To explore Chuckanut Bay from a sea kayak, contact Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures (tel. 360/738-7664). 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), has 3-hour Wednesday evening sailings during the summer for $45 per person. Gatro Verde (tel. 360/220-3215), 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.