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.

      
 Excellent4.79334 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent9334 reviews
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      Posted on Google  
   
   Beth Thomas 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Tour guide was super knowledgeable, everyone was super nice! Not exactly the route I was expecting, it was essentially just a down and back of the shoreline but it was cool learning about Seattle and different ships that come into the bay.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mukta Agarwal 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
It was a wonderful 1 hour cruise tour giving a view of Seattle skyline, neighbourhoods landscaping like Mt Rainier and an overall history of the city. The guide on board was excellent with sharing details of the buildings passing by. There was also food and drinks to purchase on board.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Joyce Paasch 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We really enjoyed Elle‘s presentation. We still remember the five types of salmon because of the tip she gave us. It was great that she talked about the city and about the shipping industry. It was all very interesting and the cruise was better than I expected.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Rebecca Radziejeski 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderfully accommodating staff and a beautiful tour of the bay.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Megan Rossouw 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Sunset Cruise was exceptional, they were very punctual and the tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. I travelled to Seattle in Aug 2026 and it was my first time in there. I really enjoyed the excursion, it was one of my favourite outings and I will definitely recommend it.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marsha Amraen 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very informative tour guide.  We learned alot about Seattle.
Highly recommend..
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zoë Lawrenson 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Excellent cruise, we really enjoyed it and had a great guide. The warm adult ciders with local spirits were a great addition a slightly chilly day so we could still be outside / in seat service was great. Views were pretty and guide was knowledgeable.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Flower Le 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Crew and captain explained everything so well. Nate, our guide, was excellent! It was a short trip, but I learned a lot about the history of Seattle. I would definitely recommend for anyone visiting the city for the first time!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Arslan Akhtar 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
Simply amazing tour of Seattle from the sea. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and pointed everything that you would want to learn about. I would definitely recommend the one hour tour. The boat was very large and comfortable.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David Schexnayder 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +12
A glorious day in and around the city and the bay, with perfect weather and views of the skyline.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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