In Seattle, impromptu outings await on the central waterfront, a short stroll from downtown hotels. You can ride a state ferry into Puget Sound sunsets, leisurely soaking up the beauty. Or buy a ticket on a commuter ferry to Bainbridge Island, where a waterfront footpath leads along Eagle Harbor.

Harbor tours let you see Elliott Bay from the decks of a square-rigged sailing vessels. Argosy Cruises offers fine dining aboard its dinner cruise (206-623-1445, www.argosycruises.com). Salmon fishing charters leave from Pier 54.

Also from the Seattle waterfront, you can cross to Blake Island for a Native American salmon bake or take in live musical reviews on lunch and dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Puget Sound (206-674-3500, www.spiritcruises.com), or you can venture through the famous Government Locks (part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal) and into Lake Union. One operator, Waterways Cruises and Events, visits Puget Sound attractions like Kiana Lodge and Port Orchard (206-223-2060, www.waterwayscruises.com). Another will take you all the way to the San Juan Islands or to Victoria, B.C. and back to Seattle in a day. Call Clipper Navigation (206-448-5000, www.victoriaclipper.com).

On Lake Union (a mile north of downtown Seattle), rent a classic wooden boat to sail or row (Wooden Boat Center on Valley Avenue, 206-382-2628, www.cwb.org). Or line-up a sailboard lesson, try out a sea kayak (NW Outdoor Center, 206-281-9694), or sail a speedy catamaran. Here, too, cruise companies offer short outings, breakfast cruises or champagne brunch, lunch or dinner. Sleep on water aboard the renovated 1944 army tug, MV Challenger, for a bunk & breakfast youll never forget (206-340-1201).

In West Seattle, across Elliott Bay from downtown, outfitters rent sailboats and sailboards, as well as boat-and-tackle for seasonal salmon fishing (charter boats also available here). Just east of Seattle, in lake front cities such as Kirkland (on Lake Washington) you can join park-sponsored outings that teach you how to wind surf, canoe, kayak, run a river, and sail (similar programs are available in most cities around Puget Sound, check telephone directories). Also in Kirkland, Argosy Cruises (206-623-4252) offers sightseeing tours across the lake aboard the MV Kirkland, a restored 1924 ferry boat. Famous homes are often pointed out on these tours.

LOCALS SUGGEST:

• Kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and rowing are best on local lakes when waters are calm and windless, try early morning.
• Cruising to Victoria? Leave the car in Seattle and bring a bike for exploring instead.
• Bayshore footpaths in Myrtle Edwards Park on the central waterfront offer an uncomplicated way to get next to the water.
• Seaplane rides from Lake Union and Lake Washington combine the thrill of take-off and landing on water with stupendous views.