Whidbey Island Lakes

Lakes Near Whidbey Island

Sometimes you should spend some time near the water. A stay at a lake can be amazing for those that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are many great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Whidbey Island during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Whidbey Island have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the table below to have a look your nearby locations including swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Whidbey Island

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Whidbey Island there are many things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with all kinds of choices.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Whidbey Island’s lakes offer a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the following list of items is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Sunscreen
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Radio or speaker
  • Bottle opener
  • Dry shirt
  • Insect repellant
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Swimsuits
  • Portable phone charger

Specialty lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for excursions to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Something to read
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Tackle box and lures

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Whidbey Island, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that your whole group remains safe while around the lake.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Whidbey Island

Some people may not get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Whidbey Island and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Whidbey Island might be packed with tourists. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!