Table Of Content
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment