Swantown Marina
A vibrant waterfront community in Olympia, WA, offering stunning sunsets, abundant wildlife, and easy access to downtown amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for sunsets
Swantown Marina
Best Time
Golden hour for sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront community in Olympia, WA, offering stunning sunsets, abundant wildlife, and easy access to downtown amenities.
"Wonderful marina! Fantastic staff, clean facilities, up to date, has secure gates and security staff(who are awesome)."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western exposure offers incredible sunsets over Budd Inlet. Don't miss it!
🐠 Tiny Fish Spectacle
Walk the open docks to see thousands of tiny fish swimming in unique patterns.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Budd Inlet
Breathtaking western sunsets paint the sky over Budd Inlet, the Capitol, and the Olympic Mountains.
Abundant Wildlife
Marina waters
Spot seals, herons, and countless tiny fish swimming in patterns. A nature lover's delight!
Vibrant Docks
Marina slips
Hundreds of boats, from liveaboards to yachts, create a lively atmosphere. Friendly neighbors abound.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Explore Beyond the Docks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western exposure offers incredible sunsets over Budd Inlet. Don't miss it!
🐠 Tiny Fish Spectacle
Walk the open docks to see thousands of tiny fish swimming in unique patterns.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
The marina is dog-friendly, with poop bags and a grassy area provided.
🚢 Explore by Boat
Swantown Marina is a great launch point for exploring the South Sound.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western exposure offers incredible sunsets over Budd Inlet. Don't miss it!
🐠 Tiny Fish Spectacle
Walk the open docks to see thousands of tiny fish swimming in unique patterns.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
The marina is dog-friendly, with poop bags and a grassy area provided.
🚢 Explore by Boat
Swantown Marina is a great launch point for exploring the South Sound.
🎪 Event Hotspot
Check for events like the Shoestring Circus or Harbor Day Festival. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swantown Marina is widely praised for its beautiful waterfront location, abundant wildlife, and excellent facilities. Visitors highlight the stunning sunsets, friendly atmosphere, and convenient access to downtown Olympia. While generally positive, some mention occasional officious staff and the water quality at low tide.
"Stayed the night here and visited family. Great restuarants nearby. The bathrooms are clean. Lots of recycling bins and garbage cans. Lots of wildlife in the marina. More Blue Herrons than seagulls. Seals that pop up and scare ya. Sunsets that are amazine. Walked the docks and met so e nice people. Shore power and a gas dock to round it out."
Matt Wicks
"Great trail along the marina border. Take the kiddos out onto the open dock to see the thousands of tiny fish swimming in a unique pattern. We got to see a sealing during our walk. 100's of boats are moored here to both store and live on. 24-hour security on site with limited tenant access for the rest of the marina."
Shane Nelson-Greenfield
"Wonderful marina! Fantastic staff, clean facilities, up to date, has secure gates and security staff(who are awesome), events and close to downtown. I was moored here for just over two years and I am going to miss this beautiful location and all the people."
Casey Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swantown Marina is located in Olympia, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for boaters. For those arriving by public transport, local bus routes can get you close to the downtown area, a short walk from the marina.
Yes, there is ample parking available for boaters at Swantown Marina.
Absolutely! Downtown Olympia, including restaurants and the farmers market, is just a short walk from the marina. +1
Swantown Marina is considered a great point to launch your South Sound exploration by boat.
Yes, the marina is close to Percival Landing, the Olympia Farmers Market, and downtown Olympia's shops and restaurants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Swantown Marina offers competitive slip pricing. For specific Swantown Marina moorage rates, it's best to contact the marina directly or check their official website.
No, general access to walk the docks and enjoy the marina atmosphere is typically free. However, specific events held at the marina, like the Shoestring Circus, will require tickets.
Yes, Swantown Marina has 24-hour security on site with limited tenant access for the rest of the marina, ensuring a safe environment.
Clean, coin-operated shower facilities are available for boaters. The bathrooms are also well-maintained. +2
Yes, Swantown Marina has a fuel dock available for boaters.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot numerous Blue Herons, seals that pop up unexpectedly, and hundreds of tiny fish swimming in the waters.
The docks at Swantown Marina are described as wide and stable cement docks, making for a comfortable experience.
Yes, families can enjoy walking the docks to see fish and wildlife. There are also events like the Shoestring Circus that are family-friendly.
Amenities include shore power, a fuel dock, easy access pump-outs, clean showers, and convenient recycling for boat fluids. +1
Yes, hundreds of boats are moored here for both storage and liveaboard purposes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are great restaurants nearby, and downtown Olympia offers a variety of ethnic dining options within walking distance. +1
The Olympia Farmers Market is just a mile away and operates year-round, offering fresh produce and local goods.
There's a great covered area with nice picnic benches, suitable for meals in any weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunsets over Budd Inlet, the diverse marine life, and the impressive array of boats moored in the marina.
The Olympia Harbor Day Festival and the Shoestring Circus often provide unique photographic subjects and vibrant scenes.
Golden hour, especially in the late afternoon and evening, offers the most dramatic light for capturing sunsets and the marina's ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1With clean facilities and a dog-friendly policy, it's easy to manage a family outing. Plus, the proximity to downtown Olympia means you're never far from dining options or other attractions like the farmers market.
⚓ Boaters and Sailors
The friendly neighbors and awesome security staff contribute to a welcoming and secure environment.
📸 Photographers
Capture the dynamic marine life, from playful seals to the mesmerizing patterns of tiny fish schools. Keep an eye on the event calendar for opportunities like the Olympia Harbor Day Festival or the Shoestring Circus, which provide lively subjects and unique perspectives.
+2 The marina's well-maintained docks and clean facilities also make for pleasant and accessible shooting conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Swantown Marina Experience
The marina's location is a significant draw, offering breathtaking sunset views over Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the frequent sightings of seals and Blue Herons, as well as the mesmerizing schools of tiny fish visible from the docks.
Beyond the docks, Swantown Marina is perfectly situated for exploring Olympia. It's a short walk to downtown, putting you within easy reach of the Olympia Farmers Market, diverse restaurants, and local shops.
Wildlife Encounters at Swantown Marina
A unique spectacle that many visitors enjoy is observing the thousands of tiny fish that congregate in the waters around the docks. These fish often swim in intricate, mesmerizing patterns, creating a dynamic underwater display.
Events and Activities Around Swantown Marina
+1 Tickets for these popular shows are known to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Another significant event is the Olympia Harbor Day Festival, which draws crowds and features local artists, including those selling prints of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
These events not only add excitement to a visit but also provide excellent opportunities for photography and engaging with the local community. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit