The city of Seattle is famous for being home to the original Starbucks and a variety of attractions such as the popular Museum of Pop Culture. These tourist activities are definitely essential experiences to have in Seattle, but renting a boat is a unique suggestion for a city stay. There are a variety of vessels, which include sailboats, tugboats, houseboats and yachts, available for rent on the beautiful Lake Union. This lake is in a central spot in Seattle and offers a more serene environment than a classic property within the city. This article will summarise a few of the best options when you want to rent a boat in Seattle, Washington, as opposed to regular accommodation.
1. Unique glamping experience close to MoPOP (from USD 150)
This classic sailboat is named ‘Adagio’ and is a one bedroom and bathroom vessel. The host has described this property as a 'glamping’ experience and is located close to the well known Pike Place Markets and Museum of Pop Culture. There is the option to sail with the hosts at an additional fee, as well as to watch the boat races if visitors are staying at the right time. In addition, Adagio’s hosts are located close to the property and have been rewarded with the highly regarded super host Airbnb status. There is also parking available at a cost, as well as both heating and WiFi on board this classic sailboat.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were comfortable and there was wi fi as wellthere are so many thoughtful touches including snacks bottled water coffee/tea and even some bathroom amenitiesthe ship is lovely and the space is very comfortable and has all of the amenitiesbed was quite comfortablethe charming and cozy atmosphere were exactly what we neededCleanliness:
michaelle was exceptionally responsive and the cabin was very clean and cozyeverything was as listed and very cleanclean comfortable and michaelle and her family were lovelythe boat was clean and had everything we neededHost:
she was very helpful and responsivemichaelle and john were wonderful hosts and the adagio is a dreamabsolutely the best host for our first airbnbmichaelle was a wonderful host she was very communicative and answered all our questionsmichaelle and john were great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a unique option in a great locationsuper convenient location as wellgreat location less that 10 minutes from downtowngreat location and walkability to the main attractionsi would highly recommend this location to anyone
2. Floating cabin with excellent views of Gasworks Park (from USD 195)
The Cabin is a one-bedroom houseboat which is moored at Gasworks Marina. This is an excellent property to unwind on one of the viewing decks and take in the views of Lake Union. There are two separate barbecues for guests’ use, as well as both WiFi and basic essentials available on board. The host allows long stays of more than 28 days, as well as pets on the vessel. The marina provides direct access to the Gasworks Park and public transportation is widely available such as ride share bikes and cars. Hosts arrange for someone to greet visitors upon arrival and will be able to answer any questions about the general neighbourhood. This is a gorgeous boat and is in the perfect location for any kind of stay!
Seattle, Washington, United StatesAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great community beautiful views and a very comfortable layoutbed and bedding were very comfortablesuch a peaceful positive cozy spot to take a load offHost:
shelli was a fantastic hostthis is a very lovely getaway place and the host are amazing you'll love itshelli and riley were excellent hosts both accommodating and informative about the neighborhood and the houseboatwhat an intriguing friendly and nautical neighborhood sailmakers lofts ship chandleries etcRead more reviewsLocation:
close to everything but far enough away to relaxthis is a wonderful place to stay beautiful location and a once in a lifetime experienceeasy walking distance to fremont and wallingford neighborhoodsgreat location with views of nearby gasworks park and downtown seattlethe bus system is fantastic and we were able to explore the entire city
3. Small but fully furnished boat near Fremont (from USD 145)
The Pura Vida is a one-bedroom houseboat which is fully furnished for convenience. It features both WiFi and a television, as well as beautiful waterfront views of the surrounding marina. In addition, Pura Vida has a kitchen and outdoor space with a barbecue. This small boat is a great place to loosen up in a beautiful neighbourhood, which is located on the west side of Lake Union and close to the suburbs of Lower Queen Anne and Fremont. This boat could be the perfect overnight stay!
