Activity Seattle, USA

Seattle Locks Cruise

4.8 (454 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

454 reviews

4.8

Seattle Locks Cruise — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Seattle Locks Cruise, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 175 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Argosy Cruises

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Youth (4–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)

Itinerary

Lake Union

Passing by

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.
Stop 2

Passing by

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.
Stop 3

Passing by

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.
Gas Works Park

Passing by

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”.
Stop 5

Passing by

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.
Ship Canal Trail

Passing by

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.
Stop 7

Passing by

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”.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Passing by

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.
Discovery Park

Passing by

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.
Stop 10

Passing by

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!
Space Needle

Passing by

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.
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront

Passing by

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE

There are two potential departure locations for the One-way Locks Cruise.
- If your Locks Tour is titled: "One-Way Cruise from Lake Union / AGC Marina"
Then that tour will depart from Argosy Cruises at AGC Marina on Lake Union
IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE

There are two potential Argosy Cruise departure locations for the Locks Cruise.
- If your Locks Tour is titled: "One-Way Cruise from Elliott Bay / Pier 54"
Then that tour will depart from Argosy Cruises at Pier 54 on the waterfront

End point

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour
- If your Locks Tour departs from AGC Marina on Lake Union
- Then it will end at Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour
- If your Locks Tour departs from Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront
- Then it will end at AGC Marina on Lake Union

Using your ticket

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

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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

Options

From Elliott Bay: Cruise Only

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
From Lake Union: Cruise Only

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