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Sky View Observatory & Lake Union Cruise

Sky View Observatory  in Seattle, Washington

Bodacious Bordeaux Woodinville Wine Pass + Seattle Locks Cruise Combo

Bodacious Bordeaux Woodinville Wine Pass in Woodinville, Washington

Woodinville Warehouse Wine Pass + Seattle Locks Cruise

Woodinville Warehouse Wine Pass in Woodinville, Washington

Hurray for Hollywood Woodinville Wine Pass + Seattle Locks Cruise

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iFLY Seattle + Seattle Locks Cruise

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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. up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Live narration.
  • Family-friendly.
  • Cruise duration: 2 hours.
  • One way cruise through the Ballard Locks.
  • Seating onboard our vessels is first-come, first-served, and will begin 20 minutes before departure.

Description

  • Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks.
  • Seattle skyline.
  • Gas Works Park (Location in the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”)
  • Kenmore Sea Planes
  • Floating homes & houseboats.
  • Historical bridges, including the Fremont & Ballard bridges.
  • Full-service bar (no outside drink permitted).
  • Variety of local snacks, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches available for purchase (no outside food permitted).
  • Indoor seating/Outdoor space.
  • ADA accessibility – The ship's crew is trained to help guests with wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, etc. to navigate our docks, vessels and facilities.

Friends on the Locks Cruise

Seattle Locks Cruise Reviews

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Seattle Locks Cruise is located at Argosy Cruises • 1101 Alaskan Way • Seattle , WA 98101

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Nearby Things to Do

  • Seattle Harbor Cruise
  • Pike Place Market Food & Culture Tour
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
  • Secret Food Tours Seattle
  • 3 Hour Seattle City Tour

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

  • The State Hotel
  • Lotte Hotel Seattle
  • Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown
  • Pan Pacific Seattle
  • Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown - Lake Union

Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle Locks Cruise

What should i wear.

Our docks and vessels do move around on the water, so we recommend our guests wear low or no heels when joining us. We also recommend having a coat or light jacket should you want to stroll the outer decks of our vessels.

Where do we depart?

With this experience, you will start at Pier 55 or AGC Marina and end in a new location.

Is the cruise appropriate for children?

Yes, this cruise is family friendly.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Our crew is trained to help guests navigate both our docks and our vessels and are prepared to assist.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, great photo opportunities!

How long is the cruise?

Approximately 2 hours.

Can I bring my food/beverages? Coolers permitted?

There is no outside food or beverages allowed onboard. There are snacks, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Can I bring my pet?

Due to our various food preparation permits, we are unable to invite pets onboard with the exception of service animals. If you bring a service animal, you may be asked: Is the animal required because of a disability? This is a yes or no question. You are not required to, nor can you be asked to disclose the nature or details of the disability. If the animal is not required because of a disability, then it will not be permitted. What is the nature of the work or task(s) that the animal is trained to perform? This question will not be asked if the nature of the work or task is readily apparent, such as a Seeing Eye dog. If the animal is not trained to perform specific work or tasks to assist the individual because of a disability, then it will not be permitted.

What is the smoking policy?

Per Washington State law, all of our vessels are non-smoking and non-vaping, including on the outer decks.

Do you sail in inclement weather?

Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine all year long. Captains may adjust routes to best manage conditions during sailing.

Will I get seasick?

It is highly unlikely. Our boats sail in the calm waters of the inner harbor of Elliott Bay as well as the protected waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington. We do not go out into open ocean water. Weather conditions and the wakes of large vessels can move our boats about, something which our captains are prepared to accommodate for during sailings

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The Thorough Tripper

Touring Seattle’s Ballard Locks by Boat with Argosy Cruises

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. While tripping some things to do during our recent visit to Seattle, I discovered that Argosy Cruises offers the chance to pass through the Ballard Locks by boat, with their twice-daily Locks Tour. 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. I wanted to experience the boat elevator firsthand – in a boat. And so we spent two hours one beautiful Seattle afternoon cruising the waterways around Seattle and touring the Ballard Locks by boat.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  If you buy something after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission.  This does not cost you anything extra and helps support this blog .

Locks Orientation and Tour Overview

The Ballard Locks sit in a channel between the Puget Sound and Lake Union. In the map below, the Sound is to the left, and Lake Union sits next to I-5. A manmade channel called the Fremont Cut connects the two. The Locks sit inside the channel.

