Shilshole Bay Marina
About
Operated by the Port of Seattle, Shilshole Bay Marina is Seattle's largest marina and the undisputed gateway to Puget Sound. Its 1,400 slips sit on the Ballard waterfront, directly at the mouth of Salmon Bay and the Lake Washington Ship Canal — meaning you're out on open water in minutes, not hours. The marina borders Golden Gardens Park to the north, putting a sandy beach and picnic grounds a short walk from your slip. Anthony's HomePort restaurant overlooks the docks. The Corinthian Yacht Club and Seattle Sailing Club both operate here, and several sailing schools use Shilshole as their home base. The Olympic Mountains fill the western horizon at sunset. If you're cruising the San Juan Islands or the Inside Passage, most Seattle sailors stage from here.
Specifications & Services
Fuel & Services
Fuel Diesel & gas 
Pump-out Available 
Haul-out Available Amenities
Events Near Seattle
All events →class
Marine VHF Radio Operator Certification — Spring 2026
May 9, 2026 · Shilshole Bay Marina Community Room
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ASA Basic Keelboat Weekend (ASA 101)
Jun 6, 2026 – Jun 7, 2026 · Shilshole Bay Marina
Event details →class
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Certification — Summer Course
Jun 19, 2026 – Jun 21, 2026 · Shilshole Bay Marina
View all events →Useful Guides for Visiting Sailors
Education hub →Seamanship · 13 min read
Docking and Mooring in Tidal Waters
Master docking techniques and mooring strategies for Pacific Northwest's challenging tidal environments.
Navigation · 20 min read
Tides and Currents in the Pacific Northwest
Seymour Narrows runs at sixteen knots. Cattle Pass produces standing waves. Active Pass schedules itself around BC Ferries. PNW navigation is governed by tides and currents — this is how to read them.
Seamanship · 14 min read
Anchoring in Pacific Northwest Waters
Twelve-foot tides, four-knot current in the passes, kelp on every shoreline, and a wind that can shift through three quadrants while you sleep. PNW anchoring is its own discipline.