When cruising Puget Sound, getting away from civilization is easy, yet major cities — Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and Bellingham — and their amenities are always close by. Views toward Mt. Rainier, the 14,410-foot snow-capped volcano, dominate many vistas. Islands and peninsulas tend to be tree-covered or pastoral. Calmer waters are found in the south — good for year-round cruising — and the meteorological convergent zone in the north can cause weather and sea conditions to change. Marine parks, museums, many marinas, and cozy anchorages mean you’ll always have something fun to see and do while boating in Puget Sound.
Top Destinations
South Puget Sound
Olympia • Case Inlet • Carr Inlet • Tacoma Narrows
Central Puget Sound
Gig Harbor • Tacoma • Vashon Island • Seattle • Bremerton • Poulsbo • Bainbridge Island
North Puget Sound
Kingston • Admiralty Inlet • Port Ludlow • Port Townsend • Edmonds • Everett • Langley •Saratoga Passage • Coupeville
Skagit Bay to Bellingham Bay
Oak Harbor • La Conner • Deception Pass • Anacortes • Bellingham
Lummi Bay to Point Roberts
Semiahmoo Bay • Blaine • Point Roberts
Plan Out Your Trip
Puget Sound is fully covered in the latest Waggoner Cruising Guide. It provides all you need about marinas, anchorages, passages, and attractions. Plan your day’s route with the guide’s detailed planning maps. Get your copy of the Waggoner Cruising Guide book!
Plus, there’s more to help you plan a great cruise through Puget Sound. Read on…
Comments Wanted – Rebuild, Port Hadlock Floats
The day-use floats at Irondale in Port Hadlock, south of Port Townsend, have been removed and will not be available until further notice. The future of the Port of Port Townsend-owned floats, boat ramp, pier, and related pilings remain under debate within the Port...
Protecting Eelgrass Meadows at Port Townsend
Dive into the world of eelgrass meadows with us as we explore boating destinations across Washington and British Columbia. Along the way, we’ll hear from local partners who help protect these unique underwater ecosystems. This third article in a series is part of the...
Protecting Eelgrass at Seafarers’ Park, Anacortes
Dive into the world of eelgrass meadows with us as we explore boating destinations across Washington and British Columbia. Along the way, we’ll hear from local partners who help protect these unique underwater ecosystems. This second article in a series is part of the...
Silverdale Whaling Days Festival – July 24-26
If you’re cruising Central Puget Sound this season, why not moor at the docks in Old Silverdale to enjoy the free, family-oriented Whaling Days Festival, held the last weekend in July. If the docks are full during this popular event, you can anchor out and come in by...
Grants Support Pumpout Projects Statewide
Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act Grant Program published an announcement in late June, 2026, that funding for recreational boat pumpout projects has been provided via new federal pass-through grants. Washington State’s Clean Vessel Act Grant Program provides...
The Latest News from Port of Everett
Port Everett Marina, with its three moorage basins and its five distinct districts for services, eateries, and other amenities, is the largest public marina on the West Coast. Restaurants and services continue to be added, along with special events. The Shuttle...
Penn Cove Water Festival May 9, 2026
The unique water festival at Coupeville on Whidbey Island features the annual tribal canoe races, native arts & crafts, storytelling, and dance performances. This is a free family event, no tickets needed. Various music groups and performances are scheduled...
Proposals for Blake Island Marine State Park
Washington State Parks has put forward four proposals for the future of Blake Island Marine State Park. Boaters and other interested parties are encouraged to read the proposals and indicate their preference using an online survey. Your vote will influence the...
Hike to an Historic Marine Stadium
Did you know that there is an historic rock-bench amphitheater near the hilltop adjacent to Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes, Washington? A trail leads from the northeast end of the marina through a lovely forest to the hilltop overlooking Anacortes and beyond. The views...
New Identity for Kopachuck State Park
Kopachuck Park has been transformed into a delightful destination for families and boaters thanks to the architect team from Bruce Dees & Associates, contractors from Mountain Construction, and support from numerous stake holders, including Preserve Our Parks...
Development Strategy for Point Roberts
The Port of Bellingham has released an economic development strategy for Point Roberts, designed to address the community’s unique challenges, including geographic isolation, a shortage of skilled labor, and inadequate infrastructure. Point Roberts is located at the...
Viking Ship Valkyrie – Harbor Cruises, Poulsbo
The Viking Ship Valkyrie is now offering 2-hour harbor cruises in Poulsbo, Washington for her fall season debut. Are you looking to have fun with friends, old and new, and take a pause from today’s hectic life? Then come enjoy the enchanting village of Poulsbo and...
Blake Island Public Meeting – Park Development
The general public is invited to an in-person meeting on September 18, from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library. This is the first community meeting for boaters and other interested parties to participate in the process of developing a...
Coupeville Wharf Celebrates 120 Years
The Port of Coupeville on Whidbey Island, WA is celebrating the historic Coupeville Wharf’s 120th anniversary; everyone is invited to join the festivities. Activities will be held throughout the day on Saturday, July 19, from Noon to 6 pm. The special Wharf...
Join the Stress-Free Boat Club
Are you looking to join a boat club without the huge time commitment and monthly dues? Why not checkout the Puget Sound Cruising Club? The Puget Sound Cruising Club (PSCC) brings together boaters interested in local and offshore cruising to share stories, photos, and...