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.

      
 Excellent4.79304 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent9304 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jonathan Phan 
 0 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 
 0 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
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   judy swain 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I was fortunate to experience an Argosy Harbor Tour, courtesy of Westin Seattle, during my bday weekend.
Weather conditions was perfect!
The crew and tour guide were friendly; however I recommend that the tour guide pause for at least five minutes during the trip so that customers can enjoy the stunning views of Seattle Harbor without constant commentary.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Min Min Hsu 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +9
買CityPass最划算。先預約時間，但現場沒看你的預約時間，只是按照排隊先後順序登船，所以你要提早也可以，只是刷QE CODE入場。我們選擇下午夕陽日落的時間大概17:25左右登船，選擇最上層的甲板（風很大），風景一覽無疑，船上導覽人員也會很用心的介紹沿途的建築物、船隻、山。整趟郵輪很舒適，十分值得。
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Winslow 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tour! The tour guide was informative and funny. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andrea Harding-Donald 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Super fun great views quick trip around the bay
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dal M 
 2 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 
 2 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 
 2 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 
 2 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!
  
 
 
  
 
 
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