May 18, 2020
On April 27, Governor Inslee announced a partial re-opening of some outdoor recreation activities effective, Tuesday, May 5. With appropriate safety precautions, these activities include recreational boating and fishing; hunting; playing golf; day use at state parks, state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and at state Fish and Wildlife areas.
Recreational boating is a deeply rooted tradition and pastime in the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Seattle owns and operates four recreational marinas in Seattle including:
- Shilshole Bay Marina: The second largest marina in the state of Washington accommodating over 1,400 recreational vessels and home to Washington’s largest liveaboard community with capacity for 350 liveaboard vessels
- Bell Harbor Marina: The only marina in downtown Seattle and is open to guests year-round to tie up amid Seattle’s iconic attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront
- Harbor Island Marina: Located south of downtown Seattle on the Duwamish River, it's convenient to West Seattle neighborhoods and the South Sound
- Salmon Bay Marina: Just inside the Ballard Locks and next to the Ballard Bridge, it offers both covered and uncovered freshwater monthly moorage
- Fishermen’s Terminal (seasonal): When the fishing fleet departs, summer moorage for recreational boaters is available starting June 1
Like many businesses impacted by COVID-19, the Port’s recreational marinas have adjusted marina operations to new policies and recommendations, enhanced cleaning protocols, and continue to operate with prioritized focus on the safety of our boaters, customers, community members, and employees.
What to expect when you visit a Port marina
We are open for business, but our marina offices are closed to walk-in visitors. Please call our marina offices in advance so we can expect your arrival and make your slip reservation. Staff is available by phone 24 hours a day.
You will see protocols that are designed to protect you and maritime employees:
- Friendly facility staff awaiting your arrival, but wearing masks and practicing physical distancing
- Enhanced cleaning protocols in customer service facilities
- Hand sanitizing stations installed around marina gates and upland properties
- Picnic tables and benches closed and not available for use
- Signage recommending social distancing and health and safety protocols
Health and safety protocols
Many people call our marinas home, so we ask visitors and patrons to be courteous neighbors and guests in their community.
- Maintain your distance and stay six feet (or two meters) apart from others
- Do not overcrowd walkways and shared facilities
- Practice physical distancing when entering/exiting a marina gate
- Wear cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of germs
Our marinas welcome the opportunity to accommodate local boaters in Puget Sound, however, this is not a return to normal pre-COVID-19 recreational boating. Prepare for your next boating adventure with these trusted resources:
- Waggoner Cruising Guide’s Safe Boating Guidelines and open/closed status for marinas, parks, borders, and cruising destinations
- Discover Boating’s Tips for Boating During COVID-19
- 48° North Q&A with Washington State Parks
The health, safety, and security of our boaters and employees are our number one priority. We are committed to being stewards of our maritime assets and remain open for our local boating community. When you’re ready to get back out on the water and explore the pristine waters of the Puget Sound, we are ready and able to accommodate your moorage needs.
Shilshole Bay Marina:
Phone: (206) 787-3006
Email
Bell Harbor Marina:
Phone: (206) 787-3952
Email
Harbor Island Marina:
Phone: (206) 787-3006
Email
Salmon Bay Marina:
Phone: (206) 787-3395
Email