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).

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. The second tour of the day travels in the opposite direction.

Starting Point

Argosy’s tour boat loads on a dock at the AGC Marina located at the south end of Lake Union. We used Lyft to get there. This version of the tour, starting at Lake Union, is Argosy’s second Locks Tour of the day. The first starts near their main office at Seattle’s Pier 55. We ended up waiting at the marina just a little past our advised arrival time for that first clockwise tour to arrive.

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).

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. Snacks are available for purchase too. Soon our crew introduced themselves, including our guide, who provided live commentary throughout. And then, we were off.

Northward Across Lake Union

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.

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. Our larger tour boat worked its way northward through this maze. Everyone down below on the water seemed to know to get out of the way. The view of the Seattle skyline widened behind us, and soon the Space Needle came into view.

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. It’s the one with the planters and kayak bottoms.

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.

Fremont Bridge and Cut

Shortly after passing under the Aurora Bridge, we entered the Fremont Cut and approached Fremont Bridge. 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.

The Fremont Cut (pictured above) is 5800 feet long. It connects with a another narrow (but natural) portion of the channel called Salmon Bay. The Locks are centered within Salmon Bay. Prior to reaching the Locks, we passed several Salmon Bay shipyards and dry docks (for boat repair and maintenance).

The Ballard Locks

After passing through the first portion of Salmon Bay, we approached the Ballard Locks . They are alternatively known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. He was the engineer who initially led the construction project back in early 20th century. The Locks serve several purposes. They prevent the mixing of seawater from the Puget Sound with freshwater from the inland lakes and channels. They maintain the level of Lake Union and Lake Washington at 20-22 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.

The Ballard Locks consist of two different sized locks – one for smaller vessels and one for larger, plus a spillway dam extending southward from the two locks. Waterflow over the spillway is adjusted to maintain the necessary freshwater levels.

Upon arrival to the locks, our boat entered the smaller one….

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. Once our boat parked fully inside the lock, a gate behind us closed, and the water started to drain away, slowly lowering our boat to the same level as the seawater.

Once the water levels matched, the gates opened, and we drove off into the saltwater side of Salmon Bay

Out to the Sound

Once through the Locks, we headed out through the western portion of Salmon Bay towards the Puget Sound. Houses line the coastline here – all with fantastic views.

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.

As we continued heading southward, downtown Seattle once again came into view. While traveling down the Sound, the wind picked up and the air temperature cooled, but the sea was calm.

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 .

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.

And ultimately our tour ended when we docked at the downtown Piers

Final Thoughts

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. 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.

You can book the Locks Tour on Viator by Clicking Here.

For a look at another popular tourist activity in Seattle, check out my post about visiting the Space Needle .

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. Or one about an Air Tour in Kauai .

And you can read about an entirely different kind of boat riding experience in my post on Riding the Plenta Boat to Lake Bled Island in Slovenia

If you are looking for other great tours in the Seattle area, the Viator is always a great resource,

Great post, Steven. As a stand-up paddler I’m no necessarily a great fan of locks (they mean exhausting portaging), but you make them sound like a ton of fun. Good to see so many stand-up paddlers on the lake, and what an amazing view of the skyline and Needle from there.

I think Lake Union would be quite the beautiful and convenient spot for locals who love to stand-up paddle

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(Image: Abby Luschei)

A Seattle native's first time on an Argosy cruise

The Sound, sea lions, and salmon, oh my!

Join me on my first-ever boat tour with Argosy . As a Seattle native, this experience has always evoked an eye roll or two. Isn't this a gimmick for tourists? But boy, was I wrong. On assignment as a brand new intern for Seattle Refined, I embarked on a journey that I would soon be talking about non-stop for weeks to come. You may think you can get your PNW boat fill by traveling via water taxi or ferry, but you'd be missing out. I was under the impression I had seen all there was to see of my city until I got to see it from a different point of view.

I boarded the Argosy Locks Cruise with Seattle Refined Assistant Editor Abby Luschei from Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront at 12:45 p.m. on a gorgeous 80-degree August day, sporting a short-sleeved blouse and denim jeans that I would soon regret. I scored a seat right in the front, which I highly suggest because it had the best view for seeing the sights. Our tour guide, Samantha, warmly welcomed us on board and dove straight into narrating our journey, sharing fun historical facts about what we were seeing.

