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.

      
 Excellent4.79298 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent9298 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dal M 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +17
My experience was amazing. We were very fortunate to have a sunny ☀️, very clear day in Seattle. My opinion is that this is a worthy experience to have in Seattle. Watch the city, the port, the sunset and rainier mountain all together is awesome. We were provided food by a catering company, not sure how it works when if it is not an employee reunion.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Owen 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great city cruise. Guide was excellent.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Fiona Hunter Prosser 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I splurged and bought the more expensive ticket which included getting on in the first group.  It was so worth it.  It was a great trip, had a lovely bar and great views.  I sat on the middle deck as it was chilly to this Florida girl, but could take great photos just outside at the rear of the boat.  Comfortable table to sit at and everyone was very friendly.  Great information on what buildings were where and to make it even better, it was a beautiful sunny day.  Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a short trip but getting to see Seattle from the water.  Loved it.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Jacob 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
My daughter (19) and I took an Argosy Harbor Cruise yesterday afternoon. The weather was so pleasant that we were comfortable on the upper deck in just a light jacket. The views of the Olympic Mountain range were spectacular.  We both loved the cruise narration, we learned a lot of interesting history of Seattle, and plenty of fun facts. Staff pointed out a bald eagle on top of one of the buildings, too!

Checking out the shipping yard and watching the cargo containers being loaded onto a freighter was really unexpectedly, very cool!

We highly recommend taking a cruise, even if you've been to Seattle before. We liked seeing the newly redesigned waterfront from the water.  I bet you'll leave with a new perspective.

Beyond the narration, all the staff were so friendly and welcoming. Our visit to Seattle wouldn't have been the same without getting out on the water. We're excited to visit more CityPASS attractions today!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Beullah Escalante 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
Had so much on the harbor tour. Guided are knowledgeable and funny. I highly recommend if you want to get to know more about Seattle's harbor and history.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sally D 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
A well-narrated cruise around the bay. You can see the city skyline, islands and industrial area. A great way to get acquainted with the City. Good and snacks can be bought on board. Folks seem to rush to grab a seat up too, but the views on lower decks were very good too. Erin did a great job of describing city, natural and the port features.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Mohrland 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fun and friendly staff.  Great tour.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Bell 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tour, staff was excellent
Had a really good time.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Brennan 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worthy! Loved the scenery, the crew, and the local history lesson.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jera Best 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice
  
 
 
  
 
 
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