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…
Purchase of Lakebay Marina in Mayo Cove is Official
Boaters have much to celebrate with the successful purchase of the Lakebay Marina property in Mayo Cove on the Key Peninsula. Plans to purchase the 18-acre property were in play for over two years, while logistics were resolved and funds secured. Thanks to the...
Large Lock Closed for Annual Maintenance – Ballard Locks
On November 9th, the large lock is scheduled to be closed to marine traffic from 6 a.m. through November 24 until 4 p.m. for annual maintenance. The small lock will be available to vessels up to 120 feet long and 26 feet wide during the large lock closure period....
McNeil Island in South Puget Sound – Boaters Beware
McNeil Island, roughly 7 square miles, has been owned by the government for most of its modern history and has long been an island of intrigue and untold stories. The island lies just north of Anderson Island in Carr Inlet, off the Key Peninsula of South Puget Sound....
Shoulder Season Cruising in 2021
If there was ever a time for cruising, this year’s shoulder season of September and October is it! For boaters whose schedules allow for cruising during the spring and fall, the rewards are many. This year should be especially desirable. Canada’s border opening in...
The Peace Arch City – Blaine, Washington
The Peace Arch City is one of Blaine, Washington's slogans. The other is “Where America Begins.” Both are rooted in its northwest Washington location on the US-Canadian border. Many people know Blaine as the place where they drive across the border in their vehicles....
Rediscovering Oro Bay on Anderson Island
Over the past five years we’ve visited Oro Bay, located on the southwest corner of Anderson Island, about half a dozen times. We enjoy the rural tranquility, the scenery – made dramatic by the derelict Ocean City ferry – and the wildlife. It’s one of our go-to South...
Jarrell Cove Marine State Park – Mooring Buoys Pilot Program
Field Correspondents Janine & Nick Mott report that State Parks is running a pilot program where boaters can register and pay for Mooring Buoy fees by telephone instead of taking the dinghy to the dock to complete the registration form and payment. Telephone...
Respectful Play, So We Can Stay in Andrews Bay
Lovely Andrews Bay on the southwest end of Lake Washington, adjacent to the Seward Park neighborhood, has long been one of the favored destinations on this 22-mile lake, situated between the cities of Kirkland and Bellevue on the eastern shore, and Seattle spanning...
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
Eagle Harbor is the most visited harbor on Bainbridge Island, home to many nice marinas, a waterfront park and public boat dock, and easy walking access to many shops, restaurants, and museums. Cathleen and I have visited many times, but only recently discovered the...
Be Whale Wise
With boating season kicking off, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Be Whale Wise and other partners are reminding boaters this season to do their part to follow regulations that support Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) survival. By following...
Quartermaster Harbor – Hidden Trails and New Docks
One of the main attractions in Quartermaster Harbor is the labyrinth of trails, 12 miles worth, that meander through Dockton Forest. These forest trails are often overlooked by boaters who visit Quartermaster Harbor, unaware of the hidden forest trails...
Dyes Inlet and the Silverdale Marina with Europa
In early June we visited the Silverdale Marina. We had departed our home port of Tacoma on June 1st for an extended cruise – we had no set itinerary but planned to stay in the central Puget Sound area before heading north later.We were thinking about...
Places to Boat Locally During Covid-19
For cruisers finding their usual destinations in the San Juan Islands closed (e.g., Friday Harbor Marina) or crowded (e.g., Echo Bay on sunny Mother’s Day), my simple suggestion is to visit places you have never been to. Get out the Waggoner Guide and...
Ajax Café — Good Food, Good Times
by Lorena Landon Ajax Café is one of the most unique dining venues in all of Puget Sound, offering excellent cuisine and presentation. The Café is housed in the historic Galster House, built in the late 1800’s, located within steps of the public dock at...
Puget Sound Bound; When the Float Plan Keeps You Close to Home
Puget Sound Bound When the Float Plan Keeps You Close to Home, It’s Nice to Have Puget Sound as Your Backyard.By Deane Hislop Under a clear cobalt blue-sky, we were on the bridge taking in the sights and unseasonably warm temperature as Easy Goin’s diesels...