After claiming my spot, I made a beeline to the bar to get myself a cocktail. Gotta support a local company like Copperworks Distillery, right? But let's be honest, I just love a good gin and tonic. I was on a cruise, after all.

Drink in hand and salt in the air, I was giddy as we toured around Elliott Bay. Not a bad day at the office, eh? I practically bolted to the other side of the boat when the captain announced we were approaching sea lions basking on a buoy. I had seen harbor seals 100 times, but sea LIONS? Never. The boat slowed so we could all get a glimpse, and Samantha began filling us in on sea lion facts.

She's been an Argosy tour guide for eight years and shared her favorite thing to spot on tours is orcas, of course! Samantha is crossing her fingers to see another one this summer.

Lucky for us, the Mountain was out! Turns out, Mount Rainier is only visible on average 90 days out of the whole year. Who knew? Maybe that's why it means so much to us locals. It was such a clear day, we were even able to see the snowy peak of Mount Baker in the distance.

Continuing onward, we passed Discovery Park and its infamous lighthouse (which I learned is one of the oldest in the Northwest. Thanks, Samantha!). Then we journeyed into the Shilshole Bay Ship Canal, which was a bustling city in and of itself, complete with insane views of Magnolia (fun fact: Magnolia was built on glacial drift). We got up close and personal with colossal cargo ships and cruise liners, but the highlight for me came as we entered the Ballard Locks.

Being inside the Locks was truly a one-of-a-kind experience I will never forget. How the captain managed to get our boat into this tight chamber honestly baffled me. Once inside, the doors behind us closed and I started to feel the boat sinking lower into the saltwater as it began draining, and then rise up again as the chamber filled with fresh water from Salmon Bay. That's when I discovered how appropriate this name was after massive Chinook salmon began thrusting their bodies up above the water and flopping back down. I felt like I was experiencing something straight out of a National Geographic magazine.

Once we made our way through the Locks, we entered Lake Union through the Fremont Cut, passing Gas Works Park, tug boats and neighborhoods of houseboats... including, of course, the iconic one from "Sleepless in Seattle."

As we neared the end of our two-hour journey, I watched with wide eyes as float planes took off directly from the water just a short distance from our boat, before we docked in South Lake Union.

You never know what you'll see on an Argosy cruise, which adds to the fun and a great excuse to ride again.

Here are my first-timer's tips: If I could go back in time and do this over, I would definitely have lunch on the waterfront beforehand because the only food options available on board are light snacks like popcorn. Wear layers because the temperature varies so much it's really hard to gauge what to wear. And I'd bring my nice camera because photo opportunities like this just don’t come around that often.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just love a good boat ride, this is truly an 11/10 Pacific Northwest experience.

Learn more about Argosy cruises here

Maddison Newell is a Journalism student at the University of Washington and an intern for Seattle Refined. While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.

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Custom Private Group Tours, led by experienced subject matter experts are availablr for a fee/donation.  Custom tours include dates and times not available on free scheduled tours and contain unique in depth content tailored to your desired areas of interest.  Custom tours are limited to guide availability and require at least 30 days advance planning and approval.

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The Ballard Locks

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The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, are an integral part of Seattle's extensive waterways. The busiest facility of their kind in America, the Ballard Locks form the heart of the channel connecting Puget Sound's saltwater with Seattle's main freshwater lakes. When completed in 1917, the locks were second only in size to the Panama Canal and the first of their kind on the West Coast. They function primarily to maintain the lakes" levels and allow the movement of vessels between them and the sea. The Ballard Locks are among Seattle's top tourist attractions; more than one million people visit annually. They watch salmon and other fish migrate through the fish ladder, visit the botanical gardens, and watch the nonstop parade of ships--from working vessels to pleasure craft--as they rise and fall in the locks.

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  • Ballard Locks
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Gray Line Seattle city sightseeing tour

Locks Cruise + Hop-On Hop-Off

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ABOUT THIS TOUR

Experience Seattle’s most iconic sights by both land and sea with this bundled tour. Take a boat cruise through the historic Ballard Locks and visit other city sights using a 24-hour or 48-hour Hop On Hop Off pass. While on the water, watch for seaplanes, boathouses, fishing boats, and the Ballard Locks fish ladder. Top it all off with a comfortable double-decker bus ride through town.

