These New Craft Beer Boat Cruises Are So Seattle

If there’s anything quintessentially Seattle summertime it’s enjoying a craft beer—on a boat. And while it’s illegal to drink and drive your own vessel (whether that’s a yacht or a kayak), we’ve found three opportunities for beer-themed local cruises:

Fremont Brew Cruise
You’ve likely heard about the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise on Lake Union, even if you’ve never had the pleasure in joining one. But starting in May, Captain Larry Kezner is now taking his boat The Fremont Avenue out for weekday happy hour cruises as well, and the price is almost laughably affordable: $20 buys you an hour and a half (5:15-6:45 p.m.) on the water, plus your first drink. They’re serving exclusively Fremont Brewing beers, wine and some cheap snacks, too. Dogs are welcome. Reservations are required—go online to make ‘em. And while this is made for summer, the idea of a cozy winter cruise and twinkling city skyline sounds pretty amazing. 

Waterways Cruises
Pike Brewing Company is the name of the game here, and on July 28, Waterways is hosting a three-course dinner paired with four different Pike beers. The captain will narrate the sights around Lake Union and Lake Washington while you compare tasting notes. Tickets are $70, and reservations are required. (Keep tabs on the calendar for future dates.)

UnCruise Adventures
For beer lovers who want a grander experience than just our Seattle waterways, UnCruise offers a seven-night beer-themed tour from Seattle through the San Juans. You’ll paddleboard, kayak and skiff—clearly this is largely about adventuring and not just taking a relaxing booze break on the water—and maybe even see a whale or two. In October, brewers Nate and Becca Schons (of Island Hoppin’ Brewery on Orcas Island) and Jack Lamb (of Aslan Brewing Co. in Bellingham) will be aboard to talk beers and pairings; if you can wait until April, you can head out with Robyn Schumacher (of Stoup Brewing). This one’s not cheap: rates start at $2,095, but they’re all-inclusive.