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.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Live narration
2-hour sightseeing cruise
Interior and exterior seating areas
Restrooms available on board
Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
Meeting Points
Departure
Argosy Cruises - Lake Union
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
Return
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront
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
Need Help?
Important Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
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
Lake Union Drydock Co
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
Floating Homes Association
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
Gas Works Park
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
Fremont Bridge
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
Ship Canal Trail
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
Fishermen's Terminal
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
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
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
Discovery Park
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
Puget Sound
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
Space Needle
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
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront
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.
Seattle Locks Cruise
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Seattle
Select Date & Travelers
From
$63.5
$57.00
Price varies by group size
About
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.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Live narration
2-hour sightseeing cruise
Interior and exterior seating areas
Restrooms available on board
Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
Meeting Points
Departure
Argosy Cruises - Lake Union
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
Return
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront
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