Get your discount tickets for the Seattle Locks Cruise, save up to 9% !
Overview
Discover the best of Seattle on a scenic cruise through the heart of the city and experience the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ connecting Puget Sound and Lake Washington Ship Canal. On the saltwater of Puget Sound, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and majestic mountain ranges. Then, glide through the freshwater canal for a closer look at historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing vessels, floating homes, seaplanes, and more. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories of Seattle’s past and present from a live, local guide.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. Begin OR end (depending on your tour direction – check your ticket) your cruise on the bustling southern end of this lake in the heart of the city. Lake Union is a natural body of water surrounded by city buildings and highways. This is a popular spot for recreational activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating.
2. This is a popular shipyard providing full-service repairs and renovations for vessels. Passing by you’ll see large commercial fishing vessels. This is one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union and a go-to area for large vessels to be put into dry-dock.
3. Unique to Lake Union is the large floating home communities on it. See a variety of floating homes and houseboats, including the famous home featured in the classic 90’s movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. Spot quirky, colorful exteriors as well as luxurious, modern floating homes.
4. Get clear views of one of Seattle’s most picturesque and popular park. Gas Works Park is a decommissioned coal gasification plant that became later known as local-favorite for people to socialize, play, and visit. Nestled in the neighborhoods of Fremont and Wallingford, this park was also a filming location for the popular 90’s movie “10 Things I Hate About You”.
5. One of the few bridges you’ll go under on the Locks Cruise, the Fremont Bridge is one of the busiest in the United States. As you go cruise through the colorfully-decorated drawbridge, be in awe of how close our vessel fits right under.
6. Cruise down Lake Washington Ship Canal and follow the actual footpath from the boat. This trail stretches 1.9 miles and peeks at several of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. The trail follows an abandoned railroad and has views of Ballard’s maritime industrial area.
7. Opened by the Port of Seattle, marvel at the many commercial fishing vessels at Fisherman’s Terminal. Learn about Seattle’s fishing and maritime history and how this terminal has housed hundreds of fishing vessels over the years. Also, famously known for housing some of the boats from the popular show “Deadliest Catch”.
8. Be in the center of all the action of the nations busiest locking system. Experience your vessel being lowered an average of 20 ft (6m) from the freshwater level of Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound. This locking system is 100+ years old and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
9. Learn the history of Seattle’s largest natural park and enjoy the photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches. With about 560 acres of land, enjoy tranquility and overlook views of the Puget Sound. Visit the park in-person and visit the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.
10. Enjoy sweeping views of this large inland estuary, that lies between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle metropolitan area. Approximately 95 miles long, see views of popular mountain ranges like the Olympics. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of some wildlife!
11. The Locks Cruise makes sure to go by the iconic landmark, the Space Needle. You’ll have both up-close and panoramic views while on the tour. You’ll be able to take photos from our unobstructed view of the famous Space Needle, while also snapping the landmark itself in the skyline as a whole.
12. End OR begin (depending on your tour direction - check your ticket) your cruise from Seattle’s historic and lively central waterfront! Learn about both the past and present from your local tour guide as you cruise by the many piers and landmarks. You’ll see popular sights like the Space Needle, Great Wheel, Overlook Park, etc.
Inclusion
Live narration
2-hour sightseeing cruise
Interior and exterior seating areas
Restrooms available on board
Exclusion
Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
TWO DEPARTURE OPTIONS - This is a one-way tour that starts & ends at two different central Seattle marinas. Choose to depart from Pier 54 on the waterfront or from AGC Marina on Lake Union. The departure location is noted in the subtitle of the tour. If unsure - please call Argosy Cruises
Check-in 30 minutes prior to tour - Boarding starting 20 minutes prior to departure
All vessels offer both indoor & outdoor seating
All vessels have bathrooms
Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.
Kids (3 and under) ride free but do require a boarding pass
Gates close 5 minutes prior to tour departure time for boat preparation and safety checks
Reviews
4.8
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Explore other options
2-Hour Sunset Safari Eco Cruise on the Osprey from Cape May
Save up to 9.0%
New Orleans City and Cemetery Bus Tour
Save up to 12.0%
Sonoma Valley Small Group Winery Tour
Save up to 9.0%
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course
Save up to 9.0%
Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Small Group Tour
Save up to 9.0%
Downtown Los Angeles History and Architecture Walking Tour
Save up to 9.0%
Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghosts Tour
Save up to 12.0%
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Save up to 11.0%
Nola Voodoo Walking Tour with High Priestess Guide in New Orleans
Save up to 12.0%
Las Vegas Outdoor Go Kart Experience
Save up to 9.0%