There’s no better way to admire the stunning Seattle waterfront than from a boat. A variety of boat tours – from kid-friendly sightseeing cruises to romantic sunset sails – allow visitors to take in all the sights while enjoying a fresh sea breeze. Relying on expert input and traveler sentiment, U.S. News compiled four of the best Seattle boat tours.
Argosy Cruises – Locks Cruise
Price: Adults from $54; kids from $25
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy the unique experience of passing through the Ballard Locks on this two-hour, one-way cruise. As you transition from the freshwater of Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound, you’ll hear live narration about Seattle’s history and maritime industry from an onboard guide. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the Emerald City’s top sights, including the Space Needle, Olympic Sculpture Park and Gas Works Park, among others. Note that the cruise is one way, meaning it ends at a different location than it starts. You’ll be dropped off at Pier 54 on the Seattle waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union. You can choose where you’d like to depart from when you book your tickets. You can also pay extra for bus transportation back to your starting point. Reviewers applaud the onboard guides, praising their knowledge of the region and their eagerness to answer questions and point out landmarks. Travelers were also pleased with the comfortable, clean boat. Some recommended avoiding the return bus service describing it as inconvenient, and instead suggested opting for your own transportation.
Tickets start at $54 for adults and $25 for kids ages 4 to 12 (children 3 and younger ride for free). Tour schedules vary depending on date and time of year; in the summer months, you can expect tours to be offered twice a day at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Argosy Cruises also offers harbor sightseeing tours.
Sailing Seattle – Sunset Sail
Price: Adults from $62; kids from $49
Duration: 2 hours
Head out for a two-hour sail on a custom 70-foot yacht to admire the downtown Seattle skyline as the sun sets. Described by reviewers as “peaceful” and a “must-do,” this laid-back cruise does not include a guided commentary and does not follow a set route – the tour’s course is dictated by wind direction and boat traffic on Elliott Bay. Visitors are allowed to bring any food or beverages they want on board (though glassware is prohibited, glass bottles are OK). The crew also recommends bringing a jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly – a suggestion echoed by reviewers. A word to the wise: Since the yachts were built for racing, bench seating is limited, and visitors might have to sit on the deck.
Tours are offered late April through early October. The exact sailing schedule varies by the day and month. Tickets start at $62 for adults and $49 for children ages 5 to 12. The company also operates daytime sails in the waters surrounding the city, as well as a two-hour sail on Puget Sound.
Along with familiar Seattle landmarks, you may also spot seaplanes taking off and landing on this tour from Candére Cruises.(Courtesy of Candére Cruises)
Canderé Cruising – One Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Price: From $50
Duration: 1 hour
Board a six-person vessel for an intimate outing with Candére Cruising on its one-hour sightseeing cruise, where the captain also doubles as the bartender. On this quick trip around Lake Union, passengers will see famous sights like the Space Needle, the Fremont Bridge, a variety of boats and yachts, and may even spot seaplanes taking off and landing, all while enjoying a cocktail (or mocktail). Travelers say the trip is relaxing and lots of fun, even for locals. Another highlight is seeing the houseboat featured in “Sleepless in Seattle.”
Tickets start at $50 and include one drink. The one-hour cruise is offered eight times a day, though exact availability may vary by day. Candére Cruising also offers private outings, sunset cruises and day sails on Puget Sound.
Seattle’s Tall Ship – Seattle Harbor Sailing Tour
Price: Adults from $45; kids from $35
Duration: 2 hours
Climb aboard the Bay Lady, an 85-foot tall ship, for a family-friendly sail around the Puget Sound. Departing from Bell Harbor Marina at Pier 66, this two-hour tour promises views of the Space Needle, Smith Tower and the city skyline. If you’re lucky, you may spot harbor seals, depending on the time of year. In addition to two restrooms, the boat is equipped with an onboard bar. Travelers praise the attentive, friendly crew and the beautiful boat. They also say the views of Seattle and the sound are amazing.
The company sails daily, though exact times vary by day. The sailing season runs from the end of April to the end of October. Tickets start at $45 for adults and $35 for kids ages 2 to 12. Any purchases made on board cost extra. Seattle’s Tall Ship also offers a sunset sail, in addition to private charters.