Seattle, Washington, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi was way better than i expectedthe wifi was strong throughout our visitthe bed is also small but the mattress is firm and comfortableCleanliness:
the inside is also very clean and well decoratedit was beautiful clean comfortable and the setting can’t be beatthe accommodations are clean and cozy just like it says on the labelthe house boat was neat and cleanthe accommodation was clean and hosts rose and glen were accommodating and helpfulHost:
thank you for your hostthe hosts provided an honest description of the boat itselfthe other boat owners were very nice and politehosts were great they offered suggestions and gave directions of places to go see and eatthey were great hosts very responsive provided great information about the city and were very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
easy bus to downtownthe atmosphere is close-knit small community yet it’s so close to all the urban attractionswonderful hosts great location within walking distance of the boatthe neighborhood is quiet and friendlythe location is truly seattle chic with the yachties touch
4. Comfortable houseboat near Lake Union Park
The House Boat is located on the west side of Lake Union and is suitable for two people. The vessel has a couple of outdoor decks and one of them is equipped with chairs and a table. The property is known as ‘The Wild Thing’ and Rose and Glen are both the super hosts and owners. This boat is close to South Lake Union Park, as well as numerous coffee and breakfast spots close to the marina. There are hot water and heating facilities on board and the kitchen has all of the basics needed to cook meals during a visitor’s stay. The property is available for rent during the months of September to May and is not suitable for children. The marina is locked outside of business hours and there is also free guest parking.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen couch decks linens all goodit has a good fanthe deck is great for breakfast an lunch anytime when the sun is outcomfortable space the sounds of the lake were hypnoticgreat wifi bathroom clean and functionalCleanliness:
great space for two people very clean great communication rosemary and glen are delightful and are great hoststhe interior was exceptionally clean and the newer carpet made me very comfortablethe boat was clean and the bed very comfortableHost:
in addition rose and glen were wonderful hostsall and all great hoststhe area felt safe and the hosts were great peoplerose and glen were excellent hosts they were easy to communicate with and took good care of usthe hosts are friendly very honest and truthful on the description of their placeRead more reviewsLocation:
the marina is centrally located with great bus access and a short walk to the slu trolleygreat location on lake union for house boatclose to everything we needed and easy to find parkingvery good location with easy access to busstopgreat time at an unbeatable location
5. Lovely houseboat with a hammock and kayaks
The Seattle Houseboat is located on Lake Union and sleeps six guests. The boat has both kayaks and paddle boards available for use, as well as a hammock hung over the sea to relax with a view. This property is in a prime location which is close to Fremont Bridge and Gasworks Park. This neighbourhood is home to many restaurants and cafes and there are bikes available to rent near the houseboat. This rental is pet-friendly and has two bedrooms and five beds including the ones in the main spaces of the boat. There is a kitchen on board which is complete with a coffeemaker as an added amenity. The houseboat is the perfect place to relax on the water with good company.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
galley kitchen was just right; a great coffee/tea set-upCleanliness:
very clean and totally comfortable and “liveable”Host:
an extremely helpful and attentive hostthe owner was terrific and very accessibleit was well stocked and the owner eric was friendly and helpfulby far the most comfortable and inviting host and home i’ve ever stayed inand he is an interesting and gracious hostRead more reviewsLocation:
this boat is great the location is so convenientthe location is quiet at night with plenty of activity to watch on a sunny daylocation is great breakfast bars and grocery story are walkable
6. Classic 1998 tugboat with apartment facilities
This classic tug boat is a 1998 model and can sleep up to four guests. It is in a perfect location, close to many bars and restaurants. The boat has one bedroom as well as a fold-out bed in the main living space on board. The interior also includes a bathroom and kitchen for the use of visitors. It has a few accessibility features such as a lowered height toilet and moveable shower head. There is free parking available,as well as an outdoor barbecue on the deck. This boat is basically a floating apartment. It is moored on Lake Union and is close to a range of neighbouring suburbs such as Downtown Seattle.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
small space not luxury accommodations but fun and cozy and uniquethe tugboat itself has all the comforts of home (kitchen bed bathroom seating)forget the apartment or hotel stay book this adorable tug boat for a unique experience and view of seattlecomfortable living spaceit was equipped with heaters (which is great because it's november) and the bed was very comfortableCleanliness:
it is incredibly clean and cozyvery clean comfortable bed and easy check inthe boat was clean and the linens were freshwhile the quarters were small (perfect for 1-2) it was clean comfortable and well-appointedthe boat was very clean and had everything we could need for a great stayHost:
the host was happy to give us info about the local areasean was an excellent host with great tips and fast responses to our questionssean is a great hostgreat place to stay on lake union responsive host and a wonderful little nordic tugsean is a great host tooRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s conveniently located making it easy to walk to most attractionsfun and safe adventure in perfect locationgreat location and very funperfect little cozy tugboat and close to everythingloved the tugboat great location and great experience
