Island offers anything from a two-hour harbour paddle to a ‘Full Moon Paddle’ to catch the sunset on the water. Alternatively, Olympic Outdoor Center on the Kitsap Peninsula offers rental paddleboards for up to a week at a time so visitors can easily explore the many beaches, coves and bays across the peninsula. For a truly unique experience, visitors can head out with Hood Canal Adventures for a night paddle through an ethereal display of gleaming underwater algae known as bioluminescence. Learn more about this phenomenon HERE

Hop on a ferry 

Visitors can easily drive or walk aboard a Washington State Ferry from Seattle to explore nearby Bainbridge Island. Washington is home to the largest ferry system in the United States, connecting Seattle and other locations to the Olympic Peninsula, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands. Soak in the scenery and keep an eye out for marine mammals before disembarking to explore one of the many islands, which boast local dining, shopping, museums, and excellent parks and beaches. Plan your ferry adventure here and visit the Washington State Ferries website for information on accessibility, and reservations.

Walk along the waterfront 

Visitors will discover plenty of walkways along the Puget Sound waterfront to enjoy a stroll or a hike amongst nature. Minutes from Tacoma’s Old Town neighbourhood, Ruston Way Waterfront offers two miles of paved walking paths along the water between downtown and Point Defiance. Take in views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and glittering Commencement Bay.

Practice water safety and recreate responsibly 

Between 157 miles of coastline, around 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and more than 4,000 lakes, there is no end to water recreation opportunities in Washington. Visitors should remember that water can be powerful, which is why it’s important to plan ahead and know what conditions to expect. Further information is available at Recreate Responsibly