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…
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...
The Big Three Experience Puget Sound’s Urban Boating
Experience Puget Sound’s Urban BoatingBy Deane HislopA large portion of our boating adventures are spent visiting small seaside villages or in the wilderness at anchor. Arlene and I enjoy exploring the many islands, coves, and bays the waters of Puget...
We Bought a Marina
It all started with some beer and oysters on a hot summer day. Truly, that’s how this story began for us. We took a ride on our Harley to Treasure Island to visit friends, and we gathered along the shoreline to enjoy oysters over a fire, along with a cold...
South Puget Sound Spring Break Cruising
Spring Cruising in the South Puget SoundRid Those Winter Blues with A Weekend Outing or Mini VacationThe aroma of brewing coffee fills the cabin. NOAA weather squawks out of the VHF radio. Arlene, and I are enjoying the first morning of a five-day...
A Christmas Tradition – A One Day Cruise
One day cruising on a small sailboat can take as much planning and packing as a week-long cruise, especially during the winter when the boat is stripped of bedding and gear. But a Christmas tradition in our family is a Saturday cruise to Bell Harbor Marina...
Boaters, Stock Your Fridge at these Pacific Northwest Farmers Markets – Washington State
The Pacific Northwest is known for its local produce and cheese, naturally raised meats and fresh fish. There is no better way to sample its bounty than at a farmers market. Thankfully, for boaters, many are within walking distance or a short taxi ride...
5 Reasons to Visit Fort Worden
Five Reasons to Visit Fort Worden & Three Ways to Get There Are you looking for a unique day trip while visiting Port Townsend, Wa.? Here are five reasons to visit Fort Worden Historical State Park, which includes batteries to explore, military and...
Puget Sound’s Maritime History Museums
Wherever there are ships, mariners invariably follow. From tugboats to container ships and naval ships to fishing boats, Puget Sound and ships are inseparable. Maritime museums are an inexpensive (many offers free admission) and an enjoyable way to...
Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway – Art, History and Good Eats
Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway – Art, History and Good Eats. Tacoma has come a long way from its industrial days and now makes a wonderful year-round boating destination and cultural experience. Waggoner Cruising Guide
