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    Location

    TOURS: 

    Shilshole Bay Marina, W-dock

    (By the Corinthian Yacht Club)

    7901 Seaview Ave NW

     

    RENTALS:

    Shilshole Bay Marina, W-dock

    (By the Corinthian Yacht Club)

    7901 Seaview Ave NW

     

     

    Hours

    TOURS:

    Closed for the season!

    Check back in April!

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    RENTALS:

    Closed for the season!

    Check back in MAY.

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    *Up-to-date closures due to weather HERE

    Contact Us
    (206) 494-3353

    info@ballardkayak.com

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    © 2016 by Ballard Kayak

    Guided Kayaking Adventures

     

    Reserve your tour today! 

    All tours leave from Shilshole Bay Marina, W-Dock (By the Corinthian Yacht Club)

    View live calendar of upcoming tours

    Ballard Locks Tour

    $65

    3.5 hours

     

    The Ballard Locks is the second most visited tourist attraction in Seattle. Instead of going TO IT, go THROUGH IT! Our guides will paddle you through Ballard's scenic Shilshole Bay, where you will likely see multiple seals, sea lions, osprey and great blue herons.

     

    You will then enter the historic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks*. As the 30 ton gates of the "water elevator" shut behind you, you can look up to see that all of the tourists watching with envy as you gently rise to Lake Union's water level. Then off through the ship canal, home to Seattle's largest mega yachts and some of the infamous Deadliest Catch boats. We end this trip by heading back through the Locks to Shilshole Bay Marina to lazily sit on the beach and watch the day pass (optional).

     

    *Please note we do not have control over the locks schedule, and cannot guarantee we get through them. Either way, we will enjoy the wildlife and the company! 

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    • Meet at our docks in Shilshole Marina 20 minutes prior to tour departure
    • Family Friendly
    • Beginner paddlers welcome

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    2-hour Sound Tour

    $45

    2 hours

     

    The Puget Sound was created when the area's glaciers began their retreat about 14,000 years ago, leaving behind intricate patterns of islands, inlets, lakes and shorelines. Today, the Puget Sound is home to thousands of creatures, from orcas and sea lions to sea anemones and sand dollars. Enjoy the rich ecosystem of the Puget Sound on this two hour kayaking tour. This is a great chance to see seals, sea lions, great blue herons and more. The route of the tour will vary based on recent sightings of local wildlife, wind and currents. Whether you want to drift among the bull kelp or paddle hard along the shore, this tour is for you. 

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    • Meet at our docks in Shilshole Marina 20 minutes prior to tour departure
    • Family friendly
    • Beginner paddlers welcome

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    Clam Chowder Tour

    $125

    4 hours of paddling, 1+ hour of chowder-ing (Begins October 6!) 

     

    Autumn is the best time of year to be on the water! No more fighting for space with other boats, better wildlife sightings, and that great feeling of accomplishment at the end. This tour starts at our location in Shilshole Marina and ends with a piping bowl of Ivar's Famous Clam Chowder. In between, we paddle through the Ballard Locks, alongside the Deadliest Catch boats and downtown Fremont, under 3 draw bridges, and across the top of Lake Union for spectacular views of Downtown Seattle. We haul out right beside Ivar's to finish the tour with a bowl of chowder (included) and any other warm and tasty treats at Ivar's (not included).

     

    *Please note this is a one-way tour. You will be responsible for your transportation to the starting point (Shilshole marina) and from the ending point (Ivar's on Northlake Way). We recommend Uber, Lyft, Yellow Cab or your best buddy. 

     

    What's included:

    • Tandem kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt
    • An outer layer to keep you toasty dry
    • These great things called pogies!
    • Dry bags
    • Snacks, extra water
    • Knowledgeable guide
    • Historical and ecological information about the area
    • A piping bowl of Ivar's chowder

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    What to bring:

    • Non-cotton clothes
    • Warm hat
    • Shoes you don't mind getting wet
    • Water bottle
    • Waterproof/windproof layer
    • Extra set of dry clothes to change into

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    Details

    What to bring: 

    • Warm clothes, preferably non-cotton, it is always colder on the water (fleece, capilene, nylon, wool are all good options)

    • Water-appropriate shoes (sandals that strap to your feet or water shoes are ideal)

    • A water-proof, wind-proof layer (a rain jacket)

    • A water bottle

    • Sunglasses and a sun hat

    • If you want to bring electronics, best to carry them in a water-tight container 

    What we provide: 

    • All equipment necessary, including watercraft, paddle, and PFD

    • A knowledgeable, skilled guide

    • Snacks or meals, as indicated for each tour

    • Storage for small belongings you want to leave behind

     

    *Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled tour to allow time for the waiver, PFD fitting and safety demonstration.

     

    *Please allow time for parking and using the restroom prior to the start time of your tour. 

    Questions? Visit our FAQs page

    Or Contact Us anytime.