Sign-ups begin in person at 1:00pm in front of the Wagner Education Center. We recommend arriving early to ensure your first choice. It is important to be aware that this is a first-come, first-served opportunity and the number of spots available each day depends on boat maintenance schedules, and volunteer skipper and crew availability. Due to the limited number of passenger spaces (between 80-200 people), we are unfortunately not always able to accommodate everyone who shows up and waits in line.

Yes you can! Steamship Sundays are currently TBA for 2026. There will be 2 lines at CWB starting at 1pm, one for CWB boats and one for the Virginia V Steamship. If CWB boat availability runs out, your party will be able to join the Virginia V line.

Steamship Sunday Sails: https://virginiav.org/

Boats generally depart between 1:15pm and 5:00pm. When signing up for your ride, you will be provided with an expected departure time for your ride. Depending on wind and weather boat rides may depart later than anticipated but they will never depart early unless all passengers are accounted for and ready to go. Plan for a 45-minute long boat ride.

We generally have between four and six boats available each month. Our boats are powered by sail, steam, electricity, oars, or paddles. The capacity of each vessel varies, with our smallest accommodating 4 – 6 passengers, and the largest 17 – 20 passengers. Scroll down to see descriptions of some of the boats!

There are no age restrictions, and we have lifejackets for everyone. Please note that our rides are in historic vessels and CWB staff and volunteers are unable to aid in assisted lifts. There may be steps of up to 1.5′ onto a secured, but shifting vessel.

Our docks and the public areas of our museum are fully accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

No. After signing up in person you will receive a wristband with your “call time” and boat name written on it. Your call time is when you are expected to check in for your boat ride. We invite you to explore the neighborhood, walk the docks, or grab a bite to eat while you wait.

Wooden Boat Storytime and Toy Boat Building activities will be hosted for families on Public Sail days.

Yes. This is a first-come first-served program geared to make the water accessible to as many people as possible. In the spirit of fairness, everyone going on the ride must be present to sign up.

Wristbands will be put directly on passenger's wrists by volunteers before walking away from the sign-up table. Without a wristband you will not be able to get on our Public Sail boats.

Line Cutting or Holding a Spot is Not Permitted

Please respect your fellow passengers who arrive early to secure a spot. Line cutting or holding a spot for other persons is not permitted.

Please join the line in the order you arrive. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

If the rides fill up before you reach the front of the line, we have a couple other options for you:

RENT A ROWBOAT! We have a small fleet of beautifully maintained, traditional rowboats available for rental. No experience is required, if you’ve never rowed before our Livery Staff and Volunteers will give you a short training. Click here for more information about rentals.

Also check out our Public Peapod Program. We have two Peapod rowboats which go out for one hour rows. These can be requested at Rowboat Livery on the docks. They are first-come first-served and there is no waitlist.

No, we ask that you and your party choose one boat ride so that everyone in line has a better chance of getting on the water. This program is all about water experiences and maritime access for all!

No, all boat ride spaces are filled in person the day of the event, beginning at 1pm outside of the Wagner Education Center. This is a first-come, first-served public program.

The Wagner Education Center has restrooms which will be available upon opening at 12:30pm.

Before 12:30pm, please visit a nearby business to use their restroom.

Suggestions:

Gourmondo at MOHAI - 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

203 Fahrenheit - 610 Terry Ave N Suite 170, Seattle, WA 98109

Cafe Umbria - 1201 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Check out the dates above and the current Public Sail poster. We try to host at least one per month.

The only thing that will cause us to postpone a Public Sail is if weather or wind speeds cause unsafe conditions on the lake.

Not really. You can of course bring along a water bottle, but Boat Rides are generally active and not a good time to eat or drink. If it’s a floating picnic you’re after, consider renting a Livery Boat.

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any CWB boat.

Yes! All passengers are required to sign our digital waiver form before signing up for a boat ride. Parents must sign individual waivers for each child.

No, not for Public Sail rides. Dogs are, however, allowed aboard rented livery boats.

We are able to accommodate service dogs on most boat rides. Please notify staff when you are signing up.

Yes, it’s really free! However donations are greatly appreciated and go directly into the boat maintenance and materials that are required to keep this program going.