Where can I Rent Kayaks in Seattle?

Last Updated on July 4, 2023

During summertime in Seattle, who doesn’t want to get out on the water? But how to do it? Most people don’t own boats, and taking boat trips can be expensive. Sometimes you just want to play around in the water! Luckily, there are some places you can go and rent kayaks in Seattle. You don’t have to buy one or transport it either. All of them also have stand up paddleboards, and they’ll show you want to do to get started. They also provide life jackets and dry bags (to put things in so they don’t get wet). Some also offer tours and classes if you want to learn the ropes from someone who knows what they’re doing! This post is not paid for or sponsored by any of these companies. If you’re looking for other fun things to do in Seattle that everyone will enjoy, check out this post.

The bow of a blue kayak in Lake Union with downtown Seattle in the distance.
Kayaking in Lake Union

Places to Rent Kayaks in Seattle

Agua Verde Paddle Club

Where is it? Agua Verde is located next to the University of Washington campus along the ship canal. Campus parking is free on Saturdays after noon and on Sundays. It’s also fairly close to the UW stadium light rail station, and all the buses that go to campus.

When are they open? Weekdays from 10-8, Saturdays from 9-8 and Sundays from 9-6. Their last rental is 1.5 hours before close.

What’s the cost? Single kayaks are $24 an hour, stand up paddleboards are $27 an hour and double kayaks are $32 an hour. You can also get a membership and go out as much as you like!

What else should I know? Agua Verde is connected to the Agua Verde cafe, which has phenomenal mexican food and a great deck to enjoy it on! Great post paddle food option!

Alki Kayak Tours

Where is it? Alki Kayak Tours is near Alki beach next to the King County Water Taxi West Seattle dock. Parking is a CHALLENGE. In the summer I’d recommend getting there by bike, water taxi or bus.

When are they open? They open at 10 am and stop rentals two hours before sunset.

What’s the cost? Single sit on top kayaks and stand up paddleboards are $25 an hour and double ones sit on top kayaks are $40 an hour. Sea kayaks are $40 for a single and $50 for a double.

What else should I know? They also offer tours and lessons, and they rent fishing boats and bikes in addition to kayaks and paddleboards. Marination Ma Kai is a good place for a casual tasty bite after.

Northwest Outdoor Center

Where is it? Northwest Outdoor Center is located on Fairview Avenue in South Lake Union. You can get there on the South Lake Union Trolley or bus.

When are they open? 10-6 on weekends and 12-8 on weekdays. Last rental is an hour before close.

What is the cost? Single kayaks and stand up paddleboards are $23/hour, double kayaks are $30/hour and triple kayaks are $40/hour

What else should I know? They also offer classes and trips and are located near several good restaurants with outside decks

Moss Bay Rentals

Where is it? Moss Bay is located in South Lake Union near the Museum of History and Industry and Duke’s Chowder House. You can get there on the South Lake Union Trolley or bike or bus.

When are they open? In the summer, they are open 11-8 on weekdays and 10-7 on weekends. Last rental goes out one hour before they close.

What’s the cost? Single kayaks and stand up paddleboards are $24 per hour and double kayaks are $32 per hour.

What else should I know? They also offer tours and are located near several good restaurants with decks nearby.

Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard

Where is it? Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard is located in Shilshole Bay Marina on the W dock

When are they open? They are open from mid April to late September and have a two hour minimum rental on weekends. Reservations are required.

What’s the cost? $22/hour for a single kayak or $136 for the day; $32/hour for a double kayak or$216 for the day; same price as a single kayak for stand up paddleboard rental.

What else should I know? They also offer tours and are located near super popular Golden Gardens Beach. There are a few food options nearby.

Rent kayaks in Seattle on the inland waterways of Seattle. A kayak bow is in the lake washington ship canal near gasworks park at sunset
Kayaking the Lake Washington Ship Canal at Sunset
A kayak bow on a lake surrounded by forested hills with houses. Mt Rainier is in the background on a sunny summer day. Text reads: Where to Rent kayaks in Seattle
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Jennie Flaming
Hi! I'm Jennie. I’m a fourth generation Seattleite. I lived in Alaska for many years and I still spend lots of time there every year visiting friends and working as a tour director. I've been a guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington, am a field editor for the Milepost and host the Alaska Uncovered Podcast about Alaska Travel as well as the Washington State Hiking Podcast. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. I’m so glad to have you here!