What's Included

  • You’ll get to see Seattle from the land and sea with this 2-hours Ballard Locks and Hop On Hop Off Tour bundle.
  • Learn about the Ballard Locks fish ladder and get insight into Seattle’s historic fishing industry.
  • Move around the city with a 24-hour or 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off pass. Our buses have 17 stops in front of several iconic Seattle landmarks.
  • Get in touch with Seattle’s roots as you explore the city via sea and land. Discover well-known locations and hidden gems as a group or on your own — whatever works best for you!
  • Benefit from Gray Line Seattle’s business partnerships and get 10% off meals and drinks at local restaurants.

Must See Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Pass

Don’t miss out on any of seattle’s famous landmarks.

Our Must See Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of the city! With our 24 or 48-hour ticket, you’ll get unlimited access to all of the highlights available on our route — a total of 17 stops!

(First tour starts at 10:00 am, last pick-ups of the day start at 4:00 or 5:00 pm – season dependent)

1 : SPACE NEEDLE

2 : frs clipper, 3 : edgewater hotel, 4: pier 66 - cruise terminal, 5: pier 55 - argosy cruises, 6 : pioneer & occidental square, 7 : historic chinatown gate, 8 : panama hotel & tea house, 9 : sky view observatory, 10 : seattle library, 11 : seattle convention center, 12: pike place market, 13 : pike brewing company, 14: seattle art museum, 15 : seattle waterfront at pier 55, 16 : the original starbucks @ pike place market, 17: amazon spheres, frequently asked questions (faqs).

At this time, all tours are conducted in English.

To give you the most bang for your buck, we have based pricing for our Hop-On Hop-Off service on hours rather than days. For example, if you purchase a 24-hour pass and Hop-On at 3:00 pm, your ticket will remain valid until 2:59 pm of the next day!

Our first stop (Stop #1) is at 600 Broad Street, right in front of the Space Needle.

6 reasons to cruise through the Ballard Locks

Taking a cruise provides a fresh perspective when taking in the beauty of the Emerald City.

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Since Seattle is surrounded by water, checking out the Emerald City on a boat is a natural choice. Elliott Bay, Lake Washington and Lake Union are connected. That means that fresh water and the briny drink combine. A locks cruise is a relaxing way to experience the storied waterways around Seattle. Enjoy an ideal vantage point off the coast of the picturesque city and then follow the waterway to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard and experience the shifting perspective of going from salt water to fresh water cruising.

A unique adventure. Arguably the best way to experience Seattle is on the water. Taking a cruise provides a fresh perspective on the operation of the Ballard locks. “The entire purpose of our tour is so you see the city in a different manner,” Argosy Cruises Locks Cruise deckhand Spencer Edgers says. “What we’re used to is seeing Seattle while driving around in a car. But if you take a cruise, it’ll be like you’re seeing an entirely different city. There is the visual side to it and then just the feel since we move from sailing on salt water to fresh water.”

An ever-changing experience. The Locks Cruise has been sailing through the Ballard Locks for 70 years. The cruise through Elliott Bay, the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Lake Union takes passengers past floating homes and houseboats, large shipping vessels, seaplanes and an array of well-manicured city parks. The aesthetically pleasing trip, which is narrated, is ideal for repeat visits since the excursion feels different every time.

“What always makes it fun for me is that it’s never the same,” Locks Cruise Captain Greg Kramer says. “One day there might be a new container ship docked or maybe a cruise ship is coming in. It’s unpredictable and eye-opening.”

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Experience wildlife in a different manner. “We get to see some amazing animals every time we go out,” Kramer says. “We get to watch harbor seals and California sea lions playing in their natural habitat. They’re just beautiful.”

Viewing migrating salmon in the harbor from June to September is fascinating. Many of the salmon returning to Seattle-area rivers are arriving from feeding grounds in Alaska but some may be traveling from as far as Japan. The clusters of salmon intently swimming to the river bank is a memorable sight. The best time to view the sockeye (red) salmon is mid-June to mid-July. The chinook (king) salmon typically arrive in August and coho (silver) are usually around in September. The Locks Cruise crew provide interesting insights and commentary about the salmon migration.

Nature and humans working together. A cruise is a great way to discover how natural forces affect the operation of the Ballard Locks. Tidal changes in Puget Sound affect raising or lowering levels. Vessels can be raised or lowered as much as 26 feet or as little as 6 feet. The best way to appreciate such a unique perspective is by being on deck of a ship, so you can feel it as well as see it.

