Seattle Locks Cruise, Seattle

The Seattle Locks Cruise is a scenic, narrated one-way journey that combines sightseeing with a practical way to travel between the Seattle waterfront and South Lake Union.

Lasting around two hours, the cruise takes you through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, where boats are raised or lowered by approximately 20 feet as they transition between the saltwater of Puget Sound. Another highlight is passing the freshwater of Lake Union, providing a fascinating look at this remarkable engineering system.  

Along the route, enjoy sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline, including the Space Needle, as well as floating home communities, working marinas, fishing vessels, historic bridges, and the picturesque Lake Washington Ship Canal, all set against a backdrop of mountains and waterways.  

The experience is enhanced by live onboard narration, which brings the city’s history, maritime culture, and landmarks to life, while comfortable indoor seating, open-air decks, and onboard refreshments.