Seattle Locks Cruise: Sailing between Puget Sound and Lake Union

Overview

This 2-hour sightseeing cruise allows you to sail between the salt waters of Puget Sound and the fresh waters of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The journey is highlighted by the passage through the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, which act as a boat lift. The route offers views of the Seattle skyline and the surrounding mountains. As you progress through the canal, you will see historic neighbourhoods, commercial fishing boats, houseboats, and seaplanes, all while enjoying live commentary from a local guide. Four options are available depending on your transport needs. You can choose to depart from Pier 54 (Elliott Bay) or the AGC Marina (Lake Union). For 'cruise only' options, the trip is one-way and ends at the opposite point of departure. For added convenience, options including a return bus are available to bring you back to your starting point.

Itinerary

1. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

3. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

4. Gas Works Park

   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”.

   · Non-stop passage

5. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

6. Ship Canal Trail

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

7. 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”.

   · Non-stop passage

8. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

9. Discovery Park

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

10. 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!

    · Non-stop passage

11. Space Needle

    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.

    · Non-stop passage

12. Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront

    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.

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Ticket to be presented at the departure point

Boarding begins 20 minutes prior to the time listed on your ticket and ends 5 minutes before departure. Check in with an Argosy Cruises representative before joining the boarding line. Questions? Call 206 623-1445

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• The activity is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Prams and pushchairs are accepted.
• Assistance dogs are permitted.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Transport options are accessible for people with reduced mobility.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• Departure is either from Pier 54 (waterfront) or AGC Marina (Lake Union), depending on the option chosen.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour; boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
• The vessel features both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Toilets are available on board.
• For wheelchair users, please call in advance to ensure boarding assistance.
• Children aged 3 and under travel for free but require a boarding pass.
• Boarding closes 5 minutes before departure for security checks.
• Maximum capacity is 175 travellers.
• Booking confirmation is immediate.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund possible less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking panoramic views of Seattle from the water.
• People with reduced mobility or families with pushchairs.
• Visitors wishing to understand how the Ballard Locks operate.
• People who understand English (guide's language).

What makes it different

• Actual passage through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks acting as a boat lift.
• Ability to choose the departure point and include a return bus transfer.
• Live narration provided by a local guide throughout the 2-hour cruise.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 2960P11

Activity offered by Argosy Cruises via Viator.