seattle tour companies

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Escape Your Everyday and Explore the Wonders of the PNW

Maximize your vacation.

Our naturalists' guides know the PNW like the back of their hand and will lead you to the best trails, views, and picnic spots, so you get the most out of your day in the park!

All Inclusive Experiences

We make planning your adventure effortless with our all-inclusive tours. We like to take care of all of the details to ensure your trip is smooth, easy, and fun from start to finish!

Connect with Nature

Our beautiful home, Washington State, is home to an abundance of natural wonders. See and experience what many visitors never do with your expert guide!

Choose Your Escape!

Our tours in Washington state and Oregon feature small groups, all-inclusive days, and TripAdvisor ‘Hall of Fame’ guides. We’ll pick you up, take care of the details, bring plenty of food and drink, and maximize your time exploring.

Small Group Adventures

Escape for the day (or multiple days) to Washington State’s National Parks & Monuments, Beaches, Wineries and Natural Wonders.

Private Escapes

Looking for something more initimate? Choose from any of our existing tours or a private only itinerary for your own custom escape with family or friends.

Corporate Experiences

Reconnect with one another and nature at the same time. Our guided corporate tours will get your team outside and energized, while our team handles all the logistics.

Seasonal Day Tours

Summer is on its way! Check out our tours departing from Portland and Seattle. Green everywhere, snow clinging to the highest mountain peaks, and waterfalls booming with melting snow mean we can’t wait to play outside!

See all the latest updates by visiting our page dedicated to Coronavirus travel information.

SEE OUR DAY TOURS

SEE OUR SEATTLE DAY TOURS

SEE OUR PORTLAND DAY TOURS

Seattle Day Tours

Portland Day Tours

The Best Guides & Tours in Washington State & Oregon

All-Inclusive Small Group Experiences: This should feel like a day out with friends.

We believe that the amazing natural wonders surrounding Seattle and Portland are the true “must sees ” of any visit to the Pacific Northwest. Our professional nature guides have a deep love for our home and are excited to share it with you. We pioneered outdoor tours from Seattle beginning in 2006, adding Portland departures in 2010. Our all-inclusive tours blend jaw dropping natural wonders, comfortably paced outdoor adventure, local knowledge and first-rate customer service into relaxing small group tours departing daily from Seattle, WA and Portland, OR year-round .  

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Our Sister Companies

Join us for Seattle Food Tours, Walking Tours, and More!

• Hour Glass 4.5 hours

Boeing Everett Factory Tour from Seattle

Experience the modern marvel of commercial jet production on this one-of-a-kind tour.  Includes admission to the Boeing Future of Flight factory tour and guided transport to and from downtown Seattle.

• Walking Tour
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Pike Place Market Food & Culture Tour

Join us on an intimate guided food tour of the world-famous Pike Place Market as we explore the back alleys, narrow corridors, and tiny storefronts in search of our favorite places.

Early-Bird Food Tour of Pike Place Market

Early birds are rewarded with this food and culture tour of Seattle’s most famous attraction!  This intimate and tasty tour gives you a valuable a head start on the crowd of 30,000 people who visit the Market each day.

2 Hour Seattle Snapshots Tour

Designed to help you create the ultimate Seattle photo album – 7+ iconic photos of the best spots, all in 2 hours!

• Hour Glass 3 hours

3 Hour Sightseeing Seattle Tour

Experience the best of the city with a small group of no more than 14 guests! Great way to get to know all of Seattle in a short amount of time, we’ll explore all the major attractions and give you a glimpse into the charming neighborhoods that make Seattle unique.

Post-Cruise City Tour

End your cruise vacation with our award-winning 3 hour Show Me Seattle City Highlights Tour. Cruise pickup and airport dropoff included. Got time to kill before your flight? Add on a Blast Pass to The Space Needle and shopping at Pike Place Market!

• Private Tour

Build Your Own

Let us create an unforgettable Seattle experience for you, we’ll help you design an itinerary customized around your interests and our expertise.  Local hotspots, best-kept secrets, and charming neighborhoods make for a truly Epic day.

Why Book Seattle Tours with Show Me Seattle?

Small-group seattle food tours.

Our small group food and city tours are limited to 14 passengers or fewer, so you get a more intimate experience, greater access to local landmarks, and more personalized attention.

Amazing Seattle Tours by Locals

We have one goal: to exceed your expectations. We go out of our way to attract the best tour guides Seattle has to offer. Each guide brings unmatched passion to every tour they lead.

Unique Seattle Food Tours

We offer unique experiences that showcase Seattle’s cultural history, dynamic food scene, innovative businesses, and beautiful geography.

Join Our Highly Rated Seattle Food Tours!

We made several stops where we got out of the van, including a lengthy tour of the Ballard Locks led by our guide. Our tour guide, Lucky, was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour exceptional. The tour gave us a great overview of the history of Seattle, its culture and its many interesting sites. I would highly recommend the tour.

Truly the best part of our trip to Seattle. Seattle Food Tour was yummy and the information was great, Marcia has so much energy and definitely knows her way around the market. I look forward to doing another tour in the future.

The Pike Place Market food tour was fantastic. And Lucky Lane, our tour guide, was super entertaining and helpful, providing us with additional tips for visiting Seattle and dropping us near places of interest, e.g. space needle, on the way back.

We only had a couple of days in Seattle and this tour gave us a comprehensive overview of all of the major sights of the city. Our guide Dave (Elvis) was brilliant. Friendly, funny and wonderfully informative about the city. Thank you for a lovely tour and great value for money.

Dave (Elvis) picked us up on time in a nice comfortable mid-sized coach. When we arrived at Boeing a Dreamlifter was just about to take off and he made sure we got to the roof to see it and video it. He made sure we understood the processes and procedures involved in the tour. The factory is engineering on a huge scale and we saw the production lines for 747, 777 and Dreamliner. An excellent trip all round.

