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.
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.
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Lake Union - Start or finish (depending on your tour direction – refer to your ticket) your cruise at the vibrant southern end of this lake located in the city’s core. Lake Union is a natural water body encircled by urban structures and highways. It’s a favored location for recreational activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating.
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- Lake Union - Start or finish (depending on your tour direction – refer to your ticket) your cruise at the vibrant southern end of this lake located in the city’s core. Lake Union is a natural water body encircled by urban structures and highways. It’s a favored location for recreational activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating.
- Lake Union Drydock Co - This renowned shipyard offers comprehensive repair and renovation services for vessels. As you pass by, you’ll notice large commercial fishing vessels. It’s one of the oldest establishments on Lake Union and a preferred site for large vessels to undergo dry-docking.
- Floating Homes Association - Lake Union is home to extensive floating home communities. Observe a variety of floating homes and houseboats, including the famous one from the classic 90’s film “Sleepless in Seattle”. Spot quirky, colorful exteriors alongside luxurious, modern floating homes.
- Gas Works Park - Enjoy clear views of one of Seattle’s most scenic and popular parks. Gas Works Park, a former coal gasification plant, is now a beloved local spot for socializing, playing, and visiting. Situated in the Fremont and Wallingford neighborhoods, this park was also a filming location for the popular 90’s movie “10 Things I Hate About You”.
- Fremont Bridge - One of the few bridges you’ll pass under on the Locks Cruise, the Fremont Bridge is among the busiest in the United States. As you cruise through the vibrantly-decorated drawbridge, marvel at how closely the vessel fits beneath it.
- Ship Canal Trail - Sail down Lake Washington Ship Canal and follow the actual footpath from the boat. This trail extends 1.9 miles and offers glimpses of several of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. The trail follows an abandoned railroad and provides views of Ballard’s maritime industrial area.
- Fishermen’s Terminal - Opened by the Port of Seattle, admire the numerous commercial fishing vessels at Fisherman’s Terminal. Discover Seattle’s fishing and maritime history and how this terminal has accommodated hundreds of fishing vessels over the years. It is also famously known for housing some of the boats from the popular show “Deadliest Catch”.
- Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - Be at the heart of the action of the nation’s 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 over 100 years old and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Discovery Park - Discover the history of Seattle’s largest natural park and enjoy photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches. With approximately 560 acres of land, enjoy tranquility and overlook views of the Puget Sound. Visit the park in person and explore the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.
- Puget Sound - Relish sweeping views of this vast inland estuary, situated between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle metropolitan area. Spanning approximately 95 miles, enjoy views of popular mountain ranges like the Olympics. If fortunate, you might even spot some wildlife!
- Space Needle - The Locks Cruise ensures a visit to the iconic landmark, the Space Needle. Enjoy both close-up and panoramic views during the tour. Capture photos from our unobstructed view of the famous Space Needle, while also photographing the landmark itself within the skyline.
- Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront - Conclude or commence (depending on your tour direction - refer to 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.

- Live narration
- 2-hour sightseeing cruise
- Interior and exterior seating areas
- Restrooms available on board
- 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)
- Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
Explore the highlights of Seattle on a picturesque cruise through the city’s core, featuring the renowned Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ that links Puget Sound with the Lake Washington Ship Canal. While on the saltwater of Puget Sound, admire stunning views of the city skyline and the impressive mountain ranges. Then, smoothly…
Explore the highlights of Seattle on a picturesque cruise through the city’s core, featuring the renowned Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ that links Puget Sound with the Lake Washington Ship Canal. While on the saltwater of Puget Sound, admire stunning views of the city skyline and the impressive mountain ranges. Then, smoothly navigate the freshwater canal to get an up-close view of historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing boats, floating homes, seaplanes, and more. Throughout the journey, enjoy engaging tales of Seattle’s history and present-day life from a knowledgeable local guide.
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.