Navigate through the well-traveled Ship Canal . An estimated 100,000 vessels travel though the canal each year. “It was originally built for the logging industry,” Kramer explains. “People don’t realize that 90 percent of Alaska’s fishing fleet are in the ship canal.”

Learn about the storied history of Seattle. Locks Cruises don’t just offer majestic views. A detailed take on Seattle is also part of the experience. “All of our guides have been trained to deliver all of the facts that come with Seattle,” Kramer says. “We start with how Seattle is named after a Native American chief. We detail how the city got its start and how it was burned to the ground during the 1800s and how it made its comeback. We take you all the way up what is happening now. Knowing the story of Seattle only makes the city that much more interesting.”

Take in spectacular views and experience the transition from salt water to fresh water on a narrated Argosy Cruises Locks Cruise . Boat & Bus option departs and returns from Pier 55; Stay & Play is a one-way trip through the Ballard Locks.

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  • You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
  • Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
  • The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
  • This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Seattle Hop On, Hop Off with Locks Cruise

City Sightseeing: Seattle Hop On, Hop Off with Locks Cruise

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  • Enjoy a 2-hour narrated Ballard Locks Cruise and see popular landmarks
  • Experience the "boat elevator" at Ballard Locks on the ever-changing tide.
  • Flexibility to choose from 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off Seattle bus ticket.
  • Explore top Seattle sights, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
  • Seasonal salmon sightings at Ballard Locks fish ladder.
  • Smartphone Voucher Accepted, no need to take print!

Experience the best of Seattle with our comprehensive land and sea package. Enjoy a 2-hour narrated cruise through the historic Ballard Locks and explore the city's highlights with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off Seattle bus tour. Discover iconic landmarks and enjoy the flexibility of hopping on and off at your leisure. Book now for an unforgettable Seattle adventure!

  • 24 or 48-Hours Seattle Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Ticket (as per option chosen)
  • 2-hour One-Way Locks Cruise
  • Photo stops near the major sights
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour (English)
  • Hotel Transfers
  • Entrance Fees

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Know before you go, useful downloads, cancellation policy, other seattle bus tours.

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City Sightseeing: Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + Sky View Observatory

City Sightseeing: Seattle Panoramic Night Bus Tour

City Sightseeing: Seattle Panoramic Night Bus Tour

City Sightseeing: Scenic Seattle Panoramic Tour

City Sightseeing: Scenic Seattle Panoramic Tour

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Ballardite goes for win #4 on Jeopardy

argosy ballard locks cruise

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

17 thoughts to “Ballardite goes for win #4 on Jeopardy”

c’mon, that’s an easy one!

Go Tom! Bring home the bacon!

what since when is moscow in europe

Go Team Nissley!!

(After taxes that’s what, $1.25?)

He did. That’s all I’m saying.

I’m glad the local guy is doing well, but can’t he clean up and wear something nice? No wonder Seattle ranks high in the worst dressed national rankings. Take some of the $71k and buy a suit.

C’mon, Snuff, a suit? He’s from Ballard, for goodness sake! At least he’s not wearing greasy overalls!

He wore a shirt and tie on Wednesday, you f’ing d’bag.

No, he can’t.

Also, if you don’t like the local culture, you can leave. Thanks!

yes, but you can never have enough bacon!

Another idiot gets money and his 15 minutes of fame that will both soon leave him never to return.

At the least he should get a haircut, a shower and a suit in that order.

I ride the bus with this fellow every weekday morning and it couldn’t happen to a lovlier person. I can assure you that he is well-groomed and appropriately attired. I am most impressed with his conscientiousness. He takes his young son to child care in the morning on his way to work. He and his wife have prioritized a quality child care for their children which means getting off the bus and walking his child to preschool and then returning to the bus in order to complete his trip to work. If only there were more Seattleites who cared as much for family and community instead of wasting time making ignorant and envious remarks on the internet.

I know this guy too and I swear he had some food stuck between his teeth the other day. Other than that, he’s swell.

thank you grutmorg. all true.

A shower? Your TV has smell-o-vision? What are you talking about?

Also, a four-time jeopardy champ is an idiot? Hmmm. Me thinks we know who the idiot is.