Simply AMAZING!!!!!! Great food tour! Had such a fantastic time! The walking is very doable and the scenery of the market is amazing!

SEATTLE'S BEST TOURS

Best sightseeing tour in seattle, wa.

(Formerly Puget Sound Tours)

Our Mission

At Seattle’s Best Tours our mission is to provide safe, fun, and unforgettable experiences through superior customer service that creates memories and smiles to last a lifetime.

• Led by a Veteran

Seattle Sightseeing Tour

Adults $79 Military Discount $69

From the Space Needle to Pikes Place Market, this tour is a fantastic way to see the Seattle Metro Area! Basically you will spend 3 hours having fun, learning and laughing on the best tour in Seattle.

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Seattle's Best Sightseeing Tour

In 1985, Seattle’s Best Tours guide and owner, Earl, entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Tacoma Washington. Earl was told he would be based in McChord Air Force base in Washington, so for two days he thought he would be based in Washington D.C. What a surprise when he found himself in Washington State! Following his service in the Air Force, Earl was accepted by the Cornish College of the Arts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Acting in 2000. Today, Earl performs professionally doing live theatre, television commercials, corporate videos and voice-over work. Earl masterfully combines his hospitality and acting experience and Seattle’s Best Tours is the beneficiary.

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! TAKE THEIRS! ★★★★★

A very entertaining 4 hours. We did not realise that Seattle was such an interesting city. We highly recommend this tour.

We had so much fun during the tour! Learned a lot about the area and lots of fun facts too! Highly recommended and trust me when I say, you won’t be disappointed.

Earl presents a wonderful tour - overall it is absolutely worth the time and money. He is excellent as well. Don't miss this one.

Very entertaining tour by a local who clearly knows the area. I highly recommend Earl and his tour! Especially enjoyed the locks in spite of the rain.

Tour was informative, educational, and entertaining!! We learned a lot and had lots of fun! Earl offered some great tips on where to eat and what else to see in Seattle.

The guide was very interesting and colorful. A good mix of historical knowledge but also a good sense of humor. No doubt, he has a talent of stand up comic and historian. Great ride!!!

One of the best tours I have been on. Earl has a great personality and made the tour extremely fun and informative.

This was the best tour I have ever taken. Informative and fun. It was a comfortable ride and I saw so many things I would not have seen otherwise.

This was the best city tour I've ever been on. Earl was fabulous - friendly, funny, extremely knowledgeable about everything in Seattle. I highly recommend this tour.

Excellent tour and would recommend to anyone. Tour guide Earl was outstanding and very knowledgeable about the city.

“Earl is the Pimpest tour guide in Seattle” – Craig Robinson aka Darryl from The Office

Discover Top Seattle Tours: Explore Seattle, WA's Best Attractions

Seattle, known for its lively culture and stunning landscapes, is a city waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for the best way to see all that this city has to offer, look no further than Seattle’s Best Tours. Our comprehensive tours cover every major attraction and hidden gem. When searching for Seattle Tours Seattle WA or Tours of Seattle Washington, you’ll find that our offerings stand out for their quality and value.

Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Views

One of the highlights of our tours is the opportunity to visit Seattle’s iconic landmarks. The Space Needle provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the U.S., is a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to watch the famous fish toss and explore unique local vendors.

Rich Cultural Experiences

Seattle is a city rich in history and culture. Our tours provide a deep dive into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Visit the historic Pioneer Square, with its beautiful architecture and fascinating history. Explore the International District to experience a vibrant mix of Asian cultures. Our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about Seattle’s heritage, ensuring you leave with a greater understanding of the city.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures

For nature lovers, Seattle offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Our tours include visits to the stunning waterfront, lush parks, and nearby mountains. Discover the beauty of Puget Sound on a ferry ride or enjoy a leisurely stroll through Discovery Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer a relaxing picnic, Seattle’s natural beauty is sure to impress.

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Seattle is renowned for its food scene, particularly its fresh seafood and innovative cuisine. Our culinary tours take you to some of the best eateries in the city. Sample local favorites like clam chowder, salmon, and coffee. Visit award-winning restaurants and hidden gems known only to locals. These tours offer a taste of the city that will delight your senses.

Customized and Private Tours

We understand that every traveler is unique. That’s why we offer customized and private tours tailored to your interests. Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or food, we can create a tour just for you. Enjoy a customized experience with our expert guides who can adjust the tour to match your pace and preferences.

Why Choose Us

When it comes to Seattle WA Tours ,  we stand out for several reasons. Our guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Seattle . They bring the city’s stories to life, making each tour engaging and informative. We offer a variety of tours that serves different interests and schedules, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Additionally, our tours are designed to provide excellent value. We include numerous attractions and experiences at a competitive price. Our commitment to client satisfaction means we strive to exceed your expectations on every tour. When you choose Seattle’s Best Tours, you’re choosing a company dedicated to providing the best possible experience.

Book your tour today and discover why we are the top choice for Seattle Tours Seattle WA and Tours of Seattle Washington. Explore the best attractions and hidden gems with us, and form memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we look forward to showing you the very best of Seattle.

• Seattle Private Tours
• Specialty Experiences & Tours in Seattle
• Custom Experiences
• Step-On Tours
• About Us – The Story Behind Totally Seattle

Private Seattle Tours

Guided tours of Seattle led by local experts – custom tours options available

Over 100 5 Star Reviews

The most definitive “insider/secret gems” tour available in Seattle. I personally have scoured this city and he still managed to pull some incredible spots out that I had not experienced. The ability to tailor these private tours to specific interests is endless. 

