Seattle Locks Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 457 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Seattle Locks Cruise worth booking?
Seattle Locks Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Seattle, United States, from $63 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 457 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (457)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $63 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Live narration
- 2-hour sightseeing cruise
- Interior and exterior seating areas
- Restrooms available on board
Not included
- Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)
What you'll see and do
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.
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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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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
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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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
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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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
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
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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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
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
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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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seattle
IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE There are two potential departure locations for the One-way Locks Cruise. - If your Locks Tour is titled: "One-Way Cruise from Lake Union / AGC Marina" Then that tour will depart from Argosy Cruises at AGC Marina on Lake Union
Meeting point
Seattle
IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE There are two potential Argosy Cruise departure locations for the Locks Cruise. - If your Locks Tour is titled: "One-Way Cruise from Elliott Bay / Pier 54" Then that tour will depart from Argosy Cruises at Pier 54 on the waterfront
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour - If your Locks Tour departs from AGC Marina on Lake Union - Then it will end at Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront
Ends at
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour - If your Locks Tour departs from Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront - Then it will end at AGC Marina on Lake Union
Options you can book
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 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: 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: 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
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Argosy Cruises
Know before you go
- 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
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 453 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
453 verified traveler reviews for Seattle Locks Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting cruise
Terrific views, fascinating operations of the lock, interesting information from tour guide, Angelo and Captain Sean.
via Viator
So fun!
Amazing sight seeing experience. Our tour guide Nate was super knowledge and the Captain and Brian too!
via Viator
Money well spent!
A lot of fun, informational and don’t worry about rain. Boat has areas inside though we had raincoats and stayed out on deck.. Would recommend getting there early if you do want to sit inside because if there happens to be a big group (which there was when we went), the inside sitting will fill up quickly.
via Viator
Great cruise
Really enjoyed our cruise! Going through the locks was very cool. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Must see
I recommend this experience as a priority for any Seattle visit. Interesting and informative and enables seeing the city and suburbs from the outer a waterway and Union lake.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $63 to $64
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 160
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Argosy Cruises, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.0.
See everything Argosy Cruises runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Seattle Locks Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seattle.
How much does Seattle Locks Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $63 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seattle usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Seattle Locks Cruise take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seattle is not rushed.
Is Seattle Locks Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 457 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Seattle, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Seattle Locks Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Seattle Locks Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Seattle Locks Cruise?
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Around 160 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seattle can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seattle and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Seattle Locks Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seattle within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seattle?
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Seattle's best days leave the city: Mount Rainier, the San Juans, Olympic National Park and Snoqualmie Falls are all day-trip range, and each one lives or dies on the driver-guide. In town, Pike Place food tours, underground history walks and harbour cruises dominate. Our ranking favours operators with small vans over full coaches on the mountain runs. On Outty we rank every Seattle experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle, Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour, Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
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June to September for clear Rainier views and reliable ferry weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seattle?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Seattle Locks Cruise?
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Included: Live narration; 2-hour sightseeing cruise; Interior and exterior seating areas; and Restrooms available on board. Not included: Snacks and beverages (available for purchase); Gratuities; and Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase se. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Seattle Locks Cruise?
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IMPORTANT DEPARTURE NOTE There are two potential departure locations for the One-way Locks Cruise. - If your Locks Tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Seattle Locks Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Seattle Locks Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Seattle Locks Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Seattle Locks Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Seattle. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Seattle Locks Cruise?
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Across 457 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Seattle Locks Cruise?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including From Lake Union w/ Return Bus, From Elliott Bay w/ Return Bus, From Lake Union: Cruise Only, From Elliott Bay: Cruise Only. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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