Sunday, March 31, 2024

Seattle Locks Cruise Argosy Cruises Seattle

seattle locks cruise

While waiting for the cruise to depart, you can explore the nearby attractions and activities. Take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront, visit the famous Pike Place Market, or indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the nearby restaurants. The wheelchair accessibility, flexible booking options, and free cancellation policy add to the overall convenience and peace of mind. Don’t miss out on this exceptional tour that promises to leave a lasting impression. It’s worth noting that changes to bookings aren’t accepted within 24 hours of the start time. The cancellation policy is based on local time, so it’s essential to keep that in mind when making any changes or cancellations.

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Argosy Cruises is finally returning to Seattle's waterfront this weekend - Curiocity

Argosy Cruises is finally returning to Seattle's waterfront this weekend.

Posted: Fri, 28 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

That is why they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This gives travelers peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected arises, they can cancel their reservation without any penalty. From traversing the Ballard Locks to cruising between Lake Union and Puget Sound, this tour promises to showcase the best of Seattle’s beauty and history. But there’s more to discover beyond the tour highlights, including accessibility options, flexible booking, and glowing traveler reviews. Embarking on the Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour is like stepping into a postcard, where stunning waterways and engineering marvels await. Argosy’s tour boat loads on a dock at the AGC Marina located at the south end of Lake Union.

Are Pets Allowed on the Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour?

Pull up to the outdoor Fish Bar for some clam chowder or snag a booth in Ivar's Acres of Clams restaurant right next door. If fish 'n chips aren't your cup of tea, there's plenty of sandwich, salad, and chowder options. The weather was really nice and we like to walk so we walked up through Pike Place Market, through downtown and South Lake Union and back to our car.

Free cancellation

The Locks Cruise is a one-way trip that ends at a different location than it starts – Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union. If you aren’t feeling up to it, choose to take multiple modes of transportation back to your original departure location. I live in Seattle and absolutely adore Pike Place Market, my little pup Scout, coffee and pastries and traveling with my family. For a look at another popular tourist activity in Seattle, check out my post about visiting the Space Needle. After entering the Sound, we turned southward, where we passed the small West Point Lighthouse (built in 1891) with views of Mount Rainier in the distance. Shortly after passing under the Aurora Bridge, we entered the Fremont Cut and approached Fremont Bridge.

Accessibility and Check-in Requirements

Take in the views of the Walla Walla Valley Balloon Stampede and soar above the Puget Sound's San Juan Islands--all from the comfort of your seat. With tickets under $20, this is the best way to see every corner of the state in just a matter of minutes. Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion.

seattle locks cruise

This version of the tour, starting at Lake Union, is Argosy’s second Locks Tour of the day. We ended up waiting at the marina just a little past our advised arrival time for that first clockwise tour to arrive. Fun and adventure starts with us and we’ve been doing it for over 75 years. Hop on to see and know Seattle like a local with stunning views, neat history, and, of course, a full service bar. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat or want to enjoy sit-down dining on the waterfront, look no further than Ivar's. Epitomized as one of the Northwest's best seafood destinations, Ivar's is a well-known spot to grab award-winning fish 'n chips and catch the views of the Puget Sound.

There are snacks, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Our crew is trained to help guests navigate both our docks and our vessels and are prepared to assist. Curious on how to spend the rest of your afternoon after sailing with us on the Locks Cruise? We've got the lowdown on the must-stop-spots to check out around the Seattle Waterfront while you're in Seattle.

seattle locks cruise

They maintain the level of Lake Union and Lake Washington at feet above sea level. And they move boats up and down from the higher freshwater level to the lower seawater level and vice versa – a liquid boat elevator. All of these functions were on clear display as we passed through. Lake Union is a popular spot for water recreation in the Seattle area. The lake seemed to be covered in kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and even a big blowup floating flamingo, along with plenty of smaller boats. Everyone down below on the water seemed to know to get out of the way.

The park is open 365 days, rain or shine, and has 21 installations that will have you in awe. As I did in Seattle, I always try to seek out great local tours to give me further insight into each place I visit. Here’s a post about the great Warner Bros Studio Tour in Hollywood. Careful examination of the photograph below shows the freshwater surrounding our boat at a level higher than the seawater on the other side of the gate.

And so we spent two hours one beautiful Seattle afternoon cruising the waterways around Seattle and touring the Ballard Locks by boat. Take in the spectacular views and experience the transition from salt to fresh water. Between Elliott Bay and Lake Union you’ll be surrounded by floating homes and houseboats, large fishing vessels, seaplanes, majestic city parks, and more. We enjoyed popcorn, mixed drinks (cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks too), Ruby Jewel Ice cream sandwiches and clean bathrooms on both the tours we went on. By securing your spot with a reservation, you can avoid any disappointments of sold-out tours. Plus, booking in advance allows for better planning and flexibility in your travel itinerary.

