Boston Harbor Marina | Top Marina in Olympia, WA Skip to content

Boston Harbor Marina

312 73rd Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506
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About

In Olympia, Washington, Boston Harbor Marina sits about seven miles north of downtown on Boston Harbor, overlooking South Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range. This marina near Olympia combines public waterfront access with guest moorage, a nearby county-operated boat launch, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Boaters can reserve boat slips in advance or use the guest dock for a brief stop to visit the marina store or collect crew.

The marina’s published dockage information centers on guest moorage; it does not describe boat storage. The fuel dock is currently unavailable, while the waterfront setting includes wooden public docks, a visitor beach, and wildlife viewing. On shore, the Snack Shack, covered deck, indoor seating, store, and summer music events add options before or after time on the water. Contact Boston Harbor Marina to reserve moorage or arrange a paddle rental.

Features

  • Reserved guest moorage
  • Kayak rentals
  • Public dock access
  • Summer deck events

Amenities

  • Slips & Dockage
  • Waterfront & Access
  • Rentals
  • Dining & Food
  • Pool & Beach
  • Lounge & Clubhouse
  • Events & Meeting Space

Why book with us

  • Reserve guest moorage before arriving at the marina
  • Launch beside the marina at the boat launch
  • Explore public docks and observe marine wildlife
  • Paddle the harbor by kayak or paddleboard
  • Bring dogs to the visitor beach

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Washington?

For a rented motor-driven boat or vessel with 15 horsepower or more, Washington law allows unsupervised operation from age 12 if the operator carries the required Boater Education Card; a personal watercraft cannot be rented to anyone under 16. An operator age 12 or older without a required card must be accompanied and under the direct supervision of a person age 16 or older who possesses a card. The card requirement generally begins at 12 for operators born after January 1, 1955. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14. These rules are in RCW 79A.60.640 and 79A.60.190. Rental operators may set higher minimums, so confirm when booking.

Source: Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program (app.leg.wa.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Washington?

Yes, Washington requires many recreational operators to carry a Boater Education Card rather than a traditional boating license. Operators age 12 or older who were born after January 1, 1955, must carry it when operating a vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft meeting that threshold. The minimum operator age is 12 for these motorboats and 14 for personal watercraft; personal watercraft cannot be rented to anyone under 16.

Rental customers may instead complete and carry the State Parks approved safety checklist. Common exemptions cover people born before January 1, 1955, qualifying short term visitors and recent boat purchasers. A course completion certificate serves as a temporary card for 60 days. Washington State Parks administers the program.

Source: Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program (parks.wa.gov)

Where can you go boating from Olympia, Washington?

From Olympia, boat through Budd Inlet, then use Dana Passage to reach Eld Inlet or Squaxin Passage and Hope Island. Put in at Swantown on East Bay or at the Boston Harbor ramp. Budd Inlet keeps you close to Olympia, but the heads of East and West bays have drying flats and shoals, so follow the dredged channels.

Boston Harbor is a cove with marina services. Dana Passage is the main connector, where currents frequently reach 3 knots or more. Eld Inlet offers good anchorage inside its entrance. Squaxin Passage is narrow and requires caution; Hope Island is a boat-only state park with mooring buoys.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations near Olympia, Washington?

From Olympia, boaters can make South Puget Sound day trips to Hope Island in Squaxin Passage for a boat-only picnic stop and forest trails; Tolmie State Park on Nisqually Reach for buoy moorage, beach exploring and its artificial reef; and Jarrell Cove on Harstine Island for dock or buoy moorage, swimming and forest walks.

Source: Washington State Parks (parks.wa.gov)

Location

312 73rd Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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