If you’re looking for a private tour, don’t bother researching other companies. Book Totally Seattle Tours and thank me later.

Michelle V. 

If you’re looking for a day trip to learn about the history and culture of Seattle, Colin is the guy. If you’re looking for small group guided tours of Seattle’s most popular sites, Totally Seattle Tours is definitely your only choice.

William L. 

Why Book a Guided Tour with Totally Seattle Tours?

Our private Seattle Sightseeing Tours are for your group only. No other Seattle tour experience gives you so much freedom to experience the city how you want. Care to stop for lunch? Do some shopping? You are the sole focus of your guide throughout your time on tour! This is what takes our driving tours around Seattle to the next level. 

Looking for a walking tour of Seattle guided by a local? Looking to learn about the history and culture of the Seattle? Totally Seattle Tours has created a huge range of pre-designed day tours of Seattle and the surrounding area and we can also push personalization even further with our Customized Seattle Tours . See Seattle your way on one of our Seattle excursions with the help of local guides who know all the best spots, both on and off the beaten path.

Seattle Washington Sightseeing Tours: The City and Beyond

Snoqualmie Falls Tours from Seattle: Salish Lodge and Spa

Seattle City Tour: History & Landmarks

Soar, Sip & Sail Seattle (Available May – Oct)

How we make our guided tours of seattle unique.

At Totally Seattle Tours, we are passionate about hospitality, offering a luxury service unlike anything else currently available.

Our private Seattle sightseeing tours include treats unique to the Puget Sound region. We are focused on ensuring that your group experiences the real Puget Sound, and we endeavor to help your group have a truly special experience that goes off the beaten path, offering features no other tour operator can provide.

If you’d like to know more, please feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to hear from people interested in our unique corner of the United States.

Seattle Culture Connoisseurs

Totally Seattle Tours loves nothing more than giving sightseeing tours of the region. We are passionate about what makes Seattle culture unique and beautiful. Our goal is always to make certain that our guests understand where our love and passion comes from during each of our tours of the Pacific Northwest. Take a look at our entire range of Seattle Private Tours to start planning the best part of your trip to Seattle or day trip from Seattle to the beautiful Puget Sound Region!

Totally Seattle Tours is permitted and licensed by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) to operate tours in the Pike Place Market Historical District. The PDA requires any business or person conducting paid tours within its properties and in the public areas of the historical district to be pre-approved and to have a license for this activity.

Popular Seattle City Tours and Tours from Seattle

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The 7 Best Seattle Tours

Explore the Emerald City's natural beauty and urban offerings with these guided excursions.

Courtesy of Argosy Cruises

See Seattle's top sights from the water with a tour from Argosy Cruises.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Idyllically situated in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a mecca for foodies, tech experts and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're here to see its city-based attractions like the Olympic Sculpture Park or its natural wonders like Mount Si , the best way to experience it all is with a guided tour. Browse through these 7 top Seattle tours, identified by U.S. News using both expert opinions and traveler sentiment, to help you plan your ideal getaway.

Argosy Cruises – Harbor Cruise

Sail through Seattle's Elliott Bay with Argosy Cruises. The one-hour narrated boat tour takes passengers through Puget Sound, by the shipping port and offers city skyline views. The vessel sports a full-service bar with snacks and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Tour-goers report seeing lots of wildlife and fantastic views. They also enjoy their friendly and informative guides. Seating is first-come, first-served, and boarding begins 20 minutes ahead of departure time. Tickets start at $33 for adults and $20 for kids ages 4 to 12; children 3 and younger ride for free. Tours run multiple times daily during peak summer months; there is an abbreviated schedule in the winter. The company also conducts wine cruises, as well as cruises of Lake Washington, among other sailings.

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Tours Northwest – Mt Rainier Tour

A trip to Mount Rainier is a must when visiting Seattle, but if you don't want to navigate to the peak yourself, consider this daytrip with Tours Northwest. You'll ride in an air-conditioned coach bus through incredible scenery en route to the mountain. At the park, you'll have the opportunity to hike as much or as little as you want to see waterfalls, meadows and old-growth forests. Tourgoers rave about their guides' knowledge of the park and its trails. They also relish the beautiful scenery and the frequent stops for photo-ops and exploration. Tours operate May through October. Each tour begins at 7:30 a.m. and lasts about 10 hours. Tickets for adults cost approximately $140 and tickets for children 7 to 12 cost approximately $120. Park fees are included, but you will need to pay for lunch. Tours Northwest also provides tours of Seattle and the Boeing facility.

Customized Tours – Olympic National Park Tour

Olympic National Park encompasses nearly 1 million acres and features a variety of ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, mountains and coastline. Customized Tours' daylong outing of the park aims to see each of these ecosystems. The tour begins with pickup from select Seattle hotels before hopping on a ferry ride across the Puget Sound to explore the park. Travelers agree that the park is incredible and the long day (about 12 hours) is worth it. They also advise wearing comfortable shoes; you'll be chauffeured in a bus to different locations, but you will still do a lot of walking. Tickets start at $170 for adults and $145 for children 11 and younger. Pickups start around 7:30 a.m. Tours run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April through October. The company operates several other Seattle outings, including city tours and trips to Mount Rainier.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 .]

Beneath the Streets

Learn about the formation of Seattle and its original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this one-hour Beneath the Streets tour. Expert guides will lead you through underground passageways dating back to the 1890s, sharing historic information, along with stories of the Klondike Gold Rush, the city's architecture and the Coast Salish tribes who originally inhabited the area. Tourgoers describe the experience as full of interesting information and praise their well-educated guides. Tours, limited to 16 people, leave every 30 minutes between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Though tours run daily, there is limited availability on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets cost approximately $25 for adults, $22 for college students and teens, and $15 for children ages 7 to 12. The company also operates an adults-only red-light district tour.

