Excursion Ballard ‘locks’ cruise from lake union to puget sound tour at Seattle

Enjoy the spectacular views and experience the transition from salt to fresh water due to the ever-changing tides of Puget Sound on this Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks cruise. This narrated sightseeing cruise with superb Seattle views begins at Lake Union (fresh water), takes you through the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks and into Puget Sound (salt water) ending at the downtown Seattle waterfront.

Depart the cruise pier and travel by bus to the embark point at the AGC Marina in South Lake Union. Board a private tour boat for your Ballard Locks 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise. In Lake Union, view sea planes taking off and landing and many pleasure boats and large fishing vessels as well as houseboats (floating homes) that are dotted around the Lake. Around 495 floating homes make up most of the shoreline in Lake Union and Portage Bay. First built by mill and timber workers and boat builders in the early 1900s, these floating homes are now in great demand and can cost in the millions to own.

Your on-board tour guide provides knowledge and fun facts about Seattle as well as the bird and marine wildlife you may see en route. Learn the history of the Fremont and Ballard bridges that your tour boat passes under.

Officially dedicated on July 4, 1917, the Locks serve as a barrier between the salt water of Puget Sound and the freshwater beyond. They also serve as a "boat elevator" for vessels traveling between the two, as the water levels are commonly at different heights.

Your cruise ends as you sail into Puget Sound and view the magnificent Seattle skyline. Board your tour bus for a short ride back to the cruise pier.

Note

Please note: Order of activities may vary from description. The cruise route is approximate and can change based on weather pattens, vessel traffic and based on the Captain's discretion. This tour is from a covered boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests are recommended to bring a jacket/windbreaker for outdoor viewing, binoculars, hat and sunscreen.