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Seattle Locks Cruise

422 Reviews 4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 422 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Seattle, USA

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On average, this is booked 15 (5.22) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Live narration
  • 2-hour sightseeing cruise
  • Interior and exterior seating areas
  • Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Lake Union (pass by)

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.
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Lake Union Drydock Co (pass by)

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.
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Floating Homes Association (pass by)

Unique to Lake Union is the large floating home communities on it. See a variety of floating homes and houseboats, including the famous home featured in the classic 90’s movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. Spot quirky, colorful exteriors as well as luxurious, modern floating homes.
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Gas Works Park (pass by)

Get clear views of one of Seattle’s most picturesque and popular park. Gas Works Park is a decommissioned coal gasification plant that became later known as local-favorite for people to socialize, play, and visit. Nestled in the neighborhoods of Fremont and Wallingford, this park was also a filming location for the popular 90’s movie “10 Things I Hate About You”.
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Fremont Bridge (pass by)

One of the few bridges you’ll go under on the Locks Cruise, the Fremont Bridge is one of the busiest in the United States. As you go cruise through the colorfully-decorated drawbridge, be in awe of how close our vessel fits right under.
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Ship Canal Trail (pass by)

Cruise down Lake Washington Ship Canal and follow the actual footpath from the boat. This trail stretches 1.9 miles and peeks at several of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. The trail follows an abandoned railroad and has views of Ballard’s maritime industrial area.
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Fishermen's Terminal (pass by)

Opened by the Port of Seattle, marvel at the many commercial fishing vessels at Fisherman’s Terminal. Learn about Seattle’s fishing and maritime history and how this terminal has housed hundreds of fishing vessels over the years. Also, famously known for housing some of the boats from the popular show “Deadliest Catch”.
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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (pass by)

Be in the center of all the action of the nations busiest locking system. Experience your vessel being lowered an average of 20 ft (6m) from the freshwater level of Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound. This locking system is 100+ years old and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Discovery Park (pass by)

Learn the history of Seattle’s largest natural park and enjoy the photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches. With about 560 acres of land, enjoy tranquility and overlook views of the Puget Sound. Visit the park in-person and visit the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.
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Puget Sound (pass by)

Enjoy sweeping views of this large inland estuary, that lies between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle metropolitan area. Approximately 95 miles long, see views of popular mountain ranges like the Olympics. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of some wildlife!
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Space Needle (pass by)

The Locks Cruise makes sure to go by the iconic landmark, the Space Needle. You’ll have both up-close and panoramic views while on the tour. You’ll be able to take photos from our unobstructed view of the famous Space Needle, while also snapping the landmark itself in the skyline as a whole.
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Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront (pass by)

End OR begin (depending on your tour direction - check your ticket) your cruise from Seattle’s historic and lively central waterfront! Learn about both the past and present from your local tour guide as you cruise by the many piers and landmarks. You’ll see popular sights like the Space Needle, Great Wheel, Overlook Park, etc.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Check-in 30 minutes prior to tour - Boarding starting 20 minutes prior to departure
  • All vessels offer both indoor & outdoor seating

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: Will I get seasick on Seattle Locks Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-2960P11

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.85
422 reviews

Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 422 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
383
4 stars
27
3 stars
6
2 stars
1
1 star
5

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On average, this is booked 15 (5.22) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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
  • Check-in 30 minutes prior to tour - Boarding starting 20 minutes prior to departure
  • All vessels offer both indoor & outdoor seating
  • All vessels have bathrooms
  • Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.
  • Kids (3 and under) ride free but do require a boarding pass
  • Gates close 5 minutes prior to tour departure time for boat preparation and safety checks
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 175 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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