One of my favorite things about living in the Tacoma area is that we are surrounded by the Puget Sound. When the temperatures rise, my first thought is to head to the water to cool off and take in the peaceful views over the sound. And what better way to enjoy our beautiful, scenic home than to actually get out onto the water itself? Kayaking is a great summertime activity to help you stay cool, get some exercise, and truly experience all that Puget Sound living has to offer.
You don’t have to own a kayak to get out on the water and try your hand at paddling. There are plenty of local spots that rent kayaks so you can have your own Puget Sound adventure.
Dock Street Marina
Updated 4/12/2022: Dock Street Marina no longer rents kayaks.
Dock Street Marina in the heart of downtown Tacoma rents kayaks every day during the summer months. Right on the protected Thea Foss waterway, this marina is the perfect place to rent kayaks if you are looking for calm waters and an urban, industrial area to explore by way of watercraft. Weave in and out of various marinas, paddle under bridges and take in sights like the Museum of Glass and other classic Tacoma landmarks from a new perspective on the water.
Single kayaks are $20 for the first hour with $5 per additional hour, while double kayaks are $25 for the first hour with $10 per additional hour. Stand up paddle boards are also available for rent. Call ahead for availability.
Dock Street Marina
1817 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-250-1906
info@dockstreetmarina.com
Open 8:30 a.m. until dusk.
Foss Harbor Marina
Just down the waterway from Dock Street is another great option for kayak rentals in downtown Tacoma, Foss Harbor Marina. On the edge of Commencement Bay, this location gives you a world of possibility to explore by boat. If you are looking for just a short jaunt, poke around some of the industrial areas in the tide flats, located northeast of the boat launch. You’ll have good chances of spotting some wildlife here as well, so ask at the office for recommendations on where to go. If you are looking for a longer adventure, you can paddle toward Ruston Way or even to Point Defiance if you’re really ambitious.
Single kayak rentals are $25 for two hours or $45 for four hours, and double kayak rentals are $35 for two hours or $65 for four hours. Stand up paddle boards are available as well. Make sure to call to check on availability, or you can even reserve your rentals online ahead of time.
Foss Harbor Marina
821 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-272-4404
info@fossharbor.com
Open 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Owen Beach
Point Defiance’s Owen Beach is hustling and bustling all summer long, a go-to spot for beach time in the Tacoma area. Metro Parks Tacoma offers kayak rentals at this popular beach during the summer months. From Owen beach, you can paddle around the tip of Point Defiance, catch sights of ferries heading back and forth to Vashon Island and maybe see some seals bobbing their heads in the water or catch a glimpse eagles soaring overhead.
On weekends, single kayaks rent for $22 an hour, $30 for two hours, $39 for three hours or $65 for a whole day. Double kayaks rent for $27 an hour, $37 for two hours, $46 for three hours or $80 for a whole day. Prices are discounted on weekdays.
Owen Beach Kayak Rentals
253-759-8151
Follow the five-mile drive from the entrance to Point Defiance park and follow signs to Owen Beach. Open noon to 7:00 p.m.
Boston Harbor Marina
If you’re looking for a day out of the city and some peaceful, beautiful scenery to explore by kayak, Boston Harbor Marina (seven miles north of Olympia) is well worth the drive. Nestled in a quiet little harbor with views of the Olympics over the water, this marina provides the true Puget Sound experience. Bring a picnic for lunch on the shoreline, and relax into a kayaker’s paradise. When you’re done, sit back and enjoy a drink or some soft serve ice cream on the marina’s outdoor patio. If you go on the right day, you can catch one of the marina’s many fun summertime events, including Friday Night Beer-B-Ques featuring local bands and breweries or brunch on the docks from 9:00 a.m. until noon every Sunday.
Single kayaks rent for $20 for the first two hours, $10 for each additional hour or $55 for a full day. Double kayaks rent for $30 for the first two hours, $10 for each additional hour or $65 for the whole day. Stand up paddle boards and rowboats are also available for rent. Call ahead to ask about availability and weather conditions.
Boston Harbor Marina
312 73rd Ave NE
Olympia, WA 98506
360-357-5670
Open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
For more information on kayaking in Puget Sound, including spots to go if you own your own kayak, be sure to read Top Spots for South Sound Kayaking.
