We are thinking about taking a Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour from 9 -12:30 on a Saturday morning in Port Townsend. We need to have the rental car back in Seattle by 4:00PM. Can we make it in time? Has anyone done this tour? Thanks.

I've done the tour and found it quite informative. You might want to bring a snack or beverage along...these aren't traditional cruises with full service. Re the drive back, hopefully Gardyloo or another local will chime in here...I should think you'd be ok, but you'll be cutting it close. Do you have to have the car back by 4 pm to make a flight? Do you mean SeaTac airport or is the return in Seattle itself? If you have a 4 pm rental return time, my experience is that you do get an hour's grace, so getting it bck by say 4:30 pm, shouldn't cause you any problems.

I had notes from nice ladies at Washington State Ferries and the Menzies Project, and they both thought I might not make it back in time given the Saturday holiday weekend traffic and busy ferry. I have to return the car downtown Seattle and they close at 4. It did look like a great trip, but we'll just keep it in mind for next time. I was able to book a whale watch with Captain Jack out of Port Townsend on Friday, so I'm pretty excited about that. Thanks for your help.

I'd be tempted but probably would chicken out. Zero room for error, not a relaxing way to spend a Saturday.

The drive from Port Townsend to Seattle via the Narrows Bridge and Tacoma takes just about three hours. Therefore, if you are in your car by 12:45 you should be able to make it back to the rental agency by 4:00 PM. If you will deliver the car to SeaTac Airport, the drive will take about 20-25 minutes les..