Windstar Cruises makes history in Seattle - Cruise and Ferry

Windstar Cruises makes history in Seattle.

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Along the way, you’ll also pass by popular landmarks such as the Space Needle and the famous Pike Place Market. Travel through the Ballard Locks into Lake Union for an amazing sight-seeing adventure! With live narration from your captain, you will learn about Seattle's historic waterfront. Along the way, you will see photo-worthy views and wondrous marine life who call the inlets home. Just a brisk one mile walk north along the waterfront will take you directly to the edge of the Olympic Sculpture Park.

See a different side to Washington State's biggest city on this Seattle Locks Cruise. This one-way Ballard Locks cruise allows you to see the spectacular Seattle skyline, and learn about the city's Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Whether you need assistance booking, helpful details for you to be prepared, or need to make a change, our knowledgeable and helpful customer support team is prepared to assist you. Our docks and vessels do move around on the water, so we recommend our guests wear low or no heels when joining us.

With a lowest price guarantee starting from just $59.54, customers can trust that they’re getting the best deal available. It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

On your cruise, expect to see seaplanes, boathouses, fishing boats, and the Ballard Locks fish ladder, among other sights. Your tour includes your choice of a 24- or 48-hour Hop On Hop Off Pass that you can use to easily get around on 17 stops to popular sights from the comfort of our open-air, double-decker buses. We arrived at the meeting spot for the Argosy Cruises Harbor tour about 30 minutes before our tour departed and then our boat ride was about 2 hours long. Because this tour is a one way tour, ours started at South Lake Union and ended at the Seattle Waterfront. We could choose to take a car-share, public transportation, rental bike/scooter or walk back to our parked car. To sum it up, the Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour offers an affordable and scenic experience for travelers exploring the beautiful city of Seattle.

Prior to reaching the Locks, we passed several Salmon Bay shipyards and dry docks (for boat repair and maintenance). Once the crew cleaned the boat after the first tour, we loaded on. We were near the front of the line and so were lucky to secure seats right up front on the outside deck (note the chairs in the picture). For our Locks Tour, we started at the south end of Lake Union, worked our way through the Fremont Cut to the Locks, and then out to the Puget Sound. We then turned southward, heading down the coast, ultimately docking at the downtown Seattle Piers (directly south of the Space Needle on the map). There is no dress code for the tour, but it is recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather conditions.

Seating on board our vessels is first-come, first-served and will begin 20 minutes prior to departure. If we had more time in our day before our tour we might have had lunch at Ba Bar or Cactus, spent some time at the MOHAI, and maybe grabbed a coffee and pastry at Fresh Flours. There are so many things to do in Seattle in both of these areas that we always run out of time before we run out of ideas. Aurora Bridge spans the northwest corner of Lake Union, connecting the Queen Anne and Fremont neighborhoods of Seattle. Under the northern end of this bridge (and not visible from the tour boat), sits the famed Fremont Troll – a unique and fun piece of street art. The cruise takes you past some of the best photo spots in Seattle, allowing you to capture the city’s beauty from a unique perspective.

Tour of Ballard Locks Locks Cruise Seattle

seattle locks cruise

The view of the Seattle skyline widened behind us, and soon the Space Needle came into view. While waiting for everyone else to load, we enjoyed the southward view of downtown Seattle. And we had time to visit the bar below deck for some liquid refreshment. Soon our crew introduced themselves, including our guide, who provided live commentary throughout. For a smooth booking process, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Sky View Observatory

And even after living in the city for nearly 20 years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this part of the city from the water. We also circled back and got some phenomenal views of the city as well. This is a great tour to take if you like to take photos-I could barely stop taking pictures. Ryan was the same tour guide on both of the tours we took and he was very knowledgeable and current on everything going on in the city. The departure point for the Seattle Locks Cruise is conveniently located near downtown Seattle.

Seattle Locks Cruise - One-Way Tour

DRONE: Watch largest ship to ever cruise through Ballard Locks - KING5.com

DRONE: Watch largest ship to ever cruise through Ballard Locks.

Posted: Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It also provides the convenience of paying later and enjoying the peace of mind with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. For this cruise, your tour either starts on the Seattle Waterfront or in South Lake Union and both are great areas to get an idea of how locals might also spend a day in our city. On the Seattle Waterfront you have easy access to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium and all the shops and restaurants that line the downtown piers. Touring the Ballard Locks and surrounding waterways with Argosy Tours was a great way to spend two hours in Seattle. It was fun to experience the boat elevator firsthand, and I gained a greater appreciation for the lakes and canals that are an important part of Seattle life.

