Seattle Locks Cruise: Explore Lake Union & Downtown
4.8
206 Ratings
Seattle
Embark on a one-way Seattle Locks Cruise to explore Lake Union and downtown Seattle. See famous floating home communities, seaplanes, and historic neighborhoods while passing through the Ballard Locks. Enjoy stunning views of Seattle's skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Mt Rainier.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Lake Union - 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 Drydock Co - See large commercial fishing vessels hauled out of the water in drydocks at one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union
- Floating Homes Association - See several of Lake Union’s famous floating home communities, including the one featured in the classic movie “Sleepless in Seattle”
- Gas Works Park - Witness the decommissioned coal gasification plant that became one of Seattle’s favorite parks
- Fremont Bridge - Your vessel barely fits under the colorfully-decorated Fremont Bridge, one of the busiest drawbridges in the United States
- Ship Canal Trail - Cruise down the Lake Washington Ship Canal and peek at several of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods
- Fishermen’s Terminal - Marvel at commercial fishing vessels of all sizes and learn about Seattle’s fishing and maritime history
- Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - 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
- Discovery Park - Learn the history of Seattle’s largest park and enjoy the photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches
- Puget Sound - 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!
- Space Needle - Enjoy unobstructed views of the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline from the water
- Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront - 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
What's Included
- Live commentary on board
- 2 hour narrated boat tour through the Ballard Locks
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks (available for purchase on board)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on board)
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Begin and conclude your nautical excursion at separate central points in Seattle, available are Pier 54 or AGC Marina on Lake Union. This popular local activity gives you the chance to discover both Lake Union and the heart of Seattle. Lake Union is famously known as the home of floating house societies featured in the popular film Sleepless in Seattle. You can watch seaplanes taking off and landing routinely, inspect commercial docks housing vessels from the successful TV series Deadliest Catch. Transit beneath the Fremont Bridge which is renowned as America’s most frequently opened drawbridge and journey by historic districts of Seattle. As you traverse from Lake Union’s freshwater to the saltwater of the Puget Sound via the Ballard Locks, these locks facilitate boats moving an average height of 20 feet between the lake and sea level. Once in Puget Sound, behold the sights: Seattle’s remarkable skyline, the impressive Olympic Mountains and Mt Rainier, and the large ferries transporting travelers within the city.
- 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
Location
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront
Alaskan Way
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(206 Ratings)
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378adrianusv
May 23, 2024
Cruise on! - my 3rd time, with different friends, always a winner!
it's fun, entertaining and certainly get a good view of the city,
especially on a nice day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
668jeanniea
May 5, 2024
Nice trip even in the rain - This was a nice trip. I recommend going on the lock tour over just the bay tour. It added to the experience. It was a rainy, gloomy day but the inside cabins were warm with great views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D186wxpattim
Apr 24, 2024
Great cruise! - Great cruise with great staff. Going through the locks was super cool. The tour guide, Benjamin, was well spoken with lots of interesting facts and information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriciare7617pa
Apr 23, 2024
WOW!!! - Very Relaxing and informative cruise. Loved the narration of everything and especially the "locks". We would recommend this cruise to anyone..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_r
Apr 20, 2024
Very relaxing. Beautiful... - Very relaxing. Beautiful scenery. Greet explanation of every thing. Need a better way to get back to your original destination is our only suggestion
Review provided by Viator
Eric_p
Apr 16, 2024
Very Chill Two Hour Tour - Very chill two hour boat ride with narration by knowledgeable crew mate Ben. Good sights to see and interesting to cross through the locks between fresh and salt water.
Review provided by Viator
Jimmy_w
Mar 30, 2024
Great way to enjoy some unique features of Seattle - Great way to see some unique features of Seattle on a glorious spring day. Lake, loch, Puget Sound with the Seattle skyline as a backdrop! Informative commentary from the Argosy crew.
Review provided by Viator
Kristen_n
Mar 25, 2024
So much fun! - Loved it!! My only complaint is that it’s a one way tour, so you’ve got to figure out your own way back. It was an hour walk back.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_s
May 16, 2024
We had a very... - We had a very knowledgeable cruise commentator who was easy to hear and understand. Helpful to have a bus available to return to starting point.
Review provided by Viator
Tim_b
May 11, 2024
Great Day on Water - Lars was great guide - he made it fun. Beautiful day and that is how you would want to do this trip. Food options could be improved - I would recommend
Review provided by Viator
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