And lastly, why bedgrudge a regular dude a bit of scratch and a moment in the spot light? What, are those things reserved for more deserving celebrities like Q: Who Cares, the legendary bog commentor?

Who cares? I care!

I find Tom to be 100% charming and brilliant. Seriously? Raggin’ on his appearance, I think he is ADORABLE, a total babe!! What does how he looks has to do with anything anyway?

Idiot? No way! Tom is truly a smart, clever person. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy, either.

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argosy ballard locks cruise

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  • Ballard Bridge

Also known as the George Washington Memorial Bridge. Stands 167-feet high, 70-feet wide and 2,945-feet long. Opened  for vehicle traffic in 1932.

Cruises that Feature this Sight

Locks cruise 2 hours, private: locks cruise | stay & play 2-hour tour.

IMAGES

  1. Tour of Ballard Locks

    argosy ballard locks cruise

  2. Tour of Ballard Locks

    argosy ballard locks cruise

  3. Touring Seattle's Ballard Locks with Argosy Cruises

    argosy ballard locks cruise

  4. Ballard Lock Argosy Cruise Ship Editorial Photo

    argosy ballard locks cruise

  5. Take an Argosy Cruise through the Ballard Locks

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  6. Tour of Ballard Locks

    argosy ballard locks cruise

COMMENTS

  1. Tour of Ballard Locks

    Locks Cruise. Best Value! Over 120 years of Seattle history in 120 minutes. Get double the sightseeing on our Locks Cruise! Venture beyond the waterfront and explore three Seattle neighborhoods in a one- way trip on the Locks Cruise! This fully narrated tour provides you with knowledge, fun facts, and the one of kind experience of going through ...

  2. One of Seattle's Top Attractions: Ballard Locks

    The amount of vessels going through comes to about a whopping 50,000 each year! Argosy boat in the Lock Chamber! Out of that 50,000, Argosy Cruises is lucky to be one of them! On our Locks Cruise, you get to experience the "boat elevator" firsthand AND with a front row view. As a popular tourist attraction both on land and on water ...

  3. Locks Cruise & Hop on, Hop off Combo

    Save 9% on tickets to both Argosy Cruises and City Sightseeing. Hop on the red double decker bus from the Space Needle or Pier 54 and from there head to AGC Marina or stay at Pier 54 to hop on the local favorite cruise - Locks Cruise. This is a great way to see Seattle from all angles and through a local lens. Purchase online or in person.

  4. Seattle Locks Cruise

    Argosy Cruises • 1101 Alaskan Way • Seattle, WA 98101. View on Map. View Gallery Starting at. $54.00. Total Price: $60.53 (USD) Book Now. ... One way cruise through the Ballard Locks. Seating onboard our vessels is first-come, first-served, and will begin 20 minutes before departure. Read More.

  5. Touring Seattle's Ballard Locks with Argosy Cruises

    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. The second tour of the day travels in the opposite direction.

  6. A Seattle native's first time on an Argosy cruise

    I boarded the Argosy Locks Cruise with Seattle Refined Assistant Editor Abby Luschei from Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront at 12:45 p.m. on a gorgeous 80-degree August day, sporting a short-sleeved blouse and denim jeans that I would soon regret. I scored a seat right in the front, which I highly suggest because it had the best view for seeing ...

  7. Scheduled & Custom Tours

    The Locks are impressive when seen from the water. We recommend either Argosy Cruises or Ballard Kayaks...Proud Supporters of the Locks. Learn more about Custom Private Group Tours? Free guided public tours are available daily from May 1 through Sept 30, except Mondays and Tuesdays when viistor center is closed. ...

  8. Enjoyable "Adult Only" Cruise

    Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront: Enjoyable "Adult Only" Cruise - See 5,015 traveler reviews, 1,220 candid photos, and great deals for Seattle, WA, at Tripadvisor.

  9. Seattle's Argosy Harbor & Ballard Locks Cruises: Find Me in Seattle

    Argosy Cruises in Downtown Seattle offers 2 types of boat tours. The Seattle Waterfront Tour is a 1 hour narrative boat ride around the Seattle Waterfront an...

  10. Tour of Ballard Locks in Seattle on Argosy Cruise

    Tour of Ballard Locks in Seattle on Argosy Cruise. Enjoy the spectacular views and experience the transition from salt to fresh water on a Locks Cruise!