Eat Seattle – Food Tour of Pike Place

Taste your way through Seattle's famous Pike Place Market with a chef leading the way. Guides will share insider tips about where area chefs shop and explain the history of the market. Along the way, you could sample chowder, chocolate, pasta and more. Tour-takers say the guides are wonderful and the food is delicious. Many commented the samples are enough for lunch. The two-hour tours depart several times daily, typically between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost about $50 per person. Abbreviated, hourlong tours of the market are also available on select days.

Puget Sound Express – Seattle Whale Watching Tours

A variety of wildlife species call Seattle home, including several different types of whales. The Puget Sound Express offers a half-day whale-watching tour that gives visitors the opportunity to see orcas, humpback whales, otters, sea lions and more in the San Juan Islands. The company's speedy boats reach the islands in about an hour and feature indoor seating with large windows, outdoor viewing decks and a cafe serving fresh blueberry buckle. Plus, the Puget Sound Express guarantees you will see whales on your tour or your next trip is free. Tourgoers rave about the courteous crew and all the wildlife spotted thanks to the crew's attentiveness and knowledge of the area. Tours last four to five hours and leave daily from April through October. Exact departure times vary by season. Ticket prices start at $135 for adults and $95 for children 2 to 10, while children younger than 2 ride for free. The company also offers bird-watching and multi-day wildlife cruises.

Shutter Tours – Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle City Tour

Travelers enjoy this comprehensive tour because it offers a balance of gorgeous natural scenery and a great overview of the city's top sights. During the four-hour excursion, tourgoers start with a lesson in Seattle history, exploring the Pioneer Square area – the hub of the Klondike Gold Rush. Travelers are then transported to the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls in the Cascade foothills. Next, the tour continues to the famous Fremont Troll and then the Ballard Locks. Finally, it concludes at Kerry Park , a popular spot to snap photos of the Seattle skyline. Reviewers recommend booking this tour your first day in Seattle to get your bearings. Tickets cost approximately $70 for adults, $65 for seniors, and $55 for children 12 and younger. Tours run daily at 10 a.m. Shutter Tours also operates a tour to Mount Rainier and a Tulip Festival tour every April.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Seattle Boat Tours
• The Best Whale Watching in Seattle
• The Best Things to Do in Seattle
• The Best Hotels in Seattle
• The Best Day Trips from Seattle

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Seattle , Travel , Pacific Northwest Vacations , Washington State Vacations , US Vacations

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Washington (WA) » 15 Best Tours in Seattle

15 Best Tours in Seattle

Located on the Pacific Northwest, close to the border with Canada, Seattle is an increasingly popular destination with domestic and international tourists.

Visitors flock to the city to check out the site of the first Starbucks in the world, head up the Space Needle and enjoy the relaxed West Coast culture that permeates the city.

A good way to dive deeper into the sights, culture and history of the city is to take a tour. There are many tours available around the city, as well as larger trips that can be taken from Seattle to other places nearby.

Here are the 15 best tours you can take in and around Seattle.

1. Mount Rainier Full Day Tour: Walk or Snowshoe

Located south of Seattle, this day trip will take you out to Mount Rainier, an area of incredible natural beauty.

This guided walk will let you explore vast lakes, beautiful glaciers and of course the gorgeous views of Mt Rainier itself. In the winter you can opt for the snowshoe tour instead, giving you insight into how the locals get around when the harsh weather kicks in.

Refreshments are included, and you will also have the opportunity to try and spot some local wildlife.

2. Mount Rainier National Park: 4-Day Backpacking Trip

If you would like even more time to take in the stunning natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, you can opt for this four-day-long backpacking trip that leaves from Seattle.

You will be able to trek through the evergreen forest areas and spend more time admiring the spectacular views.

This tour focuses on teaching you the basic skills required for backpacking in the wilderness, so is great for beginners to outdoor adventures. Your breakfast, dinner and camping gear is included.

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3. Pike Place Market: Walking Food Tour

Pike Place Market is famous city-wide for being the best place to grab fresh produce. Here you can witness the fish throwing that goes on between stalls and take in the fast-paced atmosphere of the market.

You will be taken on a full food tour of the market, where you will be able to sample local produce as well as some of the best international products available at the huge market.

The seven samplings are perfect for a lunchtime tour, and the guide is very knowledgeable about the history of the market.

4. Seattle Urban Adventure Quest Team Scavenger Hunt

Add an extra sense of adventure to your sightseeing with this scavenger hunt that uses a series of clues to help you discover the best local spots.

It starts right in the heart of downtown at the Seattle Centre, and includes landmarks such as the Space Needle and Seattle Monorail.

This is the perfect option for your first day in the city to spend three hours exploring Seattle at your own pace. It is also great for families as it is designed to allow kids to get actively involved.

5. Seattle City Highlights Small Group Minivan Tour

This tour takes you around all of the most important sites in Seattle within a day, using a minivan to get you quickly from place to place.

The tour does not just focus on the centre, but also includes other key neighbourhoods such as Fremont, the current hipster neighbourhood with a very creative atmosphere.

At three hours long, the minivan only holds up to 14 people, allowing you to book it as a group, or enjoy the sights with a small group of fellow tourists in a more intimate setting.

6. Book a Local Host

If you want something a little more tailored to your personal preferences, you can book a local host to take you on a private tour of Seattle.

These hosts all live locally and have extensive knowledge of the different attractions the city has to offer. You will be able to discuss the kind of things you like with them before your tour, and they will create a tailored itinerary based on your own travel tastes.

