The Ultimate Bellingham, WA Bucket List

We’re honored to be featured in Redfin’s Ultimate Bellingham Bucket List as one of the must-do experiences in this incredible corner of the Pacific Northwest!

Bellingham is a dream destination for outdoor lovers, with its mix of mountains, forests, and the stunning waters of the Salish Sea. Redfin’s list highlights the best adventures the area has to offer, and we’re thrilled to be included among them.

Why Sea Kayaking Belongs on Your Bellingham Bucket List

There’s no better way to experience Bellingham’s natural beauty than from the water. Paddling with Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures lets you glide through scenic shorelines, explore hidden coves, and witness the incredible marine life that calls this region home. Whether it’s seals lounging on the rocks, eagles soaring overhead, or the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent waters on a summer night, every trip is a chance to connect with the wild beauty of the Salish Sea.

Plan Your Kayaking Adventure

If you’re looking to check off an unforgettable adventure from your Bellingham bucket list, we’d love to take you paddling! Whether you’re new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, our guided tours offer a unique way to explore this special place.

A big thank you to Redfin for including us in their guide! Check out the full list of must-do Bellingham experiences here, and we hope to see you on the water soon!

Moondance in the Spotlight: Bioluminescent Kayaking Featured in The Seattle Times

We’re thrilled to share that Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures was recently featured in The Seattle Times! Their latest article, “What it’s like to go bioluminescent kayaking in the Salish Sea”, highlights the magic of paddling under a starry sky, surrounded by the glowing waters of the Pacific Northwest.

The piece captures the wonder that draws so many to our bioluminescent kayaking tours—where every stroke of the paddle sets the water alight with tiny sparks of living light. It’s an experience that never fails to leave our guests in awe, and we’re honored to have it showcased in such a respected publication.

A Shimmering Natural Phenomenon

Bioluminescence is one of nature’s most enchanting displays, caused by microscopic plankton that emit light when disturbed. While the phenomenon occurs worldwide, the protected waters of the Salish Sea provide a uniquely breathtaking setting. On our summer night paddles, we venture into the dark, guided only by the moon and the faint shimmer of the sea. Then, as our paddles dip into the water, the ocean itself begins to glow—a reminder of how alive and interconnected our world truly is.

Experience It for Yourself

If you’ve ever dreamed of kayaking through a sea of stars, now is the time. Our bioluminescent tours run through the summer and offer an unforgettable way to connect with the marine world. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time kayaker, we’d love to share this magical experience with you.

A huge thank you to The Seattle Times for shining a light on the beauty of bioluminescent kayaking. Check out the full article here, and we hope to see you on the water soon!

What To do Before or After my Half-Day Kayak Tour?

Pairing a half-day kayak tour with a full day of fun!

Our Half-Day Kayak Tours are 3 hours which is perfect if you are trying to fit in a bit of everything! 

Here are some idea’s of what to do before and/or after you join us…

EAT YOUR HEART OUT:

On your way to Wildcat Cove, pick up a coffee + pastry from Cafe Blue or Iron Rooster in Historic Fairhaven. Sip, snack and enjoy the scenery down Chuckanut Drive. Paddle with a Moondance Guide from 10:00am – 1:00pm. After your paddle adventure head to Taylor Shellfish Farm to shuck fresh oysters, grill mussels, sip on a glass of wine, or enjoy a baguette and butter right on the beach. Still hungry? Head back to downtown Bellingham and check out one of Bellingham’s many amazing restaurants to have dinner or catch an outdoor concert. Cheers to a day of exploration and eating. After all you earned it!

SEA TO SUMMIT ADVENTURE:  

Fuel up, it’s gonna be a big day. Head into our local food Co-Op for a lunch to go and a hot bar breakfast. After your kayaking tour enjoy your lunch on the beach or take it on the trail with you to enjoy along the way. Choose a bigger hike like Oyster Dome, where you will get sweeping views of the San Juan Islands. Or something that already starts high with a view, but is a stair stepper, Jurassic Park feeling trail, like the Rock Trail. Want to keep it simple and slow and wander down the Clayton beach trail for a relatively flat walk that the whole family can enjoy. After your day of kayaking and hiking head back to Bellingham to raise a pint at the family friendly, organic, Aslan Brewery and restaurant.

For a true Sea to Summit experience, check out what it takes to summit Mt. Baker with one of the local guide companies Mount Baker Guides or Alpine Institute. After spending a few days summiting Mount Baker come on down to where the glacier melts into the sea and experience a true Sea to Summit experience!

There are so many great ways to spend the afternoon, share your stories of days spend kayaking and adventuring with us by tagging #moondancekayak to share the fun!

Recommended Accommodations In Whatcom County

Where Should I stay when visiting Whatcom County?

There are a ton of options when thinking about where to stay in Bellingham. Below we’ve listed 4 of our favorite more traditional places to stay. Don’t forget to check out the endless list of Airbnb options here as well.

Hotels

Chrysalis Inn & Spa | 360-756-1005 or 888-808-0005 | info@thechrysalisinn.com
804 10th Street, Bellingham
Each of our 43 guest rooms overlooks a spectacular Northwest seascape. Our spacious rooms all feature a window seat, fireplace, down comforters, luxury amenities, and a 2-person bath elegantly set in natural slate. Full service spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, make-up, spray tan services, and manicures & pedicures.

Heliotrope Hotel | 360-220-7932 
2419 Elm Street, Bellingham
Heliotrope hotel offers modern lodging for the PNW adventurer. Close to breweries, cafes, restaurants, bars, mountains, lakes, and the sea, the Heliotrope is positioned in the center of all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Local ownership is dedicated to providing a modern and comfortable stay to all that visit – with public indoor and outdoor amenities. Bring your bike, your furry friend, your family, and let us be your guide to the adventure that awaits.

Hotel Bellwether | 360-392-3100 or 877-411-1200 | info@hotelbellwether.com
1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham
With guestrooms overlooking Mt. Baker and the Bellingham Bay, Hotel Bellwether is an unforgettable luxury hotel experience. Cozy up by the fireplace or enjoy an event in the hotel’s spectacular waterfront venues.

Home2 Suites by Hilton | 360-734-3111 | home2suitesbellingham@gmail.com
805 Home Lane, Bellingham
Located just two miles from Bellingham Airport and just minutes from downtown Bellingham and the Canadian border. An ideal base for business and leisure travelers. Our all-suite Bellingham hotel is also conveniently located next to Bellis Fair Mall and several popular restaurants. Remember to pack the dog bowl and leash – your pet is more than welcome!

Camping

Larrabee State Park | Reservations Required

245 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229

Set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham, Larrabee State Park is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. Come enjoy this 2,748-acre camping park and explore 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline. It's no wonder that this iconic outdoor locale was established as Washington's first state park. Noise warning: Railroad tracks

Be prepared for railroad noise when visiting the park. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak actively use the Burlington Northern railroad track that runs through the park day and night. The track runs through the park and bisects the main day-use and camping area. The noisiest areas are sites 42-49, group camp (G1) and walk-in sites W1-W8.

Birch Bay State Park | Reservations Required

5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230 (25 minutes north of Bellingham)

Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park gives you a private and secluded feel without being too far from urban life.