Kenmore Air Seaplane Terminal Lake Union
Experience the magic of flight with Kenmore Air's seaplanes on Lake Union. Soar over Seattle or journey to the islands!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Kenmore Air Seaplane Terminal Lake Union
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of flight with Kenmore Air's seaplanes on Lake Union. Soar over Seattle or journey to the islands!
"Holy macaroni, that’s all I can say. This was the absolute coolest way to travel."
👂 Ditch the Audio Guide
Opt for earplugs over the recorded audio for a better experience. Enjoy the pilot's commentary and the sounds of flight! :ear:
💺 Cockpit Seat Perks
Ask nicely, and you might get to sit in the co-pilot's seat! A truly special experience for aviation enthusiasts. :pilot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seattle Scenic Flight
Lake Union
Soar above the Emerald City! Witness iconic landmarks from a unique aerial perspective. A truly unforgettable experience.
Flight to the San Juan Islands
Lake Union to Friday Harbor/San Juan Islands
Trade cityscapes for island charm. Experience a breathtaking journey to the picturesque San Juan Islands.
Watching Seaplanes Land and Take Off
Lake Union waterfront
A captivating spectacle of aviation. Observe these unique aircraft navigate the water with skill and grace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Seaplane Adventure
Packing Light for Takeoff
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👂 Ditch the Audio Guide
Opt for earplugs over the recorded audio for a better experience. Enjoy the pilot's commentary and the sounds of flight! :ear:
💺 Cockpit Seat Perks
Ask nicely, and you might get to sit in the co-pilot's seat! A truly special experience for aviation enthusiasts. :pilot:
🎒 Pack Lightly
Seaplanes have strict baggage limits. Check Kenmore Air's rules beforehand to avoid issues. :handbag:
✈️ Kid-Friendly Aviation Fun
A fantastic spot for young plane enthusiasts to watch seaplanes up close. A memorable experience for all ages. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
👂 Ditch the Audio Guide
Opt for earplugs over the recorded audio for a better experience. Enjoy the pilot's commentary and the sounds of flight! :ear:
💺 Cockpit Seat Perks
Ask nicely, and you might get to sit in the co-pilot's seat! A truly special experience for aviation enthusiasts. :pilot:
🎒 Pack Lightly
Seaplanes have strict baggage limits. Check Kenmore Air's rules beforehand to avoid issues. :handbag:
✈️ Kid-Friendly Aviation Fun
A fantastic spot for young plane enthusiasts to watch seaplanes up close. A memorable experience for all ages. :child:
📸 Amazing Photo Ops
Every seat is a window seat! Capture stunning aerial shots of Seattle and the surrounding waters. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kenmore Air for its unique and thrilling seaplane experiences, highlighting the friendly staff, skilled pilots, and breathtaking scenic flights over Seattle and the San Juan Islands. The vintage aircraft add a special historical charm, making it a memorable adventure. Some minor points of caution include strict baggage rules and the potential for noise during flights.
"We did the 30-minute sightseeing trip over Seattle. First time in a seaplane for both of us. Not counting our daughter’s wedding, this was the best part of our entire weeklong visit. Fun, interesting, dazzling, and relaxing!
We tried listening to the recorded audio in the headphones but quickly decided to ditch that in favor of the provided earplugs. Made for a much better experience.
Great office staff. Skilled and friendly pilot. The whole experience was absolutely wonderful.
It’s well worth the money. Highly recommend!"
Russell Vaughan
"Holy macaroni, that’s all I can say. This was the absolute coolest way to travel. The staff were beyond nice, the flight was crazy scenic, you could sense how important they view safety in their organization, and you really felt like you were taking a seat in history. These are old, immaculately maintained seaplanes that really bring the spirit and trill of aviation alive in a way you don’t get anymore with jet travel. Plus, you can’t beat downtown to distant island harbor in the span of an hour. And, if you ask nice, they’ll even let you sit in the FO’s seat. For what you’d pay for any other weekend getaway flight, you get the added benefit of a truly unique experience. The treat was worth every penny. Only word of caution - read the baggage rules carefully."
Elliott Asbury
"Bucket list item to fly in a seaplane and I fulfilled it with Kenmore Air Lake Union on a flight to Friday Harbor. Such a cool experience! Easy process from start to finish and smooth takeoffs and landings. Each seat is a window seat and we were privileged enough to sit in the cockpit. Thanks Kenmore Air!!"
Jake Hewitt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The terminal is located on Lake Union in Seattle. You can reach it by car, rideshare, or public transportation. Parking is available nearby, but can be limited. Many visitors arrive via rideshare for convenience.
Yes, there is parking available near the terminal, but it can be competitive, especially during peak times. Consider rideshare or public transport if possible.
If you are staying in the downtown Seattle area, it's a pleasant walk along the waterfront to reach the Lake Union terminal.