The tour can last anywhere from two to eight hours, and includes pick up from a central location of your choice.

7. City Sightseeing Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

The hop-on-hop-off bus tours are a very popular option for new visitors to cities across the world. This offering by City Sightseeing in Seattle is perfect for your first day in the city to get an overview of the main sights.

You can opt for a one or two-day ticket depending on how long you plan on spending at each stop.

The itinerary includes the Space Needle, main waterfront and Puget Sound. An audio commentary is provided in multiple languages, and a complimentary walking tour can be included.

8. Olympic National Park Nature Lovers Tour from Seattle

Another great option leaving from Seattle and perfect for those who are more interested in natural beauty, this tour lets you take in the spectacular sights of Olympic National Park.

You will be accompanied by a highly knowledgeable guide who will talk about all of the flora and fauna in the area, as well as the natural history that resulted in its formation.

Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains mountains, rolling grasslands and a variety of native wildlife. You will be able to admire all of this, as well as Marymere Falls and Hurrican Ridge.

9. Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you want to explore the city at your own pace, this self-guided audio tour gives you all of the key information about the main spots in the city, whilst also allowing you to choose where and when you follow the tour.

It will talk you through the first Starbucks store, the Sky Needle and a variety of other important Seattle sights.

The audio tour lasts three hours and discusses the culture, history and local connections behind each major landmark. A detailed map is also included to help you navigate from place to place.

10. Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

For the more adventurous traveller, you can also take the opportunity to try your hand at rock climbing in the beautiful nature of America’s Pacific Northwest.

This activity is specially designed for people who are new to rock climbing, although it is also a great option if you have only ever done indoor rock climbing in the past.

All of your materials are included, and the guide is not only knowledgeable but fully licensed in first aid to give you extra peace of mind.

12. The Ultimate Food Experience with a Local Guide

This Seattle food tour will take you around the vibrant culinary scene in the city with a knowledgeable local guide.

All of the food on the tour is made using fresh produce and showcases the vibrant food scene of the Pacific Northwest. You will sample eight different food items, as well as locally produced craft beer and of course authentic Seattle coffee.

You will also be able to enjoy great viewpoints over the city, so make sure you bring your camera along with a full appetite.

13. Private Experience – See the Best with a Local

This is another great tour if you are looking for a more local experience that is personally tailored to your own travel tastes.

Tours can vary from three to eight hours depending on how many spots you want to hit up, and your itinerary is arranged in advance with your local guide. This is usually a walking tour, so it’s a good option if you are looking to dive deep into a particular neighborhood.

Transportation can also be included for an additional fee if you want to expand your horizons.

14. From Seattle: Boeing Factory and Future of Flight Tour

The Boeing factory is located just north of Seattle and makes an excellent experience for fans of aviation.

The tour will allow you to learn about the history of Boeing, as well as how their planes are produced and the innovation behind their most famous aircrafts.

You will be able to take a look at how new airplanes are being built, and you can also take the Future of Flight Tour which talks about the future of the aviation industry and what planes might look like in the future.

15. Canadian Rockies 7-Day National Parks Group Camping Tour

Are you looking to splash out on the ultimate nature lover’s experience? This tour, departing from Seattle, heads to the Great White North and shows you the spectacular sights of the Canadian Rockies.

You will be able to camp in the natural wilderness and discover the native wildlife that inhabits the national park.

It also includes visits to Vancouver, Whistler and Clearwater, allowing you to interact with the locals in these areas. A canoe ride on Lake Louise is included as part of the experience, and other add-ons are available to create a bumper tour.

15 Best Tours in Seattle:

• Mount Rainier Full Day Tour: Walk or Snowshoe
• Mount Rainier National Park: 4-Day Backpacking Trip
• Pike Place Market: Walking Food Tour
• Seattle Urban Adventure Quest Team Scavenger Hunt
• Seattle City Highlights Small Group Minivan Tour
• Book a Local Host
• City Sightseeing Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
• Olympic National Park Nature Lovers Tour from Seattle
• Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing
• The Ultimate Food Experience with a Local Guide
• Private Experience - See the Best with a Local
• From Seattle: Boeing Factory and Future of Flight Tour
• Canadian Rockies 7-Day National Parks Group Camping Tour

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Seattle Private Guide Explore, Engage in Distinctive Style on a Seattle Tour

Our uniqueness is the breadth of destinations and content we can incorporate in your time with us.

Crafting your Seattle guided experience

Our listed designs are intended to give a sense of how we can broadly focus your Seattle/metro experience. More specifically we can delve into architecture, commerce, urban scene, landscape, visual arts, outdoors, recreation. We tailor the experience with you in mind.

Consider these suggested ways your  encounter with the Emerald City can occur:

Emerald City 

At perfect moments in Seattle’s history an important event occurred which resulted in the creation or preservation of what today are Seattle icons . Seattle’s “can do” spirit is reflected in such places as Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Space Needle, Government Locks, University of Washington . These notable places provide departure points for an introductory excursion of the Emerald City. Mark this emphasis in our tour planner. Make Emerald City a part of your tour →

Seattle Residential

Neighborhoods are a special attribute of Seattle. “Appealing” and “distinct” are apt descriptors to characterize the superb residential areas of the city. Housing here is a mixture of architectural styles which makes adjacent properties visually interesting. Lush landscaping adds another striking dimension. As different areas of Seattle are the canvas for this outing the city’s hilly topography becomes very apparent. Make Seattle Residential a part of your tour →

Seattle On Foot

Walking the city center offers the ultimate way to explore ambiance and varied tempos. We plan a route that offers you a potpourri of impressions… unique view perspectives, prominent architecture, interesting civic spaces , transformative development, bountiful public art, epicurean favorites, and distinct retail... Sights and insights mesh together to give you an insider’s perspective on the city’s livability and continuing evolution. Make Seattle On Foot a part of your tour →

