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Seattle Locks Cruise
4.8
250 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
(250 Ratings)
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Denise_m
Aug 3, 2024
Beautiful and informative tour from the water - Going through the locks was so amazing. Larz was a great commentary during the whole tour. Learned a lot about the history and sites of the area . Beautiful views of the Olympic mountains, space needle, floating houses, house boats and boats of every size and shape. Well worth it. We took the 40 bus line C back to our hotel on 9th and Pike.
Review provided by Viator
Juan_a
Aug 3, 2024
Great time - Great experience, highly recommend to anyone visiting Seattle.
We had a wonderful time……
Weather was perfect
Review provided by Viator
Gabriel_l
Aug 2, 2024
Great end to end experience - Very streamlined, straightforward, and easy experience overall from booking to the actual event. The cruise was also a wonderful half-day activity for my family.
Review provided by Viator
Rolando_b
Aug 1, 2024
Sleepless in Seattle - Experience the beauty of nature in Seattle from the water. The crew had a clear explanation on how sea water separate from fresh water. Saw the floating house in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle “.
Review provided by Viator
514lucyp
Aug 1, 2024
The beautiful coastal waters must be experienced here! - Excellent Excellent Excellent!!!! Informative narrating and I really appreciate how R visited with guests to answer questions. Exciting to feel the water level change as we lifted to the fresh waters. Onboard facilities are 😊. One thing I would ask is for the AC on the double decker bus ride from Lake Union back to Pier 54 to be turned ON in the hot hot weather! Everyone on the top was visibly uncomfortable and perspiring profusely, including yours truly. The driver said he didn’t know how hot it was as I was leaving , covered in sweat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H3967hrtroyh
Jul 26, 2024
Seattle Locks Cruise - Beautiful views of Seattle and the Washington coastline. The crew was great, the narration was informative and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angie_r
Jul 24, 2024
Great Day - The day was beautiful! And you get a whole different perspective when seeing Seattle from the water. The crew was knowledgeable & considerate.
Review provided by Viator
Stevehh2525
Jul 21, 2024
Water Tour on Argosy from Seattle Docks to Lake Union - We had a fun time on this water tour. Best part was Lake Union, after getting through the locks. A lot of little stories were shared by the guide about the different ways people live on the water, the boat repair yards, etc. If you get lucky you get to see water planes land or take-off. Take sunscreen if you elect to stay outside.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sou_y
Jul 30, 2024
Missed the boat - No memorable memories. There was an accident on the highway and we missed our boat tour. I Don know if they will give refund . Stayed tune.
Review provided by Viator
Charlotte_n
Jul 28, 2024
Boat thumbs up bus thumbs down - The boat tour and locks was interesting however we waited 45 minutes for a bus to pick us up and it never came. We finally had to get an Uber. Still waiting to hear if we get a refund.
Review provided by Viator
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