Best Value! Over 120 years of Seattle history in 120 minutes

This bridge dates back to 1917 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to its low clearance, and the general busyness of this waterway, the Fremont Bridge is the most frequently-opened drawbridge in the United States. Our boat wasn’t quite tall enough to require an opening, and we passed tightly underneath. Lake Union is a freshwater lake surrounded by residential Seattle on all sides. It connects with the larger Lake Washington to the east through another manmade channel called the Montlake Cut. Boats from Lake Washington can then use these various waterways and the Ballard Locks to reach the Puget Sound.

Plus who doesn’t love a boat ride out in the open sea, especially if it includes a great view of Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle. Clearly this adventure is more than just touring the Ballard Locks. It also provides great insight into the waterways around Seattle, plus is an enjoyable boat ride with some great views. Argosy Cruises operates the tour twice daily and it lasts for two hours. We learned so much about our own city as we cruised away from the pier and south of Seattle towards where the cargo ships unload their containers. We even saw one of the giant cranes at work-this doesn’t happen all the time-it’s a working dock.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like. In such cases, alternative options will be provided to ensure the best experience for guests. With regards to cancellations, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Seattle Locks Cruise’s cancellation policy. If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period. As we continued our journey, Seattle’s full skyline came further into view. With the defining Space Needle as an anchor, it’s an iconic view of one of the top cities to visit on the West Coast of the USA.

Locks Tour

Make sure to double-check the departure time and arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled boarding time. After familiarizing yourself with the cancellation policy, it’s time to hear what previous travelers have to say about their experience on the Seattle Locks Cruise. The overall customer satisfaction of this tour is evident from the positive feedback and testimonials received.

This makes it easier for individuals to plan their trip without worrying about immediate payment. Custom Private Group Tours are donation-based and led by experienced subject matter experts. Custom tours include information not available on free scheduled tours and are tailored to your specific time, needs and interests. Custom tours are limited to custom tour guide availability and require at least 30 days advance planning and approval. Are you dying to see the expansive scenery of Washington state but don't have the means or the time? Pop on over to Pier 57 for a show stopping experience as the flying theater whisks you over the Olympic National Rainforest and down seaside cliffs.

seattle locks cruise

How long is the Argosy Cruises Locks Tour?

We also recommend having a coat or light jacket should you want to stroll the outer decks of our vessels. Our guide taught us about some of the buildings and piers that line the Sound in this area. We also learned how the shipping industry operates through this area. Once through the Locks, we headed out through the western portion of Salmon Bay towards the Puget Sound. It connects with a another narrow (but natural) portion of the channel called Salmon Bay.

Your salt-to-freshwater cruise is narrated by a live guide, who'll entertain you with nuggets of local history as you float past fishing boats, seaplanes, and floating homes. Grab a cocktail or soft drink from the bar while passing under historical bridges, and experience the boat rising, and lowering with the locks that control the action on the Puget Sound. The Ballard Locks are one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions. The Locks separate the saltwater Puget Sound from the freshwater lakes and channels inland, and also function as a “boat elevator”, moving boats up and down between the two separated water levels. Most visitors tour the Locks by land, standing on their edge to watch the boats pass through. But the idea of touring the Ballard Locks by water was a no-brainer for me.

Lake Union is also known for floating homes dotting its shoreline. Middle-aged folks like me probably remember the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie Sleepless in Seattle. The home in which he had such difficulty sleeping (due to love not lake noise) is pictured below. The tour has a pet-friendly policy, but there are certain pet restrictions in place.

It is a family-friendly experience with activities and amenities designed to cater to their needs and ensure an enjoyable time for the whole family. With these tips in mind, you can easily book your Seattle Locks Cruise and enjoy a memorable journey through the stunning waterways of Seattle. The Seattle Locks Cruise offers a captivating experience, showcasing the breathtaking highlights of cruising between Lake Union and Puget Sound. As you navigate through the renowned Ballard Locks, prepare to be amazed by the stunning views and picturesque surroundings. When it comes to pricing and booking, the Seattle Locks Cruise offers an affordable and convenient option for travelers.

Layered clothing is a good idea as it allows for adjustments throughout the cruise. For travelers seeking additional information about the Seattle Locks Cruise, there are a few important details to note. Search or filter to find nearby experiences and upcoming events catered to you. Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device. Per Washington State law, all of our vessels are non-smoking and non-vaping, including on the outer decks.

With its competitive pricing, stunning views, and convenient transportation option, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. Firstly, if you require wheelchair accessibility options, it’s recommended to provide advance notice. The cruise is designed to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. After passing through the first portion of Salmon Bay, we approached the Ballard Locks. He was the engineer who initially led the construction project back in early 20th century. They prevent the mixing of seawater from the Puget Sound with freshwater from the inland lakes and channels.

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