Moss Bay Kayak, Paddleboard and Sail Center offers seasonal boating right in the heart of downtown Seattle, giving locals and visitors easy access to Lake Union from a convenient marina location. Boating enthusiasts of all ages, sizes, and abilities can get out on the water within minutes of arriving, whether the plan is kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing.
Hourly rentals include single and double kayaks along with paddleboards suited to most ages, body types, and experience levels, launching into Moss Bay’s sheltered waterway with a 7-knot speed limit that keeps conditions calm and approachable for beginners. Popular routes include heading toward the University of Washington arboretum and football stadium area, Fremont and the Ballard Locks, local houseboat communities, and Gas Works Park. Single kayaks and paddleboards run $24 an hour, while double kayaks run $32 an hour, with a one-hour minimum and rentals prorated in 10-minute increments after that. Rentals run first-come, first-paddle with no reservations, so arriving 15-30 minutes before the last sign-up call (1 hour 15 minutes before closing) is recommended on busy days.
Beyond hourly rentals, Moss Bay runs a week-long Kids Camp for children ages 6-12 covering kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing instruction, along with tailored group tours for birthday parties, reunions, corporate team-building, class field trips, and youth groups, mixing and matching single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddleboards to fit each group. A membership program gives avid paddlers unlimited kayaking and paddleboarding during club hours (May 15th through September 15th), with limited spots available and sign-up handled in person.
The business operates seasonally, with summer 2026 hours (June, July, and August) running Monday 11-8, Tuesday 11-7, Wednesday through Friday 11-8, Saturday 10-8, and Sunday 10-7; hours may shift on cold, windy, or rainy days, so calling ahead is recommended. Guests need a government-issued photo ID and must sign a waiver before heading out; those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, with a minimum age of 12 to paddle solo.
For anyone in Seattle looking to kayak, paddleboard, or sail on Lake Union, Moss Bay offers an easy, affordable, first-come rental operation right in the heart of the city.
