Ferdinand Street Boat Launch
location_onSeattle, WA
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About Ferdinand Street Boat Launch
Kayaking on Andrews Bay: A Serene Oasis Near Seattle
Andrews Bay, located in Washington's King County, offers a tranquil and accessible paddling experience for kayakers of all skill levels. Just a short drive from the city of Seattle, this picturesque bay provides a nature-based respite for urban residents seeking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
The Calm and Sheltered Waters of Andrews Bay
As a bay, Andrews Bay is characterized by its relatively calm and protected waters, shielded from the larger open-water conditions of the nearby Puget Sound. Paddlers can expect minimal motorboat traffic, with the predominant activity being other human-powered watercraft such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. This tranquil setting offers an ideal environment for recreational kayaking, allowing paddlers to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The bay's depth ranges from shallow near the shoreline to moderately deep in the central areas, with generally clear water that provides good visibility. Wave action is typically gentle, with modest chop that is easily manageable for recreational kayakers. This makes Andrews Bay an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers who are looking to develop their skills and confidence on the water.
Kayaking in Washington: A Variety of Aquatic Playground
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Gear up for Ferdinand Street Boat Launch
Recommended paddling gear matched to the conditions at this spot. Every item ships from Amazon.
Perfect for flat lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Great starter gear for beginners.
Recreational Sit-On-Top Kayak
Kayak
Stable, easy to get in and out, self-draining — ideal for calm water paddling.
Adjustable Kayak Paddle
Paddle
Lightweight aluminum or fiberglass. Adjustable length fits different kayak widths.
USCG-Approved PFD
Life Vest
Legally required in most states. Get one designed for paddling — allows full arm movement.
Dry Bag (20L)
Storage
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry. 20L fits a half-day's worth of gear.
Kayak Anchor Kit
Anchor
Essential for fishing or photography — holds position in wind and light current.
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reviewsWhat Paddlers Say
“*My original review was deleted * Fernanard Street Hand Carry Boat Launch – My Brain’s Favorite Chill/Motion Spot Okay, real talk—this place is everything. It’s called the Fernanard Street Hand Carry Boat Launch, and it’s lowkey one of the only spots in the city where my brain stops yelling for a second. It’s perfect if you need a sensory reset or some gentle movement. You can walk, jog, bike, or just wander aimlessly and no one cares. The path is smooth, the water is calming, and there’s always something mildly interesting going on—ducks doing duck things, boats floating by, breeze playing with the grass. You don’t need a destination or a plan. You can go for a quick run to shake off the overwhelm, or slow-roll through the area on your bike with music in your ears and zero expectations. Sometimes I just sit and stare at the lake like it’s my emotional support screen saver. Highly recommend for solo recharges, brain fog walks, or peaceful "I need to move but not think about it too hard" moments.”
“The blossoms are expected to begin around March 20, 2026, and reach their peak around March 26. The daffodils nearby are also very beautiful. The park is full of dogs and people exercising—peaceful and harmonious.”
“A very chill place for strolling and jogging. The cherry blossoms is also beautiful.”
From Google reviews. Showing the most detailed recent visitor notes.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere can I launch my kayak at Andrews Bay?
The Ferdinand Street Boat Launch provides public access to launch kayaks and other small boats in Andrews Bay.
help_outlineWhat skill level is Andrews Bay good for?
Andrews Bay is considered a calm water body, making it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels, including beginners.
help_outlineWhat gear should I bring when kayaking Andrews Bay?
Typical kayaking gear like a personal flotation device, paddle, and proper clothing for the weather conditions should be brought when kayaking Andrews Bay.
help_outlineCan I fish in Andrews Bay?
Fishing is allowed in Andrews Bay, but you will need a valid Washington state fishing license to do so.
help_outlineWhat is the best season to kayak Andrews Bay?
Andrews Bay can be enjoyed for kayaking during the spring, summer, and fall seasons when the weather is mild.
help_outlineIs Andrews Bay family-friendly?
Yes, Andrews Bay is considered a family-friendly destination for kayaking due to its calm waters and public access point.
help_outlineAre there any motorboats in Andrews Bay?
Andrews Bay does allow motorized boat traffic, so kayakers should be aware of their surroundings and follow proper safety protocols.
Location
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wavesTide Forecast
From Duwamish Waterway, Eighth Ave. South station (5 km away)
Low Tide
Oct 9 at 11:25 PM
0.9 ft
High Tide
Oct 10 at 5:45 AM
10.1 ft
Low Tide
Oct 10 at 11:27 AM
3.3 ft
High Tide
Oct 10 at 5:18 PM
11.1 ft
Low Tide
Oct 10 at 11:56 PM
0.0 ft
High Tide
Oct 11 at 6:35 AM
10.4 ft
Data from NOAA CO-OPS. Predictions only — check local conditions before paddling.
Hero photo: Photo by Borlems / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)