Seattle Locks Cruise: Explore Lake Union and Puget Sound

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: 24 hours
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…
What's Included
  • Live commentary on board
  • 2 hour narrated boat tour through the Ballard Locks
What's Not Included
  • Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
Additional Information

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…

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
(288 Ratings)
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Ckfp46r5k7
Dec 9, 2024
Best views of the city - I bought this tour mostly for my husband because he absolutely loves boats and has been trying to get me over to the Ballard Locks for several years. We absolutely love playing tourist in our hometown and this tour did not disappoint. Our tour guide (I think his name is Matthew? 😬) was so informative and hilarious on top of that. We had an added bonus in Elliot Bay with a random boat fire! Smelled terrible but was pretty rad to role play as investigators trying to solve a crime (you know, making up scenarios in your head to match your vision). I have developed motion sickness in my midlife (yay add more goodies to the wrinkle bag) and was near vomit status in the Bay but as soon as we locked it up and got on Lake Union I was fine. Maybe the fish ladder has magical powers? The views of the city were fantastic and everyone on board was great. I also would like to say to the captain, sir, I greatly appreciate your need to put safety first as you stopped narrating the tour to safely drive us into the small locks. Plus your captain skills are legit, fine work to you and crew. I will recommend to others, can’t say I’ll personally be back due to sea sickness, but will send everyone I know your way!
Review provided by Viator
Jamesrq7030qh
Nov 16, 2024
Date adventure - It was a beautiful and entertaining cruise. We stayed downstairs most of the trip until we got to the Locks. Then went outside to watch the bridge fill and open the gate for us to pass.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raineys13
Nov 3, 2024
Good trip. - Great tour guide, great experience. Hot beverages, easy boarding and ticketing. Would definitely recommend. Unique locks experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annette_l
Nov 2, 2024
Argosy Lochs Cruise - The Lochs Cruise was well worth seeing. The tour guide was knowledgeable and informative. The transition from salt water to fresh water was pretty cool.
Review provided by Viator
Redsnut1355
Oct 28, 2024
Great Cruise - We took this lock cruise on a recent visit to Seattle. It was a great and informative cruise. We really got to see how the locks work and there was a load of information given to us. We were really glad we took this cruise. At the end you could choose to take the bus or walk back. We chose to walk back as it wasn't that far a walk back to the harbor area and it was a beautiful day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurie_b
Oct 22, 2024
Loved this tour! - Excellent tour! Very exciting going thru the locks. The tour guide was fantastic pointing out places of interest, and also filled us in on exciting facts. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
Nikki_a
Oct 21, 2024
Seattle Experience - Awesome excursion with beautiful & enlightening commentary. Left on time and communicated well throughout the locks cruise
Review provided by Viator
Stacey_f
Oct 18, 2024
The guide on the boat was fantastic and very knowledgeable - Going through the locks was very interesting with passing through Salt Water to Fresh Water. The raising of the bridges.
Review provided by Viator
Vincent_m
Oct 16, 2024
Relaxing Day on the Water - I take this tour every year to unwind and relax. The narration was great. I am pleased that they resumed the return bus service.
Review provided by Viator
Julia_b
Nov 25, 2024
Fun time learning about Ballard locks and more! - Had a fun time getting to learn about the locks and Seattle with a friend visiting town! Kurt and the captain did a great job narrating the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 19 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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