Seattle Locks Cruise

CRUISE LENGTH

2 hours · One-way

Departs from

Seattle Waterfront or Lake Union

Detail

Led by Local Guide

See More of Seattle in Just 2 Hours

Experience Seattle from two distinct waterfronts on a scenic two-hour journey through the Ballard Locks, the city’s famous “boat elevator.”

Cruise between Lake Union and the Seattle Waterfront, traveling from freshwater to saltwater or vice versa depending on your departure. Along the way, take in skyline and mountain views, floating homes, seaplanes, commercial fishing vessels and some of Seattle’s most distinctive waterfront neighborhoods.

A live local guide shares stories about the city’s history, landmarks and working waterfront as the scenery changes throughout the route.

Choose the direction that works best for your day, with departures from either Lake Union or the Seattle Waterfront and seasonal return transportation options available.

One Cruise. So Many Sides of Seattle.

Ride through the Ballard Locks: Watch the vessel rise or lower as you travel between the freshwater Ship Canal and saltwater Puget Sound.
See Lake Union up close: Cruise past floating homes, houseboats, marinas and seaplanes taking off and landing on the lake.
Pass beneath Seattle’s bridges: Travel under iconic drawbridges along the Lake Washington Ship Canal and see the city’s infrastructure from the water.
Take in two skyline perspectives: Enjoy views of downtown Seattle from Elliott Bay and a completely different angle from Lake Union.
See Seattle’s working waterfront: Pass fishing vessels, shipyards, tugboats and maritime businesses that remain an active part of the city.
Spot standout landmarks: Look for Discovery Park, Gas Works Park, the Space Needle and other familiar sights along the route.
Hear the stories behind the sights: Enjoy engaging narration from a live, local guide who brings Seattle’s history, neighborhoods and waterways to life.
Cruise comfortably: Choose indoor seating or open-air decks, with drinks and snacks available for purchase.

Please Note: This cruise is a one-way journey, ending at a different location than where you boarded. Be sure to check out our Transportation Tips page for easy return options.

If you or someone in your party needs assistance with boarding/disembarking, please call ahead of your Locks Cruise to let us know.

Plan & Save

Purchase tickets in advance and save! Secure the best price possible by booking ahead and reserving your spot.

Groups of 20 or more: Purchase group tickets (Minimum 20) on the Locks Cruise and save

CityPASS® reservations: First, purchase CityPASS® tickets online for immediate mobile ticket delivery. Next, upgrade your CityPASS® tickets online to reserve your visit date & time and receive your Locks Cruise boarding pass. LEARN MORE about saving up to 47% off a Locks Cruise plus 4 more top Seattle attractions with Seattle CityPASS® tickets.

Amenities

Full-service bar – Sip on local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like margaritas (Please, no outside drink permitted)
Variety of local snacks – Purchase from a menu of delicious pre-packaged sandwiches, salads and snacks (Please, no outside food permitted)
Indoor seating/Outdoor space – Whether you enjoy the breeze through your hair or like to stay cozy, you have the choice of indoor seating or the spacious outdoors
Restrooms – All of our vessels are equipped with gender specific, gender neutral or single stall restrooms
ADA accessibility – Our crew is trained to help guests with wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, etc. to navigate our docks, vessels and facilities. For specific ADA questions, please call our office at 206.623.1445

Departure Information

The Locks Cruise is a one-way journey that departs from the Seattle Waterfront or the AGC Marina in South Lake Union. The departure location is noted in the subtitle of the cruise or please check your confirmation email for location and address.

Parking Info

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Seating on board our vessels is first-come, first-served and will begin 20 minutes prior to departure. Vessel available on the day of your sailing may vary.

No outside food or drink allowed onboard.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Seattle Skyline

Gas Works Park

Floating Home Communities

Ballard Bridge

Fremont Bridge

Seattle CityPASS® saves up to 47% on admission to Seattle’s top 5 attractions, including a Harbor Cruise. Upgrade to a Locks Cruise by buying CityPASS tickets, then return to redeem your upgrade.

Combo Tickets

Have plans for more than just a cruise? Combo tickets are a great way to enhance your trip with additional sights.

Groups

Traveling or visiting with a larger crew? We got you! Experience Seattle altogether on one of our public sightseeing cruises.

Plan & Save

Purchase tickets in advance and save! Secure the best price possible by booking ahead and reserving your spot.

      
 Excellent4.79314 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent9314 reviews
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      Posted on Google  
   
   G! Garcia 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff is great at making this ride fun and informative.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ros Frost 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
An excellent tour, The boat, the 'Salish Explorer' was beautiful. There were 3 decks from which to take in the views, the staff were friendly and the commentary both informative and interesting. There was time to buy drinks and snacks. There were also toilets on board. We had a great time!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Ross 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Lars was a fantastic, fun and knowledgeable guide, the ride itself was beautiful and the boat was comfortable and well stocked!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   jimmyjr731 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
What an exceptional crew we had. Donald was a fabulous  local tour guide sharing so much history and information  with us as we traveled through so many areas.
Lars was the bartender/ cook that has been on the ship for 7 years and has a wealth of knowledge as well...
Such a great value price for all you are able to experience..top notch vessel, crew, and journey..
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Glazer 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The guide Danny was so passionate, excited, and knowledgeable about all things Seattle past and present. The tour was an absolute pleasure and the views of the city where amazing. A must do in Seattle.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   John Welker 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly informative narration….very friendly crew…..beautiful fall day
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Natalia Arce 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tour guide!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lina 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Such a great experience with beautiful views from the water.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jonathan Phan 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Taking the Argosy Cruise from the Seattle Waterfront at Pier 55 was easily one of the highlights of exploring the city. Boarding was smooth and efficient, and the crew welcomed everyone aboard right on schedule. The vessel itself was clean, spacious, and offered comfortable climate-controlled indoor seating alongside expansive open-air viewing decks. As the boat pulled out into Elliott Bay, the panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, the Great Wheel, and the Space Needle were stunning. On a clear day, catching sight of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier across the water makes the trip truly unforgettable.
The live narration throughout the tour was engaging, sharp, and struck the perfect balance between maritime history and fun local trivia. The guide shared fascinating details about the working port, the shipping terminals, and how the city’s waterfront evolved over the decades. The pacing of the one-hour harbor loop was just right, leaving plenty of time to take photos from every angle without feeling rushed. Down below, the onboard snack bar offered a solid selection of local craft beers, cider, coffee, and quick bites. Having a warm drink in hand while cruising along the bay made the entire ride comfortable and relaxing.
I strongly recommend booking your tickets online well in advance since peak afternoon and weekend departures sell out quickly. Arriving about 20 to 30 minutes before boarding starts is ideal if you want to snag an open bench along the top railing. Even in good weather, bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is smart because the coastal breeze picks up once you hit open water. Whether you are visiting Seattle for the first time or showing out-of-town friends around, this cruise delivers an unmatched vantage point of the Emerald City. It was a top-tier, well-organized tour from start to finish, and I would happily ride with Argosy again.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dee Miller 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a special treat while visiting my cousin. Our guide, Amy, was fabulous and so knowledgeable. She made the cruise! Shawn, the captain, manuvered us through the locks with ease. I highly recommend this fun cruise.
Lynn Jensen
Billings, MT
  
 
 
  
 
 
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