Marination to Replace Alki Kayak Tours by Spring 2027

The veteran kayak operator faces a potential closure as Marination shifts its Seacrest Boathouse subcontracting agreement.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden kayak on a pebbled beach, evoking the coastal heritage of the Seattle waterfront. — Marination plans to end its decades-long partnership with Alki Kayak Tours at Seattle's Seacrest Boathouse, shifting operations to Duwamish Tribal Services by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Marination plans to end its decades-long partnership with Alki Kayak Tours at the Seacrest Boathouse by spring 2027. The company intends to transition its watercraft operations to a new partnership with Duwamish Tribal Services.

Why it matters

The change follows a competitive Request for Proposals process for a new lease term at the city-owned boathouse. This shift in operators creates uncertainty for Alki Kayak Tours, which has provided services at the location for over 20 years.

The transition involves a new 5- to 10-year lease for the facility. Alki Kayak Tours has operated on the site for more than 20 years, while Marination has held the master lease for the past 15 years.

The players

Marination

This entity has held the master lease for the Seacrest Boathouse for the past 15 years.

Alki Kayak Tours

This company has provided watercraft operations at the Seacrest Boathouse for over two decades.

Duwamish Tribal Services

This organization is slated to partner with Marination to manage future boating and educational programs.

Seattle Parks and Recreation

This city department manages the municipal park system and oversees the Request for Proposals process.

The details

Marination, which maintains full discretion over its subcontractors under the master lease, aims to establish the Duwamish Waterfront Education Center. The new center is slated to manage kayak rentals, traditional canoe practice education, and local school field trips.

Seattle Parks issued a Request for Proposals for the Seacrest Boathouse lease in April 2026.
Alki Kayak Tours contacted the Superintendent regarding its termination on October 13, 2026.
The sub-lease for Alki Kayak Tours is scheduled to end by spring 2027.

Travel Outlook

The proposed lease transition is subject to Seattle City Council authorization by ordinance. This process follows standard municipal requirements for long-term park facility agreements.

Visitors should anticipate changes to kayak rental services and educational programming at the Seacrest Boathouse beginning in spring 2027. Those relying on Alki Kayak Tours for upcoming group trips or classes should monitor for official service updates.

The takeaway

Large-scale public park concessions often undergo significant changes when master leases reach their renewal milestones. Residents should verify service availability directly with operators before planning future visits to the waterfront.