  11. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour & Ballard Locks Tour

    Explore Seattle with one of Gray Line Seattle's Hop-On Hop-Off experiences! Book with us to see well-known landmarks and hidden gems in the Seattle area. 206-829-9267. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE. Gray Line Seattle's Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour is the best way to experience the city from the water.

  12. Seattle Locks Cruise 2024

    Pass through the renowned Ballard Locks and learn about the complex system on a cruise that transports you between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound. The one-way cruise can be used as transportation, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and enjoy a unique journey from the Seattle waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa).

  13. Hot spots around the Locks Cruise

    The Locks Cruise can be the beginning, middle, or end of your plans for the day. If you visit any of the above places, let us know. Use our hashtag #YourFriendWithABoat on any photos or just tag Argosy Cruises on the social platform of your choice. See you aboard! Locks Cruise Tickets. Buy Now. More on the Locks Cruise and what the Ballard ...

  14. Seattle Locks Cruise

    Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from the water on this 2.5-hour narrated cruise along Ballard Locks, one of the the city's most popular tourist attractions. Learn about Seattle's historic waterfront and take in the view of the city's skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt Rainier. See the houseboat and ...

  15. Argosy Harbor & Ballard Locks Cruise Departures All Day from Seattle's

    TUE14mayAll Day (All Day: Tuesday) Argosy Harbor & Ballard Locks Cruise Departures All Day from Seattle's Waterfront Argosy is your friend with a boat. WA Residents and AAA Members get a discount. Argosy on Pier 55, 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

  16. The Ballard Locks

    The Ballard Locks are among Seattle's top tourist attractions; more than one million people visit annually. They watch salmon and other fish migrate through the fish ladder, visit the botanical gardens, and watch the nonstop parade of ships--from working vessels to pleasure craft--as they rise and fall in the locks. ISBN-13: 978-0738559179.

  17. Hop On Hop Off Seattle Pass & Argosy Cruise to Ballard Locks Tour

    Experience Seattle's most iconic sights by both land and sea with this bundled tour. Take a boat cruise through the historic Ballard Locks and visit other city sights using a 24-hour or 48-hour Hop On Hop Off pass. While on the water, watch for seaplanes, boathouses, fishing boats, and the Ballard Locks fish ladder.

  18. Seattle: Locks Cruise with Live Narration

    Take a ride on a boat elevator during a 2-hour cruise departing from the Seattle Waterfront or South Lake Union. On this 1-way cruise, venture through Elliott Bay, Ballard Locks, and Lake Union. Enjoy spectacular views and experience first-hand the transition between salt and fresh water on this exciting ride. During the journey, get a feel for ...

  19. PDF One-way Locks Cruise: 2023 TOUR SCHEDULE & NET RATES

    ing canal of the Ballard Locks and into Lake Unio. ing)Adult (13-64)$69.00 $76.07$55.20 $60.86Venture beyond the Seattle harbor through the ship. ing canal of the Ballard Locks and into Lake Unio. itting)Senior (65+)$61.00 $67.25$48.80 $53.10Venture beyond the Seattle harbor through the ship.

  20. 6 reasons to cruise through the Ballard Locks

    A cruise is a great way to discover how natural forces affect the operation of the Ballard Locks. Tidal changes in Puget Sound affect raising or lowering levels. Vessels can be raised or lowered ...

  21. City Sightseeing: Seattle Hop On, Hop Off with Locks Cruise

    US 74.00/P.P. Book Now. Our affordable package lets you discover Seattle's iconic landmarks by land and sea. Enjoy a 2-hour narrated cruise through the historic Ballard Locks and explore the city with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off Seattle bus ticket. Book today for an unforgettable Seattle adventure.

  22. Ballardite goes for win #4 on Jeopardy

    12/17/2010 12/16/2010 Geeky Swedes Ballard. Tom Nissley, Ballard's resident smart guy, is up $71,203 after three wins on Jeopardy. Nissley won Thursday night after winning the following Final Jeopardy clue: Nissley will try for win number four on Friday evening at 7:30 on channel 4. (The question for the clue: What is Moscow?)

  23. Ballard Bridge

    Sights. Ballard Bridge. Also known as the George Washington Memorial Bridge. Stands 167-feet high, 70-feet wide and 2,945-feet long. Opened for vehicle traffic in 1932.