Sailing Elliott Bay: Two-Hour Tall-Ship Harbor Tour from Pier 66
Board a classic schooner at Pier 66 for a two-hour harbor sail that puts the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, and distant Mount Rainier in cinematic perspective. Family-friendly, with restrooms onboard and sunset departures when the light is best.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to be at the Bell Harbor Marina plaza 20 minutes before departure to clear tickets and join the boarding group.
Dress in layers
Harbor winds can chill quickly — pack a windproof layer even on warm days.
Choose a midship seat if prone to seasickness
Motion is minimized midship; take anti-nausea measures if you’re sensitive.
Secure loose items
Sunglasses, hats and phones can blow off; tether small gear or store it below deck.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stand aft near the stern for framed skyline shots with the ship’s rigging in the foreground.
- •On clear days, watch for cruise ships and ferries creating dynamic wakes—great for long-exposure photography from the rail.
Wildlife
- •Harbor seals
- •Bald eagles
Conservation Note
Boat operators are encouraged to follow Puget Sound stewardship practices: minimize single-use plastics on board and avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly during marine mammal sightings.
Seattle’s waterfront evolved from Indigenous canoe routes to a 20th-century shipping and shipbuilding hub; tall ships echo the city’s longstanding relationship with sea trade.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow for unobstructed skyline frames
- • Aft rail to capture rail-to-skyline compositions
- • Mid-deck looking inland for Space Needle with rigging foreground
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks harbor breeze and holds heat when the sun slides behind clouds.
Non-slip shoesEssential
Flat, grippy soles keep you steady on wet deck surfaces.
Motion-sickness remedy
Patches or tablets help if you’re prone to seasickness during choppy conditions.
Camera with strap
A wrist or neck strap keeps your camera safe while shooting skyline and mountain views.
Common Questions
Where do I board the tour?
Meet at the Bell Harbor Marina plaza next to the Bell Harbor Marina Office behind Anthony’s Restaurant on Pier 66; staff will walk the group to the boat.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive about 20 minutes before departure for check-in; boarding begins roughly 10 minutes prior to cast-off.
Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes — the schooner is equipped with an onboard restroom for guest use during the cruise.
Is this activity wheelchair accessible?
The tour is family-friendly but boarding requires stepping from dock to gangway and then onto deck; contact the operator about specific accessibility needs before booking.
Can I bring my dog?
Only service animals are allowed onboard; pets are not permitted on the deck during public sails.
What happens in bad weather?
Cruises may be canceled for high winds or unsafe conditions; the cancellation policy typically allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 hours
Location
Seattle, Washington
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels — minimal mobility required to step aboard and move around the deck.
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