Boat trips from Shilshole Bay Marina
Shilshole Bay Marina is in Ballard, next to Golden Gardens Park. The Port of Seattle runs it. It opens right onto Puget Sound, so trips from here are on saltwater, with the Olympic Mountains to the west.
Trips from Shilshole are mostly fishing and cruises. Puget Sound is cold all year, so it's a place to ride on the boat, not behind it.
Good to know before you go
- Salmon fishing on Puget Sound follows seasons and limits set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Trips follow those rules, so what you can keep depends on the date. See fishing trips for licenses.
- Dress warm. Even on a sunny day, the wind on the Sound is cool. Bring layers, a rain jacket and shoes with a good grip.
- Meeting point. The marina has many docks. Your listing shows the meeting point on a map, and the app gives you directions.
- Seasickness. Puget Sound can be choppy. If you get seasick, plan ahead and talk to your captain after you book.
What to bring
- Warm layers and a rain jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, even when it's cloudy
- Water and a snack, unless the listing says they're included
- Your fishing license, for fishing trips
Each listing lists the safety equipment on board. Your captain gives a safety briefing and decides if conditions are right to go.