Prosperous Seattle companies and the attractiveness of the resident tech cluster are propelling increased density and conspicuously changing streetscapes. The makeover has extended the urban vibe boundaries. Development is reshaping different areas of the city and making them destinations to encounter city life “Seattle style”. Picturesque Lake Union serves as an anchor for this exploration of Seattle’s diverse energy and a directional compass for getting acquainted with the city’s layout. Make City Beat a part of your tour →

Metropolitan Prospective 

A look at flourishing eastside communities near Lake Washington. Opposite Seattle and across the lake are where many of the region’s tech companies– Microsoft, Nintendo, T-Mobile, and Expedia – are headquartered.  The proximity of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, and Woodinville to the urban/rural divide is just one attraction of the metro area that becomes evident on this excursion along with Snoqualmie Falls . This divide is also evident heading west by ferry to Bainbridge Island and onto the Olympic Peninsula. Make Seattle Metro a part of your tour →

Seattle Land & Water

Water comprises over 40% of Seattle’s area providing a diverse shoreline of commerce, maritime, residential along with recreational enjoyment. Close-up views of floating home communities, passage under bridges that cross the waterway that bisects Seattle, and the ambiance of being surrounded by hilly topography makes being afloat on a classic wooden cruiser an extraordinary picturesque experience.. Mark this emphasis in our tour planner. Make City Beat a part of your tour →

"My desire is to make your visit memorable"

With amazement I observe the continuing transformation of Seattle. In many realms it is such a dynamic place.

Beyond the metro area I also have a Pacific Northwest perspective from 20 years of regional travel for business. Enabling business associates from elsewhere to gain a sense of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest planted seeds for developing a private guide service.

With appreciation of and immersion in the bounty here ToneyToursSeattle easily connects to our guests interests and requests. Additionally, we desire to provide an understanding of why the city is a great place to call home. So, beyond a “city introduction” you will gain something more.

With the entire area our canvas a well-travelled guest can anticipate a distinctive private guide experience.

View my profile on Linkedin .

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Sightseeing Tours

Want to get your bearings before exploring the city or hoping to get an insider’s perspective during your trip whether you’re a history buff looking to learn how settlers got all the way to this corner of the country, an adventure enthusiast itching for an outdoor activity, or a photographer wanting to capture aerial images of the iconic skyline, there’s a seattle sightseeing tour for you..

Underground Tour Courtesy of Underground Tour

While the Great Seattle Fire in 1889 wasn’t a happy occasion, it did give Seattle the opportunity to rebuild—which was a fortunate thing, given that the original downtown was prone to flooding due to its proximity to Elliott Bay. As the city rebuilt everything above previous street levels, an entire underground world was born. Today, you can explore its passageways in Pioneer Square on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour or Beneath the Streets . Both tours offer a healthy dose of history and a walk below ground.

Courtesy Argosy Cruises

Water World

Water is a huge part of Seattle’s story, and what better way to explore its marine history than by going to the source itself? Argosy Cruises has five tour options, including its signature Harbor Cruise. This one-hour trip follows the shoreline of Elliott Bay, getting a closer look at the container ships, cruise ships, and harbor seals that ply the Puget Sound waters. Sailing Seattle puts you on a high-performance racing yacht for a relaxing, wind-in-your-hair journey. Waterways Cruises and Events focuses on dining cruises aboard its 105-foot-long yacht, like the Sunday Supper Cruise that takes a spin around Lake Union and Lake Washington while guests enjoy a buffet stocked with sockeye salmon and apple crisp.

Urban Landscapes

City Sightseeing Tours

Once you shed your sea legs, there’s plenty to see back on land. Because Seattle is a forward-thinking city, it’s only appropriate to explore on Segways, two-wheeled transportation devices that make it easy for you to zip from the waterfront to Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market to Seattle Center, under the guidance of Seattle Segway Tours . Or go at your own pace with City Sightseeing Seattle , a hop-on/hop-off open-top bus that circles around to 16 of the city’s top sites and attractions. If you want to get a little farther out of town, Tours Northwest can whisk you away in a mini-coach to Mount Rainier, in addition to three-hour tours around the city. With longtime tour operator Show Me Seattle , see the city in a small group, or taste your way through Pike Place Market. Cruise passengers, take note: There are special offerings for you from all the shuttle bus companies.

Kenmore Air Courtesy of Kenmore Air

Take Flight

Make like a bird and embark on a scenic “flightseeing” tour for a whole different perspective of Seattle. For a floatplane experience you can’t get just anywhere, Kenmore Air and Seattle Seaplanes both offer 20-minute tours spent soaring past the sports stadiums, famed houseboat communities, and the distinct towers of downtown before landing gently back on Lake Union. Swap the water rudders for a giant propeller and take in the scenery via helicopter with Seattle HeliTours , which offers three routes leaving from Auburn Municipal Airport, and Georgetown-based Atomic Helicopters , with four itineraries covering the city, Snoqualmie Falls, Lake Washington, and marinas of Puget Sound. For an intimate, luxurious experience, book a semi-private or private hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning to get a birds-eye view of downtown Seattle and Mt. Rainier, topped off with a champagne toast at the end of the flight.

Human Powered

It’s great to explore by boat, shuttle, and plane, but sometimes you just want to keep it simple. Get around on your own two feet with the Seattle Free Walking Tours , which cover four topics: Pike Place Market, historic Seattle, and the city’s highlights. As the name implies, there are no high ticket prices here—pay what you feel it’s worth. Those with a particular interest in design will want to check out the walking tours from Seattle Architecture Foundation . With these, you can take a deeper dive into specific subjects like art deco and design details. Combine your history tour with a sweat session from Seattle Bicycle Tours , which has plenty of options for both guided tours on electric or standard bicycles. Keep the human-powered transportation theme going by getting out on the water with Alki Kayak Tours , offering paddles during the day, at sunset, and during every full moon. The particularly adventurous can take an overnight camping trip to Blake Island, where you can explore the forest trails and beaches after paddling across the Puget Sound for a perfect Northwest day.

