To explore Chuckanut Bay from a sea kayak, contact Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures (tel. 360/738-7664; www.moondancekayak.com). It has half-day ($45 per person) and full-day ($80 per person) excursions starting at Larrabee State Park.

Sailboat excursions are another of my favorite ways to experience Bellingham. Shawmanee Charters (tel. 360/734-9849; www.bellinghamsailing.com), has 3-hour Wednesday evening sailings during the summer for $45 per person. Gatro Verde (tel. 360/220-3215; www.gatoverde.com), is a 42-foot catamaran that offers sailboat outings of 1 1/2 to 6 hours. The shorter outings are $30 per person and the longer outings are $85 per person.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.