Shilshole Bay Marina - a group of boats that are sitting in the water
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Shilshole Bay Marina

4.6
·2k reviews·Seattle, United States

A vibrant Seattle marina offering stunning waterfront views, abundant wildlife, and top-notch amenities for boaters and visitors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Shilshole Bay Marina - a group of boats that are sitting in the water

Shilshole Bay Marina

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Seattle marina offering stunning waterfront views, abundant wildlife, and top-notch amenities for boaters and visitors.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Best marina facilities I have experienced, with thoughtful design and cleanliness."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Boat Rentals Early

Secure your spot for boat rentals or sailing lessons at Shilshole Marina by booking in advance.

🦭 Respect Wildlife

Observe sea lions and seals from a distance; they are a highlight but need their space.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Lion & Seal Spotting

Sea Lion & Seal Spotting

H Dock

Witness playful sea lions and seals often found lounging on the docks, especially during salmon runs. A true wildlife spectacle!

Modern Marina Facilities

Modern Marina Facilities

Guest Bathrooms & Showers

Experience top-notch, recently upgraded facilities with private shower stalls, ample hooks, and card-operated showers.

Waterfront Dining & Market

Waterfront Dining & Market

Near the Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood at Chinooks Restaurant or explore the fish market for a taste of local catches.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nautical Vibe

Shilshole Bay Marina is a bustling hub for boaters and visitors alike. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of maritime activity. Consider booking boat rentals or sailing lessons in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on the water. Instagram

Plan for Wildlife Sightings

This marina is a known spot for marine life, including sea lions and seals, particularly during salmon migration. While exciting, remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Salmon Migration Season
Why
Best chance for wildlife sightings
Crowd
Medium
When
Golden Hour
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Marina beaches are so underrated, but the perk is you usually get the beach all to yourself 🥰 #montereybay #montereypeninsula #marina #california
@bigsurlover
69.8K likes • 465K views

🎯 Book Boat Rentals Early

Secure your spot for boat rentals or sailing lessons at Shilshole Marina by booking in advance. Instagram

🦭 Respect Wildlife

Observe sea lions and seals from a distance; they are a highlight but need their space. Reddit

i feel like im totally leaning into the animal crossing lore✨🕳️🧍🏻‍♀️#clam #clamming #washingtonclam #bodegabay
@kaitlyn_bui
46K likes • 429.5K views
Docking this beast at Shilshole Bay Marina has been a project unto itself! With the 12.5ft bulb keel and the fact the rest of the boat is extremely light, she gets blown around in even the smallest breeze. Once you do it a few times, it is fun though.
joeyatsea
37 likes • 1K views

🚿 Enjoy Upgraded Showers

Marina guests get 6 minutes of shower time with card access – no quarters needed! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Docks

Take a leisurely walk along the long docks for scenic views and a feel of the marina life. Reddit

Ride preview weekend this Saturday and Sunday from Pier 55 or Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard! We are ready to spread some holiday cheer onto the water ✨ OR join us for our official Opening Night of the festival on November 29th from Lake Union Park! No matter when or where you go, our ship will make your jaw drop 🤩🎄 #seattle #seattlewashington #holiday #ballardseattle #christmas #visitseattle #...
argosycruises
116 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Boat Rentals Early

Secure your spot for boat rentals or sailing lessons at Shilshole Marina by booking in advance. Instagram

🦭 Respect Wildlife

Observe sea lions and seals from a distance; they are a highlight but need their space. Reddit

🚿 Enjoy Upgraded Showers

Marina guests get 6 minutes of shower time with card access – no quarters needed! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Docks

Take a leisurely walk along the long docks for scenic views and a feel of the marina life. Reddit

☀️ Catch the Golden Hour

For moody, soft shots, visit just before sunset or on a foggy morning. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Shilshole Bay Marina for its beautiful setting, clean and modern facilities, and friendly atmosphere. The opportunity to see marine life like sea lions and seals is a significant highlight, alongside convenient amenities and nearby dining options.

"Beautiful Marina, clean facilities, friendly staff and neighbors. Lots of shopping and local fun very close by too. Great place all around."

Sarah B.

"Marina with plenty of services for boaters but most importantly were the sea lions hanging out on H dock! Apparently they migrate here for salmon and this is their favorite spot."

Rick Hadsall

"Sweet dock! Went fishing here and it was beautiful! Got to see some seals when we came back in and it was super cool! Great place to walk around! Clean bathrooms and a good place to get cleaned up after fishing or being out on the boat all day."

Luc Diefenbach

What People Like

Beautiful marina setting
Clean, upgraded facilities
Wildlife sightings (sea lions, seals)

What People Dislike

Can be windy at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Shilshole Bay Marina is located in Ballard, Seattle. It's accessible by car, with free parking available for a set duration. Public transportation options are also available, connecting you to the wider Seattle area. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is free parking available for a set duration, which is usually sufficient for dining, shopping, or strolling the docks. Reddit

While specific routes vary, Seattle's public transport network generally serves areas like Ballard. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options. Instagram

Walking the docks is a popular way to experience the marina. You can also rent a boat or take a sailing lesson for a different perspective. Instagram

Yes, Shilshole Bay Marina is located right next to Golden Gardens Park, offering a beautiful combination of marina views and beach access. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general access to walk around Shilshole Bay Marina is free. However, specific activities like boat rentals or sailing lessons will require booking and payment. Instagram

