WATCH: The Seattle waterfront from a different perspective

SEATTLE -- Perhaps you HAVE seen the downtown Seattle skyline from Elliot Bay; ferries are always a great way to get that perspective. But to view it all from the peaceful splashing of your kayak is something entirely different- the city looms high above you, the Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium seem at once like giants and close personal friends.

This is the benefit of doing a guided sea kayaking tour with Alki Kayak Tours. When they expanded their tours to the waterfront this past May (they also offer kayak rentals and tours on Alki), it marked the first time EVER that guided kayak tours were allowed there.

And "guided" tours are the key- no kayak rentals are offered when you sign up at the Pier 66 kiosk. That's because there is, obviously, a LOT of marine traffic to navigate through, making it potentially dangerous for novices to try and negotiate. Plus, a guided tour means no experience necessary- and it's a great way for the entire family to get on the water together before summer officially ends (or heck, even in the Fall!).

At the Pier 66 location, they do also offer bike rentals- another great way to see the Seattle waterfront! For more information on guided kayak tours and more, click HERE to go the Alki Kayak Tours website!