Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard is Seattle’s top-reviewed kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental and tour company, based at Shilshole Bay Marina’s W-Dock next to the Corinthian Yacht Club, just 15 minutes from downtown and within walking distance of the Ballard Locks. The business offers guided kayak tours alongside self-guided kayak and paddleboard rentals, giving Puget Sound’s best wildlife-viewing waters to visitors and lifelong Pacific Northwest residents alike.
Rentals are self-guided by the hour, with sit-on-top kayaks used throughout for safety, single kayak rentals running $22 an hour or $136 for a full day, double kayak rentals at $32 an hour or $216 for a full day, and stand-up paddleboard rentals at $22 an hour or $136 for a full day. Every rental includes paddles, fitted PFDs, a safety demonstration, and basic paddling instruction, with a 2-hour rental minimum on Fridays through Sundays and holidays. For frequent paddlers, a Paddle Pass membership offers priority access to the fleet with no waiting or paperwork, with a 5-punch pass at $200 (2 hours per punch) or a 10-punch pass at $349 (3 hours per punch, plus 10% off guided tours).
Guided tours run under a live 2026 season schedule, Wednesday through Monday by reservation, giving beginner through expert paddlers a chance to explore Puget Sound with an instructor. Corporate and group event packages are also available for groups of 12 to 200, making the business a popular choice for team-building outings and private parties. Whitewater and sea kayaking classes round out the offerings for those looking to build skills beyond a single rental or tour.
The business backs every experience with a 100% happiness guarantee, offering a free follow-up visit if a guest isn’t completely satisfied. Renters must be at least 4 years old to participate, 12 to paddle their own craft, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult; rentals may be canceled for safety when winds reach 15-20 knots, though rain is never a reason to cancel in the Pacific Northwest.
For visitors and locals looking to kayak or paddleboard Puget Sound near the Ballard Locks, Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard Tours offers a well-reviewed, flexible rental and tour operation out of Shilshole Bay Marina.
