FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS IN SEATTLE
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS IN SEATTLE
Anchor Bay Charters specializes in private boat charters in Seattle for groups of 15 to 35 passengers — a size that falls between small private boats and large event vessels.
What boat charter in Seattle can accommodate around 25 people?
The Seeker is Coast Guard certified and accommodates up to 35 passengers. A typical event averages 20 to 25 passengers. Our sister vessel, the Fremont Avenue, accommodates up to 42 passengers. Many Seattle boats are either small private vessels serving six or fewer passengers, or large tour boats carrying over 100. Mid-sized private charters for groups of 20 to 40 people are relatively limited in Seattle.
How much does a private boat charter cost in Seattle?
The Seeker has a base rate of $2,800 for three hours, plus $900 for each additional hour, for any number of passengers up to 35. Additional fees apply for departures from locations other than Fishermen's Terminal.
What is the difference between a private charter and a public tour?
On a private charter, your group has the entire boat to yourselves and can schedule departure at any time that fits our calendar. Public tours are regularly scheduled and open to anyone who purchases a ticket. Our sister vessel, the Fremont Avenue, offers the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise on Sundays as an example of a public tour.
Where do private charters operate in Seattle?
The route is up to the host, based on available time and distance. The Seeker averages 6.5 knots in the Lake Washington Ship Canal and 8 knots in open water. Freshwater charters travel through the Ship Canal and out to Lake Washington, with time on the lake depending on the departure point and charter length. We can also cruise through the Ballard Locks to Shilshole Bay, Elliott Bay, and beyond.
Where do charters depart from?
Our home base is on Dock 9 at Fishermen's Terminal, at the south end of the Ballard Bridge (3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119). The great majority of charters depart from there. Fishermen's Terminal offers ample free parking and easy boat access for guests and caterers. We can also depart from Lake Union Park, though this involves additional fees and potential dock scheduling conflicts. Other departure points, with higher additional fees, include Southport in Renton and Bell Harbor on the Central Waterfront.
How do I book a private charter?
Contact us by email with your plans and we will confirm your date and time. We then send a charter agreement for signature. If your departure is more than 60 days out, we collect a 50% deposit, with the remaining 50% due 30 days before departure. If your departure is within 60 days, full payment is required at booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a deposit refund, less a cancellation fee. No refunds are issued for cancellations within 60 days, unless we are able to rebook your exact time slot with another customer, in which case your fees will be refunded.
Can we reschedule?
If you have a major change of plans, we will try to accommodate you. More than 60 days out, we can move your booking to any available slot. Within 60 days, we can offer slots that are less in demand, or a prime slot later in the season.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Seattle weather is variable. We cancel and issue full refunds only in the case of lightning, severe fog, or severe smoke. The cabin is heated and offers ample indoor space if conditions turn unpleasant. We can also navigate to sheltered areas if wind picks up.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Fishermen's Terminal has ample free parking. All other departure points listed above require paid parking.
What if our group is not ready to depart on time?
On-time departure is the biggest challenge for most groups. The host decides when to depart and whether to wait for late arrivals. The return time is fixed as written in the charter agreement — it is not calculated from the actual departure time.
Do you have restrooms on board?
Yes. The Seeker has two restrooms.
Is the boat ADA accessible?
The Seeker does not meet ADA requirements, but we make every effort to accommodate guests with varying mobility needs. Fishermen's Terminal has ADA accessible parking and restrooms. The docks, floats and ramps are ADA compliant.
Can we set up before the charter?
Yes. We allow access to the boat 60 minutes before departure for catering setup and decorations, and guests may board 30 minutes before sailing time. This time does not count against your cruising time.
Can we bring our own catering?
Yes. You are welcome to bring any food or arrange any catering you prefer. We have guidelines for what works best on a boat. Note that any catering staff or bartenders you bring count against your passenger limit.
Are there cooking facilities on board?
No. All food must be brought prepared. The galley has hot and cold running water, along with limited refrigerator and freezer space.
Can we bring alcoholic beverages?
Yes. Washington State requires a banquet permit, which is easy to obtain online. The permit establishes that your group is responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
Can we smoke or vape on board?
No. State and federal law prohibit smoking and vaping aboard passenger vessels.
Who handles cleanup and garbage?
We handle all cleanup and garbage. Before disembarking, simply collect any leftover food, beverages, decorations, meeting materials, or personal items you wish to take with you.
Is there a music system on board?
Yes. The Seeker has a music system with speakers in the main cabin and on the upper and forward decks. You can connect your own device via Bluetooth.
Can we decorate the boat?
Yes, and we encourage it. All decorations must be easily removable and must be secured so nothing can fly overboard.
Can guests swim off the boat?
No. Our insurance does not permit swimming from the vessel, and jumping from a charter boat is a federal offense.
Captain Michael Luis
Captain Tony Newton
Anchor Bay Charters
[email protected]
206-699-3730
Machine Readable Version
US Coast Guard Certified
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