Tour Partners

FRS Clipper

• Address 2701 Alaskan Way, Pier 69, Seattle, WA 98121
• Phone (206) 443-2560

Puget Sound Express Whale Watching

• Address Port of Edmonds Marina, 500 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020
• Phone (360) 385-5288

Tours Northwest

• Address 8219 Seventh Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
• Phone (206) 768-1234

Friday Harbor Seaplanes

• Address 860 West Perimeter Road, Renton, WA 98057
• Phone (425) 277-1590

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Got time to kill before your flight home? End your cruise vacation with our award-winning 3-hour Post Cruise Show Me Seattle City Tour.  Pier pick-up and airport drop-off are included.  Add on Space Needle Tickets and shopping at Pike Place Market!

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Browse Other Seattle Day Tours!

From the best sites and neighborhoods in Seattle to a tasty trip through Pike Place Market, we offer a variety of tours to help you make the best of your short jaunt to Seattle.

Consider booking one of these tours before you hop on your cruise ship!

Free Mall Shuttle

If you are staying at one of our PARTNER HOTELS and would like to go shopping, see a movie, or just enjoy a meal out, we provide free transportation to and from Westfield Southcenter Mall on a scheduled timetable.

Rated 5 Stars For Transportation in Seattle!

Thanks for your part in helping me make my Seattle and Alaska stay a blast! Your assistance in handling the transportation to and from the cruise ship was very much appreciated.

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Seattle Tour Information

Ask us anything, we're here for all seattle tour information, general contact information:.

Mailing Address:  8219 7th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108 United States Email Address:   [email protected]  Office Hours: 7am-7pm Pacific Time Customer Service:   206-768-1234 Toll Free:  1-888-293-1404 Fax:  206-768-9999

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• We offer 3 convenient meeting locations throughout downtown Seattle for you to join the tour
• Pick ups commence 30 minutes before start of tour time
• Please be ready at your meeting location 5 minutes early prior to pick-up time and allow up to 5 minutes for pick-up.
• Hold our brochure to help us identify you.
• Allow extra time for pick-up & return.
• Traffic and road conditions may alter tour route and duration of tour.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 24 hours before the tour for a refund.

END OF TOUR OPTIONS:

Traffic can be a challenge in Seattle, especially from 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. To speed up drop-off and hotel return, please review the following:

• We return to all meeting locations at the end of the tour. That said, we may ask that you walk a couple blocks to the meeting location if road conditions are a challenge.
• The City Tours end at the Space Needle; this is a popular place for guests to disembark the tour.
• We can only return to your hotel if you are on the Seattle City Tour PLUS Hotel pickup.
• We can sometimes accommodate for alternate drop-off’s – this should be discussed with your tour guide at one of the stops on tour. We cannot guarantee this in advance.

PRIVACY POLICY:

As a practical matter, Tours Northwest collects personal information to process your order, using all appropriate security precautions. We don’t share your personal information with anyone except to comply with law, develop our products, or protect our rights. We will only use your e-mail address to send you confirmations and updates in regards to your booking.

• Boeing & Aerospace
• Nation & World

NTSB rebukes Boeing after top exec discloses detail on Alaska Airlines blowout

The National Transportation Safety Board issued a strong rebuke to Boeing late Wednesday, and said it will sanction the company.

The move follows comments by a senior executive who spoke to a media gathering on Tuesday and disclosed new information related to the cause of the Alaska Airlines fuselage blowout in January.

Timothy LeBaron, Director of the NTSB’s Office of Aviation Safety, in a stern letter to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun Thursday, said Boeing’s “disregard of the federal regulations … cannot be tolerated.”

He noted the NTSB had warned Boeing in March against any breach of the disclosure rules and added that Boeing’s chief engineer also broke the strict disclosure rules at a U.S. Senate hearing last week.

Boeing is a party to the NTSB investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident. However, by long-established federal rules and signed agreements, only the lead investigating agency — in this case, the NTSB — is authorized to reveal details of an investigation and to provide analysis of an incident’s cause.

This protocol, acknowledged globally for all commercial airplane accidents, is designed to ensure that no party involved tries to skew the public perception of what happened before a final independent report. The national safety authority in the country where the accident happened is expected to be the sole source of new public disclosures.

In a statement, the NTSB said Boeing “blatantly violated the NTSB investigative regulations and Boeing’s signed party agreement with the NTSB by providing nonpublic investigative information to the media and speculating about possible causes of the Jan. 5 door plug blowout.”

LeBaron’s letter states that “We have verified that part of the released information was either inaccurate or unknown to the NTSB while other parts were not previously disclosed to the public.”

The NTSB said “few entities know the rules better” than Boeing. Accordingly, it will impose “a series of restrictions and sanctions” on the jet maker.

LeBaron told Calhoun the agency considered removing Boeing as a party to the investigation, then opted for a less severe penalty.

Boeing will remain a party to the investigation, providing technical expertise where needed, but it will “no longer have access to the investigative information the NTSB produces as it develops the factual record of the accident,” the federal agency said.

In addition, the NTSB said it will subpoena Boeing to appear at an investigative hearing into the Alaska Airlines incident that is scheduled for Aug. 6 and 7. But unlike the other parties to the investigation, Boeing will not be allowed to ask questions of other participants.

