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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.
Pricing and Booking Details
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.
Best Value! Over 120 years of Seattle history in 120 minutes
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. It is advisable to check the specific age requirement for the Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour before booking to ensure compliance. Yes, children are allowed on the Seattle Locks Cruise – One-Way Tour.
Sky View Observatory & Lake Union Cruise
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.
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.
Private Sailing Adventure on the Puget Sound + 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.
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.
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest
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.
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.
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.
Visit the Ballard Locks - A Popular Seattle Attraction - TripSavvy
Visit the Ballard Locks - A Popular Seattle Attraction.
Posted: Sun, 15 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
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. The cruise has its own food and beverage options available for purchase, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Enjoy the rich history and culture of the area as you learn about the fascinating engineering behind the locks and the significance of these landmarks. This tour is a must-do for anyone looking to explore Seattle’s waterways and capture unforgettable memories. The cruise also offers flexible payment options, allowing travelers to secure their spot with a reservation and pay later for added convenience.
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.
Windstar luxury cruise ship Star Legend squeezes through Ballard Locks (Photos) - Puget Sound Business Journal - The Business Journals
Windstar luxury cruise ship Star Legend squeezes through Ballard Locks (Photos) - Puget Sound Business Journal.
Posted: Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
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.
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