Seattle Locks Cruise
CRUISE LENGTH
Departs from
Detail
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.
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.
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.
Return Bus
Same two hours of sightseeing on the Locks Cruise, plus tickets for a Return Bus that will transport you back to your starting location. Select tickets for the Return Bus as an Add-on during checkout. Return Bus operated by City Sightseeing.
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.
