Meeting on Thursdays through May - let's bring our paddle community together!
Start your morning with the Community Paddle Club: relaxed, 1–2 hour guided paddles from Alki that suit beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. Join a friendly, weekday group and learn basic skills while scanning Elliott Bay for seals, seabirds, and skyline views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Light aerobic fitness; able to sit and paddle for up to two hours and lift a kayak into a cart or onto a vehicle if needed
Wildlife
History
This shoreline sits within the ancestral waters of the Duwamish and other Coast Salish peoples; the area has long been a travel and harvest corridor.
Conservation
Respect eelgrass beds and give wildlife wide berth; avoid dragging boats over sensitive habitat and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect Puget Sound.
Alki Kayak Tours
Meeting on Thursdays through May - let's bring our paddle community together!
Alki Kayak Tours is a Seattle-based paddle sports provider offering guided sea kayak tours, hourly and full-day sit-on-top kayak rentals, stand up paddleboard (SUP) introductions, and specialized safety training. Operating on Elliott Bay and launching popular outings such as the Alki Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour and Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour, the company focuses on accessible experiences for a wide range of paddlers.
Guided options include the Seattle Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour—ideal for skyline and Olympic Mountain views—and daily Alki Lighthouse departures from Seacrest Boathouse. Rental offerings feature single and double sit-on-top kayaks with transparent pricing: $26 per hour, $90 for a full day, and $65 for each additional rental day. Introductory classes cover core paddling technique and safety for those new to sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding; the Intro to SUP class aligns with ACA-style instruction and emphasizes gear, dressing, and paddle mechanics.
Safety and preparedness are prioritized through limited-size courses like Sea Kayaking Rescue and Recovery, which focus on bracing and re-entry techniques in cold-water conditions. The business also supports local advocacy, hosting and promoting events such as Rally for the River—an advocacy paddle to protect salmon and Southern Resident orcas.
Alki Kayak Tours attracts both visitors and locals seeking reliable rental rates, knowledgeable guides, and focused instruction. The combination of guided Elliott Bay tours, flexible rental options, and essential safety training makes it a practical choice for paddlers exploring Seattle’s waterfront.
Tours Offered
10
Guided tours and rentals available
Hourly Rate
$26 / hr
Transparent rental pricing
Day Rate
$90 / day
Full-day rental or tour rate
Advocacy Event
Aug 7
Rally for the River paddle
Reserve guided tours, secure hourly rentals, or sign up for rescue and SUP classes — limited spots available for personalized instruction.
Sign the waiver ahead of time
Complete the waiver online or arrive early to save time and get on the water by 9:00 AM.
Check the wind forecast
Trips are canceled if north winds exceed 15 knots—confirm conditions before you head out.
Dress in layers
Bring a synthetic midlayer and a waterproof shell; Puget Sound mornings can be cool even in May.
Bring a small drybag
Keep your phone, keys and snacks dry in a compact drybag stowed in the kayak.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Required for safety and typically provided with rentals.
Paddle
A properly sized paddle improves efficiency—rentals include standard paddles.
Waterproof drybag
Protects phone, keys and snacks from splashes during the paddle.
Light waterproof jacket
Blocks wind and light rain during cooler mornings on Elliott Bay.
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