Sea Kayaking in Olympia Out of Tugboat Annies at West Bay Marina
The crackling call of a kingfisher. Nesting seals and their seal pups. Bald eagles and herons swooping overhead. You can expect to witness incredible natural moments like these when you go kayaking in the sparkling waters of Olympia’s Budd Inlet.
Article by Leo Thom, originally published on ThurstonTalk.com July 13, 2023
Start your journey at West Bay Marina, where Tugboat Annies will be your gateway to an unforgettable sea kayaking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a curious beginner, this picturesque location offers everything you need for an enjoyable day sea kayaking in Olympia.
![Friendly staff are ready to help at the sea kayak rental at Tugboat Annies](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=420b1b319b3d53d622d3ac0231878a60 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=84aa9c874c350980087500cf35d5fdc8 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5a8d13cb3306fecad3776ecd78796571 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=1a17b891857ffce042527124e519b8da 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f0a5f08c308d9d1e07c1ce5590d78505 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=3c6d869a52cf07c4a28eb164c6ca9211 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kiosk.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c451610f13727ce44c258b28118de68d 1530w)
Rent Sea Kayaks in Olympia at West Bay Marina
Tugboat Annies provides sea kayak rentals out of West Bay Marina seven days a week. Generally, the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but it can vary slightly depending on the time of year. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, part of a group or seeking a family outing, they have the sea kayaking gear that you will need.
Single kayaks cost $20 and tandem kayaks cost $30. Rentals include paddles and life vests so you only need to bring appropriate clothing and a dry bag – if you have one – for personal items. The base rates cover the first two hours, after which each additional hour costs $7. That’s a great deal for a day spent out on the waves.
![Kayaks ready for launch](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=13b8d42da89632cf6001f266dc24fb8d 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5edc35ae46ffc7eb8082678428dd81d9 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6b2e56351946c35138879ab5181519dc 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=30fe1d53b2c97b7e0d03b8d0d1faa3c3 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=6ad64c9b6caf5c192653cf9a4adfb036 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Kayaks.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=5d7dfc00ad00206604d4513df8fbc114 1306w)
What You Can Do While Sea Kayaking in Budd Inlet
Exiting West Bay Marina, you have two primary courses to choose from. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely ride, head south towards the Olympia downtown and marina area. Paddle along at a relaxed pace, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes.
When the conditions are right, you can also choose to head north. Here you will find logs and rocks where seals like to sun themselves, as well as perches for birds and other wildlife. It’s magical to feel so immersed in the natural environment. Make sure not to approach or feed animals, but if they are passing by there’s no harm in peacefully observing them. The golden rule is to stay 50 yards away from all marine mammals.
![A seal suns itself on a large rock in Budd Inlet.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6f46e287649c0d8f666e37478a031b55 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=719a6a0534bb5c83a22010e17c47c0a6 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ab8ce19d5114b61701737f535903828e 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0aac3d7c815b622535bea0e9ba34db61 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5df51f90ee75d9523772cbe938c078b7 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-Seals.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=5dcf7e71dee6f0dd1d54444f28a53e4f 1388w)
Advice From the Sea Kayak Team at West Bay Marina
Lauren Sanchez is the general manager at Tugboat Annies and has been helping people embark on sea kayak adventures for several years. “We see a range of experience levels when renting out kayaks, but people tend to enjoy it across the board,” Sanchez shares. “If you’re new, there are a few things you want to think about. First, always be aware of your surroundings. Being on the water is sort of like being on the road,” she explains.
“It’s also important to be respectful to those that you’re sharing the space with. We have an active marina and active wildlife. This makes for a great outing, but also means it’s important to follow the rules that are put in place to keep everyone safe and protect the environment,” Sanchez continues. “Oh, and check the wind. If it’s any more than 5mph, it can be dicey. If it’s more than 10mph we will stop renting out the kayaks until conditions change.”
Tugboat Annies has a Kayak Manual that you must be familiar with before completing a rental. You can do so beforehand or when you arrive at the kayak rental kiosk. It’s never a bad idea to arm yourself with information before heading out on an adventure. Giving them a preliminary call can help with this as well.
Check out the Tugboat Annies website for more information or give them a call at 360.943.1850 to ask staff directly.
![A view of Budd Inlet from a kayak](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=68a77d27809f2ffc503a9c4802cc6856 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b7e2fc5e3a55dccfc25c8ae6fd4fb2fd 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3a750d4e6bd69ca7da711421c87bed65 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c7394b439efb082014bdd5337aafd808 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c5ef9a5c05deb13203314e465beaa7b3 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=62ae1f2bf777af97d7a42a20e38a7a33 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/olympia-kayak-rentals-Tugboat-Annies-Sea-Kayaking-1536x1157.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7462df22fb78fbcd5d1facad596ad754 1536w)
Places to Eat and Stay in Olympia
After a day on the water, you’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite. Fortunately, Tugboat Annies has you covered there too. You can treat yourself to a delicious meal while enjoying the waterfront ambiance. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering burgers, their menu offers a good variety. Tugboat Annies often features live music, which provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. Olympia – and Thurston County – is home to a multitude of unique, locally sourced, hand-crafted dining experiences. Check them out here!
If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of Olympia’s attractions, there are several accommodations nearby. From cozy bed and breakfasts like The Marie Bed & Breakfast and the Swantown Inn to modern hotels like the DoubleTree, you’ll find a range of options that cater to your preferences. Immerse yourself in the local hospitality, recharge and wake up ready for another day of adventure in this vibrant city.
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Tugboat Annie’s
2100 W Bay Dr NW Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 943-1850