On a warm June day, with music pulsing in the background, hundreds of people came to the King County Water Taxi terminal at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle for a celebration. They came down to the water on Friday, June 12 at the encouragement of the Water Taxi to “Make it a Boat Day” and take advantage of the opportunities that are available by sailing the Salish Sea.

The M/V Doc Maynard sailed to the pier sporting new colors for the summer. The special wrap is in recognition of a summer full of baseball, soccer and events in both West Seattle (Summer Fest) and Vashon (Strawberry Festival) the Water Taxi will travel to. Metro’s creative team came up with the design for the wrap, making the front of the boat look like a vintage postcard, the type sent when people are on vacation and want to show family and friends back home a glimpse of where they are.

“This will be a very unique summer and we want people from around the region to join us in enjoying one of the best boat trips in the region,” said Metro Deputy General Manager Ernest Kandilige. “While this service is a vital mobility option for the residents of West Seattle and Vashon Island, these are also two of the most scenic routes in our transit system. We want everyone to take advantage of the warm days for a walk along Alki or a visit to Vashon’s Point Robinson Lighthouse.”

The attendees at the celebration had a chance to listen to music from DJs Nada Rosa, DJ Zen, and DJ KBoogie onboard the Doc Maynard. They also learned more about the extended service that is taking place during the World Cup and received information on the seven-day a week sailings to Vashon through the summer.

The West Seattle Water Taxi will be providing late-night trips Monday through Saturday throughout the World Cup, with last sailings from Pier 50 at 11:00 p.m. until July 6.

This is also the first summer of seven day a week service to Vashon as part of a pilot program that runs until October 9.

“The residents of Vashon have been determined to have our service grow beyond commuter sailings,” said Metro Marine Division Director Terry Federer. “This summer they have been focused on showing us how much they depend on our midday and weekend service with the goal of seeing what can be done to keep it available into the future.”

Celebration of culture and history

The celebration also announced the upcoming unveiling of a new public artwork that will guide passengers along the waterfront to the Water Taxi terminal. Designed by Indigenous artist Taylor Cameron (Snoqualmie) and commissioned by 4Culture, Tidepool Pathways transforms the pedestrian walkway into a series of tidal moments, reflecting the waters below and beyond. Drawing from Coast Salish relationships to the Salish Sea, Cameron’s design—featuring kelp, crabs, shells, starfish, anchors, buoys, and schools of fish—invites travelers to consider the living environment through which they pass.

“It was an honor to design Tidepool Pathways, which reflects the spirit and movement of the Water Taxi experience,” said Cameron. “I hope these pieces bring joy and a sense of place to everyone who travels through the terminal.”

“At 4Culture, we’re proud to support artists and creative partnerships that reflect the history, ecology, and diverse communities of King County while making art accessible to everyone. Projects like this are a wonderful example of how public art can enrich the places where we gather, travel, and connect, said 4Culture Director of Public Art Kelly Pajek.

Riders also were able to learn about the history and impact the Filipino community had on the growth of the Seattle waterfront. “Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront,” which will leave Pier 50 this month, uncovers personal stories that have long gone untold—stories of cannery workers, longshoremen, Navy sailors, faith leaders and families. 

Treat yourself!
Every day is a “Boat Day” with the Water Taxi. Enjoy a 15-minute ride to West Seattle or a 22-minute sail to Vashon and take in the panoramic views of the Seattle city skyline and Mount Rainier on your way. Don’t forget that pet parents can bring their cat or dog for the trip as long as cats stay in their carrier and dogs are leashed throughout the entire trip.

How much does it cost to travel by Water Taxi?
Adult fare to West Seattle is $6.25 one way ($5.25 with an ORCA card). Vashon one-way fares are $7.00 for adults ($6.00 with an ORCA card).

Tap to Pay will let riders use credit and debit cards and digital wallets to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region. Don’t have an ORCA card yet? MyOrca.com is the place to go to purchase a card. If you want to use your mobile device to pay your fare, download the Transit GO Ticket app prior to boarding.

Young people up to 18 years old can ride the Water Taxi, and most regional transit, for free! Customers with lower incomes, seniors and people with disabilities can apply for an ORCA LIFT card or an ORCA Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) card using the new Reduced Fare Portal.

Grab your sunglasses, don’t forget your ORCA card, grab your family and friends and “Have a Boat Day” with the Water Taxi this summer!