Several bus routes serve the Lake Union area. Check King County Metro for the most up-to-date routes and schedules that get you closest to the terminal. :bus:
Kenmore Air strives to accommodate all passengers. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs for boarding and seating. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary depending on the duration and destination of your flight. A 30-minute sightseeing tour over Seattle is a popular and well-worth-it option.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular sightseeing tours or flights to destinations like the San Juan Islands. Seats can fill up quickly.
Seaplanes have strict baggage weight and size restrictions due to payload limitations. Always check Kenmore Air's specific baggage rules before your flight.
Generally, children are welcome on sightseeing flights. For flights to international destinations, standard passport and customs requirements apply. It's best to confirm with Kenmore Air for specific age policies.
Seaplane operations are weather-dependent. Kenmore Air typically offers rebooking options or refunds for weather-related cancellations. Contact them directly for their policy. :cloud:
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The boarding process is straightforward. Staff will guide you to the aircraft, and you'll receive a safety briefing before takeoff. Each seat is a window seat.
You'll receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering emergency procedures, life vest usage, and aircraft specifics. Safety is a top priority.
Absolutely! Every seat is a window seat, offering incredible photo opportunities of Seattle and the surrounding landscape. :camera:
Seaplanes can be noisy. Earplugs are often provided and recommended, especially if you plan to converse with your pilot or fellow passengers.
Restroom facilities are available at the Kenmore Air terminal on Lake Union for passenger convenience before and after flights. :toilet:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Lake Union area has numerous restaurants and cafes. You can grab a bite before or after your flight, or even enjoy a picnic with a view of the seaplanes.
While some light snacks might be permissible, it's best to confirm with Kenmore Air. They may have restrictions on food and beverages to maintain cabin cleanliness. :apple:
The area offers a variety of dining options, from casual waterfront eateries to more upscale restaurants. Consider places with outdoor seating for great views.
Typically, the terminal focuses on flight operations. While there might not be a full-service cafe, nearby options are plentiful. :coffee:
Absolutely! The waterfront around Lake Union is perfect for a picnic. Grab some food from a local spot and enjoy the show.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing seaplanes and the Seattle skyline. Summer mornings also provide clear skies.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing details of the seaplanes. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the overall scenery during flight.
The waterfront areas around Lake Union offer excellent vantage points for watching and photographing seaplanes as they take off and land.
If you're on a scenic flight, ensure your camera settings are adjusted for low light if necessary, and be ready to capture the action as it unfolds. Every seat is a window seat!
Challenges include glare on the windows, the speed of the aircraft, and varying light conditions. Practice and patience are key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a short sightseeing tour over Seattle for an even more memorable experience. The pilots are often friendly and engaging, and the thrill of flying in a seaplane is unparalleled. Remember to check baggage restrictions beforehand, as packing light is essential for seaplane travel.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Whether you're interested in the mechanics of floatplanes, the history of aviation, or simply the thrill of flight, a seaplane journey from Lake Union is a must-do. The pilots are knowledgeable and passionate, and the unique operational environment of Lake Union provides endless opportunities for observation and photography.
📸 Photographers
On the ground, the waterfront offers numerous vantage points to photograph the planes as they taxi, take off, and land. Be prepared for varying light conditions and the speed of the aircraft. A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Seaplane Travel
The pilots are not only skilled aviators but also often engaging storytellers, sharing insights about the region and the aircraft. The close proximity to the water and the open-air feel (even with windows) provides a sensory experience that jet travel simply cannot replicate. For many, it's a bucket-list item fulfilled, offering a sense of freedom and a truly different perspective on travel.
Whether you're taking a short sightseeing tour over Seattle or embarking on a longer journey to the San Juan Islands, the seaplane journey itself is a significant part of the adventure. The ability to land and take off from water adds an element of wonder and makes every flight feel like a special occasion.
Navigating Lake Union: A Seaplane Hub
For those interested in simply observing, the waterfront around Lake Union provides excellent viewing opportunities. You can watch planes taxi, take off, and land, offering a captivating show for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Beyond the flights, the Lake Union area itself is a destination. It offers parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it easy to spend a full day exploring before or after a seaplane experience. The accessibility and the sheer visual appeal of seaplanes operating here make it a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or unique Seattle experiences.
Safety and Operations
Seaplanes are designed to operate in various water conditions, but flights are highly dependent on weather. Factors like wind, visibility, and water chop can influence flight schedules. Kenmore Air monitors these conditions closely and will communicate any changes or cancellations to passengers.
While the experience can feel adventurous, the operational protocols are designed to be as safe as any other form of commercial aviation. The unique aspect is the water landing and takeoff, which requires specific pilot skills and aircraft design. Passengers can feel confident knowing that safety is the top priority for both the crew and the airline.
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