From US$63 per person
Book tickets on Viator (opens in a new tab): Seattle Locks CruiseYou book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.
4.8 / 5 from 457 reviews on Viator
- Group size
- Up to 15
- Language
- English
- Rating on Viator
- 4.8 / 5 · 457 reviews
About this tour
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.
Accessibility, as stated by the supplier
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair-accessible surfaces
- Wheelchair-accessible transport
- Stroller accessible
“Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.”The supplier’s own words
Meeting point: 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.
Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.
Itinerary
View itinerary · 12 stopsHide itinerary
- 1
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.(pass by)
- 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.(pass by)
- 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.(pass by)
- 4
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”.(pass by)
- 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.(pass by)
- 6
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.(pass by)
- 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”.(pass by)
- 8
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.(pass by)
- 9
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.(pass by)
- 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!(pass by)
- 11
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.(pass by)
- 12
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.(pass by)
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
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)
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Location & contact
- Area
- Seattle, Washington
- Meeting point
- 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
- Contact
- The tour operator’s own details aren’t published. Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.
Keep exploring
More wheelchair accessible things to do in Seattle
121 tours and experiences in Seattle where the supplier states wheelchair access, with their own access notes first.

Seattle's Original Guided Harbor Cruise
Seattle, Washington
4.7 · 2,280 reviews on Viator
During this 1-hour cruise around Elliott Bay, experience all the beauty and history Seattle has to offer. With live narration from a local guide, learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the west coast's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mount Rainier. Enhance your experience with our curated selection of local snacks and signature beverages available for purchase onboard.
“Wheelchair accessible. PLEASE CALL in advance to secure crew/boarding support.”
FromUS$46
View tour
Seattle Happy Hour Cruise
Seattle, Washington
4.2 · 45 reviews on Viator
Step aboard our Happy Hour Cruise and enjoy a laid-back summer evening on the water. This 1.5-hour cruise is the perfect way to kick back and socialize — whether you're meeting friends, seeing Seattle for the first time, entertaining visitors, or simply soaking up summer in the city. With minimal narration, the experience is designed for relaxing, sipping a refreshing beverage (1 cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage included!), and enjoying the scenery as the captain takes you on a scenic route through Elliott Bay.
“Wheelchair accessible. Please call in advance to secure crew/boarding support.”
FromUS$56
View tour
Seattle Sunset Cruise
Seattle, Washington
4.3 · 30 reviews on Viator
There’s no better way to experience a summer evening in Seattle than from the water. Join us for the Seattle Sunset Cruise, a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise with minimal narration timed perfectly to capture the golden hour and sunset over Puget Sound. Come aboard and head to the open-air deck as the city begins to glow in the warm evening light. As the captain navigates through Elliott Bay, enjoy breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, passing ferries, and the Olympic Mountains. Whether you’re enjoying a date night, celebrating with friends, wanting a memorable evening on your trip, or simply soaking in summer, the Seattle Sunset Cruise offers a peaceful and unforgettable way to end the day on the water.
“Wheelchair accessible. Please call in advance to secure crew/boarding support.”
FromUS$56
View tour