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Book your Seattle Locks Cruise in Downtown Seattle
See the best of Seattle from the water on a scenic cruise that departs from Downtown Seattle and takes you past the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a fascinating “boat elevator” linking Puget Sound with the Lake Washington Ship Canal. You’ll admire sweeping views of the city skyline and distant mountain ranges on the saltwater side, then glide through freshwater for up-close looks at historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing vessels, floating homes and seaplanes. Throughout the journey a live local guide shares engaging stories of the area’s past and present, making this cruise a memorable Ballard-area experience that’s perfect for sightseeing, family outings, couples and anyone who wants an unforgettable Water-Based tour of the region.
About this activity in Downtown Seattle
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Cruise Seattle’s waterfront and take in sweeping city skyline vistas and mountain panoramas from Puget Sound
- Ride through the historic Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks - watch the unique ‘boat elevator’ link salt and freshwater
- Glide the Lake Washington Ship Canal to view floating homes, seaplanes, commercial fishing vessels and charming neighborhoods up close
- Enjoy live, local narration that brings Seattle’s maritime history and modern stories to life throughout the 2-hour sightseeing cruise
Important Information
- This one-way scenic cruise starts and ends at different central marinas; choose the departure listed in the tour subtitle when booking
- All vessels provide indoor and outdoor seating plus onboard restrooms; snacks and drinks are available for purchase during the trip
- Wheelchair access and service animals are accommodated - call ahead if you need boarding assistance or crew support
- Kids aged 3 and under ride free but still require a boarding pass; gratuities and transportation between marinas are not included
Meeting Point
Select either Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union as your departure. Check in 30 minutes before departure (boarding begins 20 minutes prior). Gates close 5 minutes before departure for final safety checks-if you’re unsure which marina to use, call Argosy Cruises.
Includes
- Join a 2-hour sightseeing cruise with live narration to learn about Downtown Seattle sights as you travel.
- Relax in both interior and exterior seating areas - all vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating.
- Use onboard restrooms during the cruise for added comfort.
Excludes
- Snacks and beverages are not included; you can purchase them on board.
- Gratuities are not included.
- Transportation between the tour start and end locations is not included (return bus tickets may be available for purchase seasonally).
Other
- Wheelchair accessible - all areas, surfaces, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible; please call in advance to secure crew/boarding support.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; kids 3 and under ride free but still require a boarding pass.
- Service animals are allowed on board.
- You’ll find public transportation options nearby to reach the departure marinas.
- Choose between two departure options: depart from Pier 54 on the waterfront or from AGC Marina on Lake Union - this is a one-way tour that starts and ends at two different central Seattle marinas; the departure location is noted in the tour subtitle and you can call Argosy Cruises if unsure.
- Check in 30 minutes prior to the tour; boarding begins 20 minutes before departure and gates close 5 minutes prior for boat preparation and safety checks.
- All vessels provide bathrooms and both indoor and outdoor seating, making the cruise comfortable for all physical fitness levels.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Really enjoyed the Seattle Locks Cruise! Informative commentary; lots to see on both sides of the boat; going through the Ballard Locks was a highlight - fascinating to see the process up close. Food/beverages sold on board are expensive but you can't bring any on board.
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Summary:
Good boat, grest narration, good variety of snacks and beverage. Interesting sights. Yes, I recommend for young and old alike
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Summary:
A really excellent way to see Lake Union, get out onto the sound and learn more about the history of the bay.
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Know more about Downtown Seattle
On this scenic Seattle cruise you'll enjoy sweeping Puget Sound views of the city skyline and distant mountain ranges, glide through the freshwater Lake Washington Ship Canal, pass seaplanes and floating homes, and watch commercial fishing vessels. The route includes a transit through the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks for a close-up look at the historic boat elevator.
Passing through the Ballard Locks is like riding a historic boat elevator: you move from saltwater in Puget Sound into the freshwater canal system while watching lock operations and local maritime activity. The live guide explains the engineering and local significance as you transit between the two water levels.
Yes. A live, local guide provides engaging narration throughout the 2-hour sightseeing cruise, sharing stories about Seattle’s past and present as you pass iconic waterfront neighborhoods, commercial docks, and maritime landmarks.
Yes. The cruise is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages-kids 3 and under ride free with a boarding pass-and offers indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms on board, and live local narration that brings Seattle’s history and waterfront stories to life for families.
All vessels are wheelchair accessible with accessible boarding options available; call in advance if you need crew boarding support. Check-in begins 30 minutes before departure with boarding starting 20 minutes prior, and gates close five minutes before departure for safety checks.
Plan for a one-way tour that starts and ends at two different marinas-choose departure from Pier 54 on the waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union as noted in the tour subtitle. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board, gratuities are not included, and seasonal return transportation may be offered for purchase.