The marina itself is generally accessible, but specific businesses like restaurants or rental shops will have their own operating hours. For example, Secret Congee is open daily from 9 am-3 pm. Instagram

Marina guests and tenants can use the upgraded shower facilities for free with their access card, which grants about 6 minutes per shower. No quarters are needed. Reddit

Yes, boat rentals are available at Shilshole Bay Marina. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during busy periods. Instagram

Accessing the public areas of the docks is generally free. Mooring or docking a private vessel will incur fees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy waterfront dining, explore the fresh fish market, go fishing, take a leisurely walk along the docks, or even book sailing lessons and boat rentals. InstagramReddit+1

Shilshole Bay Marina is a great spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of sea lions and seals, especially during salmon migration season. Reddit

The bathroom and shower facilities have been significantly upgraded and are considered among the best marina facilities, known for their cleanliness and thoughtful design. Reddit

Yes, fishing is a popular activity here. The marina provides a scenic spot to cast a line, and you might even see seals when you return. Reddit

For photography, the golden hour just before sunset offers magical light. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded and more peaceful. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Chinooks Restaurant & Fish Bar is a notable dining option right at the marina. You can also find a fresh fish market for seafood purchases. Reddit

Secret Congee offers delicious congee dishes and is a great spot for brunch or lunch, located conveniently at the marina. Instagram

Yes, there is a fresh fish market near the marina where you can purchase locally caught seafood. Reddit

Secret Congee serves savory rice porridge (congee), a staple dish known for its soft and creamy texture. Instagram

While specific hours can vary, Chinooks Restaurant & Fish Bar is a well-established dining spot at the marina, often open for lunch and dinner. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the boats docked, the marine life like sea lions and seals, and the scenic waterfront views. The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting. InstagramReddit

The golden hour just before sunset offers a magical, moody glow. Foggy mornings can also create surreal and soft photographic conditions. TikTok

Absolutely! The marina is filled with a variety of boats, from small fishing vessels to larger yachts, offering plenty of subjects for photography. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of private property and individuals, and always respect privacy. Instagram

A versatile lens is recommended to capture both wide marina vistas and close-ups of wildlife or boat details. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Shilshole Bay Marina offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The chance to spot sea lions and seals is a major draw for children, providing an exciting wildlife encounter. Reddit The clean and well-maintained restrooms and changing areas are also a practical plus for families. Reddit

Consider a leisurely stroll along the docks to let kids burn off energy while enjoying the sights and sounds of the marina. For a bite to eat, Secret Congee offers a unique and approachable dish that might appeal to younger palates. Instagram While boat rentals are available, ensure they are suitable for your family's age and experience level.

🎣 Anglers and Fishermen

Shilshole Bay Marina is a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts. The marina itself provides access to productive fishing grounds, and many visitors report successful fishing trips here. Reddit After a day on the water, you can take advantage of the excellent shower facilities to clean up before heading home or to a nearby restaurant. Reddit

For those looking to enjoy their catch, the fresh fish market offers a chance to purchase local seafood, and Chinooks Restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, making it a perfect place to savor the day's bounty. Reddit

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

Shilshole Bay Marina presents a wealth of photographic opportunities. The interplay of light on the water, the diverse array of boats, and the potential for wildlife sightings make it a dynamic location. InstagramReddit Visiting during the golden hour before sunset or on a foggy morning can yield particularly atmospheric and moody shots, as highlighted by creators. TikTok

Content creators can find unique angles along the docks, capturing the maritime lifestyle. The upgraded shower facilities also offer a clean and modern aesthetic if you're looking to incorporate facilities into your content. Reddit Remember to be respectful of private vessels and individuals while exploring for the best shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Boating and Sailing at Shilshole

Shilshole Bay Marina is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts in Seattle. It offers a wide range of services for boaters, including ample slips for various vessel sizes. For those looking to get out on the water, boat rentals and sailing lessons are readily available. Instagram Many visitors find the experience of docking and navigating the marina, especially with unique boat characteristics like a bulb keel, to be a rewarding challenge. Instagram

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner, Shilshole provides opportunities to explore Puget Sound. The marina is also equipped with essential services like a fuel dock, making it convenient for longer excursions. Reddit The community aspect is strong, with many liveaboards and regular visitors contributing to a vibrant nautical atmosphere. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters

One of the most delightful aspects of visiting Shilshole Bay Marina is the chance to encounter local wildlife. The marina is a known hotspot for sea lions and seals, particularly when salmon are migrating. Reddit These marine mammals often frequent the docks, providing visitors with exciting viewing opportunities. Reddit

It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and observing them responsibly is key. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe distance and avoid any actions that could disturb their natural behavior. Reddit The presence of wildlife adds a unique charm to the marina, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers and casual visitors alike. Reddit

Marina Facilities and Amenities

Shilshole Bay Marina boasts impressive and recently upgraded facilities, particularly its guest bathrooms and showers. Reddit These facilities are designed with user convenience in mind, featuring private shower stalls with ample hooks, excellent ventilation, and separate changing areas. Reddit Access to showers is typically granted via a marina access card, providing a generous 6 minutes of shower time without the need for quarters. Reddit

Beyond the personal amenities, the marina offers a clean and well-maintained environment for all visitors. The presence of a fresh fish market and dining options like Chinooks Restaurant further enhance the visitor experience, making it a comprehensive destination for both boaters and those simply looking to enjoy the waterfront. Reddit

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