Seattle Locks Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the best of Seattle on a scenic cruise through the heart of the city and experience the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ connecting Puget Sound and Lake Washington Ship Canal. On the saltwater of Puget Sound, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and majestic mountain ranges. Then, glide through the freshwater canal for a closer look at historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing vessels, floating homes, seaplanes, and more. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories of Seattle’s past and present from a live, local guide.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
TWO DEPARTURE OPTIONS - This is a one-way tour that starts & ends at two different central Seattle marinas. Choose to depart from Pier 54 on the waterfront or from AGC Marina on Lake Union. The departure location is noted in the subtitle of the tour. If unsure - please call Argosy Cruises
Kids (3 and under) ride free but do require a boarding pass
All vessels offer both indoor & outdoor seating
All vessels have bathrooms
Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.
Check-in 30 minutes prior to tour - Boarding starting 20 minutes prior to departure
Gates close 5 minutes prior to tour departure time for boat preparation and safety checks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Live narration
2-hour sightseeing cruise
Interior and exterior seating areas
Restrooms available on board
Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
What To Expect
Lake Union
Begin OR end (depending on your tour direction – check your ticket) your cruise on the bustling southern end of this lake in the heart of the city. Lake Union is a natural body of water surrounded by city buildings and highways. This is a popular spot for recreational activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating.
This is a popular shipyard providing full-service repairs and renovations for vessels. Passing by you’ll see large commercial fishing vessels. This is one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union and a go-to area for large vessels to be put into dry-dock.
Options
From Lake Union: Cruise Only
Duration: 2 hours
Departs from AGC on Lake Union: This one-way Locks Cruise begins at AGC Marina on South Lake Union and ends at Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront.
Starting point:
Argosy Cruises - Lake Union, Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
From Elliott Bay w/ Return Bus
Roundtrip Pier 54/Elliott Bay: This experience includes both a one-way Locks Cruise and a Return Bus to bring you back to your starting location.
Starting point:
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront, 1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, #201, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
From Lake Union w/ Return Bus
Roundtrip AGC Marina/Lake Unio: This experience includes both a one-way Locks Cruise and a Return Bus to bring you back to your starting location.
Starting point:
Argosy Cruises - Lake Union, Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
From Elliott Bay: Cruise Only
Departs Pier 54/Elliott Bay: This one-way Locks Cruise begins at Pier 54/Elliott Bay on the Seattle waterfront & ends at AGC Marina on South Lake Union.
Starting point:
Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront, 1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, #201, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Reviews
357 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
2 hour cruise
Monique M,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience, great square guide, and deck hands. We really enjoy traveling from South Lake Union to downtown Seattle.
Super fun trip - not to be missed!
Diana F,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lovely trip - loads of little known information about the area. Both the narrator and the ship captain were very informative about local history and what to expect on the boat ride. We did the Lake Union to DT Seattle tour and bussed back. Highly recommend!
Was a really great way to...
Sarah C,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Was a really great way to see Seattle by water. There are drinks and snacks on board. Bring a sweater or rain jacket if you’d like to sit on the bow.
Enjoyable trip!!
Shekhar M,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good experience. The support staff and crew members were amazing. Highly recommended. One suggestion for folks opting for cruise with return bus, just take an Uber. You will save time and money.
Ripeoff
Marvin O,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
1.00We took an Argosy cruise that left the Marina and dropped us off at pier 54. Unbeknownst to use we had to pay $30.00 to get us back to the Marina. The shuttle was not free.
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