Why choose this tour ?

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. 


What makes Seattle Locks Cruise a unique experience ?

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

See large commercial fishing vessels hauled out of the water in drydocks at one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union

See several of Lake Union's famous floating home communities, including the one featured in the classic movie "Sleepless in Seattle"

Witness the decommissioned coal gasification plant that became one of Seattle's favorite parks

Your vessel barely fits under the colorfully-decorated Fremont Bridge, one of the busiest drawbridges in the United States

Cruise down the Lake Washington Ship Canal and peek at several of Seattle's historic neighborhoods

Marvel at commercial fishing vessels of all sizes and learn about Seattle's fishing and maritime history

Experience your vessel being lowered an average of 20 ft (6m) from the freshwater level of Lake Union to the saltwater level of Puget Sound in this 100+ year old locking system

Learn the history of Seattle's largest park and enjoy the photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches

Experience expansive views of this inland body of saltwater and its surrounding islands and mountain ranges. If you're lucky, you may even glimpse some wildlife!

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline from the water

End OR begin (depending on your tour direction - check your ticket) at Seattle's central waterfront, a short walk from the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Art Museum

Tour Description & 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
  • Kids (3 and under) ride free but do require a boarding pass
  • All vessels offer both indoor & outdoor seating
  • All vessels have bathrooms
  • Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.
  • Check-in 30 minutes prior to tour - Boarding starting 20 minutes prior to departure
  • Gates close 5 minutes prior to tour departure time for boat preparation and safety checks


Options To Choose for Your Trip:

  • From Lake Union: Cruise Only
    Add
    Duration: 2 hours
    Departs from AGC on Lake Union: This one-way Locks Cruise begins at AGC Marina on South Lake Union and ends at Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront.
    Starting point:
    Argosy Cruises - Lake Union, Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
  • From Lake Union w/ Return Bus
    Add
    Roundtrip AGC Marina/Lake Unio: This experience includes both a one-way Locks Cruise and a Return Bus to bring you back to your starting location.
    Starting point:
    Argosy Cruises - Lake Union, Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
  • From Elliott Bay w/ Return Bus
    Add
    Roundtrip Pier 54/Elliott Bay: This experience includes both a one-way Locks Cruise and a Return Bus to bring you back to your starting location.
    Starting point:
    Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront, 1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, #201, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
  • From Elliott Bay: Cruise Only
    Add
    Departs Pier 54/Elliott Bay: This one-way Locks Cruise begins at Pier 54/Elliott Bay on the Seattle waterfront & ends at AGC Marina on South Lake Union.
    Starting point:
    Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront, 1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, #201, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Seattle Locks Cruise Inclusions:

Included with Your Ticket

  • Live narration
  • 2-hour sightseeing cruise
  • Interior and exterior seating areas
  • Restrooms available on board

Not Included

  • Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)

Special Instructions:

Boarding begins 20 minutes prior to departure and ends 5 minutes before departure. Check in with an Argosy Cruises representative before joining the boarding line. Questions? Call 206 623-1445

Seattle Locks Cruise

Please be advised..

  • This Tour is Provided by Argosy Cruises.
  • Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This Tour is Rated 4.7 Stars based on 296 valid reviews on VIATOR.
  • Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
  • Maximum 19 Travelers is accepted for booking.

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).