Oar You Ready? Adventure awaits with Alki Kayak Tours in West Seattle

On a sunny summer day in West Seattle, there's no better place to be than the water.

Just ask Greg Whittaker, founder and naturalist guide of Alki Kayak Tours. As you paddle around Elliott Bay, enjoy the backdrop of Seattle's skyline while a harbor seal pops up to say hello.

“In 2005, we realized no one was offering saltwater kayak tours in Seattle,” says Whittaker. “You had to go all the way to Olympia or the San Juans.” So, he launched Alki Kayak Tours with a Duwamish River cleanup and a mission to connect locals and tourists to the wild marine ecosystem just offshore.

That urban-wild mix is what makes Alki so unique. “You get to launch next to inline skaters and lowriders and then happen to see some Dall's porpoise as you get offshore,” says Whittaker. “Nothing quite like it.”

Since those early days, the business has grown from simple sea kayak tours to a full-scale waterfront operation offering guided experiences, rentals, and skill-building classes.

Whether you’re hoping to catch the sunset from a kayak or take a solo spin on a paddleboard, there’s an adventure waiting.

The Sunset Kayak Tour remains their most popular offering, and for good reason—there’s just something magical about paddling as the sun dips behind the Olympics. Those looking for an early start might opt for the Alki Lighthouse Tour, a three-hour morning paddle with tide pooling and a glimpse at some of the region’s oldest bedrock. Other favorites include the Elliott Bay Tour for beginners, the Full Moon Tour for night owls, and the Duwamish River Tour for those interested in urban ecology and Indigenous history.

Prefer to paddle at your own pace? Alki Kayak Tours rents out sit-on-top kayaks, sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, cruiser bikes, and longboards—perfect for an afternoon along the beach or a self-guided trip around Elliott Bay.

They also offer full-day off-site rentals for those heading farther afield.

And for anyone looking to improve their skills, there’s a rotating lineup of approachable classes. From Intro to Sea Kayaking and SUP 101, to more advanced rescue and recovery courses, the focus is on building confidence and safety on the water. “Disasters happen in stages,” says Whittaker. “If you can change the course early, you can prevent problems.” His team trains regularly under the American Canoe Association guidelines and always puts safety first.

That commitment to education goes hand-in-hand with conservation. “Our tours focus on the human history and the natural history of the area,” Whittaker explains. “From the First People, the Duwamish Tribe, to the Denny Party, there are a ton of stories rooted in our neighborhood.”

Guides tailor each outing to the tides, the guests, and the moment—no two experiences are the same.

Running an outdoor business in a city known for moody weather isn’t always smooth sailing. “We’re totally weather dependent,” says Whittaker, who also owns Mountain to Sound Outfitters, a nearby gear shop. “Seattle is also an expensive place to exist, so keeping prices fair while staying afloat is a challenge.” But nearly 20 years in, he’s proud of what Alki Kayak Tours has become and excited about who it’s inspiring.

“My favorite part is seeing young paddlers apply for jobs here and tell me they’ve been kayaking with us since they were little,” he says. “It gives me hope. They’re not all on screens, they’re outside, stoked, and connected to this place.”

Whether you’re a first-timer looking to dip a paddle or a seasoned adventurer chasing the perfect tide, Alki Kayak Tours offers a uniquely Seattle experience—wild, welcoming, and just a few strokes from shore.

Learn more or book a tour at alkikayaktours.com.

Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here.