Ominously for Boeing, the NTSB also suggested that the violation of the investigation agreement may warrant the attention of the Department of Justice.

More on Alaska Airlines and the Boeing 737 MAX 9

• Boeing talks up changes at 737 MAX plant, but earlier lapse still a mystery

Pressed at Senate hearing, Boeing CEO insists on renewed safety culture

FAA’s ‘cozy’ relationship with Boeing at issue again after Alaska Air blowout

Boeing’s long fall, and how it might recover

After midair blowout, passengers want Boeing and Alaska Air to ‘notice’ them

• More on the Boeing 737 MAX

Noting that the DOJ is already weighing whether to charge Boeing criminally after it was found to be in violation of an earlier plea deal to avoid charges — the 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement — the NTSB said it “will be coordinating with the DOJ Fraud Division to provide details about Boeing’s recent unauthorized investigative information releases.”

LeBaron warned that “further infractions may lead to the loss of party status” in the Alaska investigation.

The comments that drew this firestorm were made Tuesday morning by Boeing’s senior vice president for quality, Elizabeth Lund, to a gathering for about 50 journalists from around the world. It was part of a series of two-day briefings for those attending the Farnborough Air Show near London next month.

LeBaron told Calhoun “we plan to interview Ms. Lund and will expect her to appear at the August hearing.”

Boeing had placed an embargo on Tuesday’s briefings so that nothing could be published until 2 a.m. Pacific time Thursday. Such agreements are common.

The Seattle Times article describing the entire day of Boeing briefings and factory tour , including Lund’s presentation, was posted online at that time and was in Thursday’s paper.

News of the NTSB action against Boeing was first reported late Wednesday evening by The Air Current, an online aviation news service.

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In an email Thursday, Boeing spokesperson Jessica Kowal offered Boeing’s apologies and said Lund’s remarks were made in the spirit of taking responsibility, working transparently and sharing “context on the lessons we have learned from the January 5 accident.”

Related More on Boeing

• Families of Boeing 737 MAX crashes ask for ‘independent monitor’
• After 2 serious 737 MAX engine incidents at Southwest, Boeing alerts pilots

A pre-Air Show briefing that drew fire

Lund kicked off the presentations on Tuesday morning by highlighting the enhancements Boeing has made to its quality and safety systems since the Alaska Airlines fuselage blowout.

Before taking any questions, she opened by talking about the incident itself: the midair blowout of a door plug — a panel that seals a hole where some airlines put an extra emergency exit door.

It was already known this was due to a manufacturing failure on the Alaska jet when it was being assembled in Renton last September.

Lund added a new twist to the saga by saying that the mechanics who opened and then reclosed the door plug were not at fault.

As had been extensively reported, Lund reiterated that  Boeing employees opened the door plug to allow access for mechanics working for supplier Spirit AeroSystems to drill out and replace some rivets that had been misinstalled at Spirit’s MAX fuselage plant in Wichita, Kan.

When the door plug was reclosed, four retaining bolts in each corner of the door were not installed.

Without those bolts, the door plug slowly worked its way upward over a period of about three months until it slipped out of the guide track holding it and blew out violently soon after takeoff from Portland on Jan. 5, leaving  a gaping hole in the passenger cabin .

Lund provided the new detail that the door plug was closed by a Boeing “move crew” that prepares a jet to roll out of the factory. That crew’s job is to “button the airplane up for the weather.”

“They close the doors,” Lund said. “They ensure that any open holes on the airplane are covered so that it’s in good condition to go out in the weather.

“We know the move crew closed the plug,” she said.

“They did not reinstall the retaining pins,” Lund said. “That is not their job. Their job is to just close it, and they count on existing paperwork.

“We believe that plug was opened without the correct paperwork,” Lund said, and the fact that one or more employees “could not fill out one piece of paperwork in this condition that could result in an accident was shocking to all of us.

“We know the plug was opened, and the paperwork is not there,” she said.

Boeing has told the NTSB it cannot identify the individuals who failed to properly perform the work.

When journalists asked how this could be, Lund replied that Boeing is focused on ensuring something similar cannot recur and will “leave the who to the NTSB investigation.”

But that phrasing, suggesting it’s up to the NTSB to find out who did the faulty work, prompted a further objection from the safety agency as misrepresenting its mission.

“Boeing portrayed the NTSB investigation as a search to locate the individual responsible for the door plug work,” the agency stated. “The NTSB is instead focused on the probable cause of the accident, not placing blame on any individual or assessing liability.”

The NTSB relies on individuals’ willingness to come forward to explain what happened. If the agency is seen as seeking to pin blame, those individuals may be unwilling to cooperate with an investigation.

The NTSB said that when it learned of the briefing, it asked Boeing for details and was provided a transcript.

“The transcript revealed that Boeing provided nonpublic investigative information to the news media that the NTSB had not verified or authorized for release.”

Boeing on Thursday acknowledged Lund’s remarks were a mistake.

“We deeply regret that some of our comments, intended to make clear our responsibility in the accident and explain the actions we are taking, overstepped the NTSB’s role as the source of investigative information,” Boeing’s Kowal stated. “We apologize to the NTSB and stand ready to answer any questions as the agency continues its investigation.”

LeBaron’s letter also objected to remarks last week by Boeing Chief Engineer Howard McKenzie when he appeared with Calhoun before a June 18 Senate Subcommittee hearing .

When senators asked then about an incident in May when a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX did an unusual “Dutch roll “ in flight , McKenzie responded that “this airplane underwent some unique circumstance,” and the mishap had “nothing to do with design or manufacturing.”

LeBaron wrote that the NTSB is separately investigating that incident and “has not made any such determination, and our investigators have not yet ruled out design or manufacturing issues.”

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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