The boat types are evenly split between sailboats and powerboats, which reflects the great sailing conditions[3] on Puget Sound.

[4][5] The marina hosts the Downtown Sailing Series on Thursday nights during the summer.

[6] There are three aspects to Elliott Bay Marina's environmental improvements: the temporary steps taken during construction to reduce or ease the negative impacts on marine life; physical features built into the marina to enhance, protect, and encourage marine life; and operational practices that control pollutants or prevent them from entering the water: The 900-car parking lot was built with a series of storm water drains and traps for separating petroleum from the runoff.

More than 500 trees, 6,000 shrubs, and wide lawns were planted to act as runoff buffers, control erosion, and beautify the area.

Oil booms, spill containment kits, and an aluminum pontoon boat are at the ready should a spill occur in the marina, or to head off one that is drifting in from nearby commercial shipping piers.