7. Historic luxury yacht in Eastlake
The 78’ Historic Yacht can be found in the Eastlake neighbourhood which is close to both the university precinct and Capitol Hill. This is a historic boat and has been restored into a luxury vessel for visitors. It boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms, which allows the property to sleep up to eight guests at a time. It is spacious and has a beautiful wooden interior and exterior. The vessel is named Linmar and includes free parking, WiFi, cable TV and all the essentials on board.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's even a flat screen tv that was perfect for thanksgiving footballvery comfortable beds toiletries and fresh flowers made for a pleasant staythe dining and living salons are museum-quality yet comfortablebeds were super comfortable and the freeway noise was not an issue in any wayCleanliness:
clean beds and blankets were comfortable tons of towels and lot of spacecomfortable and unique very clean with all the perfect amenitiesHost:
host is wonderfulkuhrt is a gracious and very attentive host as well as kind and funnykuhrt & crew were so friendly and helpfulservice was also fantastic and they were all super friendly and responsivehistoric 1938 yacht the most amazing staff support and hospitalityRead more reviewsLocation:
cute neighborhoods within walking distance nearbythe location is greatgreat location except the near by freeway noisewe walked to a nearby corner store with an impressive selection of wine to enjoybeautiful boat spacious brilliant location so much caracture
8. Relaxing yacht for four in Seattle
This yacht is perfect for two adults and two children and is a short walk from Seattle Centre. This is the accommodation to choose for all the additional comforts which a regular boat may not have on board. These additional conveniences include amenities such as, a Keurig machine and Smart TV with Netflix. There are two kayaks on the boat for the use of guests. The super hosts, Minh and Jason, suggest kayaking on Union Lake to check out the Sleepless in Seattle House. They have also included a guide on additional spots to see while kayaking, as well as a second guide outlining the local dining spots. This yacht is a definitely a step up from a regular boat and is permanently stationed.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our beds were comfortable the amenities were as expected and there were two couples in our partyit was a sparkling clean comfortable space with excellent views from the top deckbeds were extremely comfortableeverything is exactly as described :) very comfortable bed & seatingthe heaters do a good job keeping the space warmCleanliness:
the place was very cleanthe space was clean and well decoratedthe stay was very clean and a great experience communication was very easy would stay againclean comfortable and quiet loved itclean and fun place to stay communication was great and check-in and out were very easyHost:
host is very responsivevery helpful hostminh is an amazing host and answers all questions quicklyminh was the perfect hostminh is a well prepared host who was easy to reachRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was beautifulgreat location only a $20 or so uber from the airport and walking distance to dukesgreat value and location and unique place to staythe location felt safe and was easy to get toodefinitely try the italian restaurant pasta fresca a 5 minute walk and a unique experience with great food
9. Boat rental in Downtown Seattle with perfect sunset views
This boat rental is located on the south side of Lake Union and is a small one bedroom vessel. The neighbourhood it belongs to is Downtown Seattle, which is easily accessible via Uber. It has a bathroom, kitchen, heating, and on-board essentials. The owners live a short drive from the property if any assistance is needed and are recognised as super hosts through Airbnb. This boat is in the perfect spot for beautiful views of the lake and to watch the sunset in the evening.
Seattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the sleeping space was very comfortable and cozyin regards to the marina based on a previous review we showered in the marina which was niceplus the bathroom in the marina is super nice so i had no issues showering and suchCleanliness:
there is a completely clean and functional wet bathroom on the boathowever nearby at the marina there is also a nice clean bathroom with bigger showersRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location excellent restaurants in walking distance
10. Westlake boat rental with views of Space Needle
The Liveaboard Boat is located in Westlake, Seattle and boasts views of the Space Needle. This property has two bedrooms, as well as the essentials needed for a pleasant stay. The interior is wooden and features beautiful decor to add a touch of luxury. In addition, Liveaboard Boat has a kitchen and outdoor balcony which provides breathtaking views of the waterfront. The one point to keep in mind about this boat is accessibility. It has not been recommended for children or individuals requiring additional accessibility. This is due to the vessel not having toilets on board, as well as needing to be able to climb a ladder. However, it offers free parking and access to a beautiful walking path close to the marina.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Staying on a boat in Seattle
A stay on a boat is the ultimate addition to any Seattle itinerary, as well as being a more off-the-beaten-path travel experience in general. This city has more to offer than the well-known tourist hotspots in the centre. It could be a fun recommendation to rent a boat in Seattle, Washington and explore the city on a kayak or paddle board. The sea is calling!
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×