Most departures leave from the downtown waterfront, so you can pair your cruise with other things to do in Seattle along the piers. Schedules shift with the season, so confirm departure times on each operator's site before you set out.
Narrated Harbor and Locks Cruises
Argosy Cruises
Argosy Cruises has been taking people out on local waters since 1949, making it one of the city's longest running operators. Board the Harbor Cruise at Pier 55 for about an hour on the water, as a local guide points out the skyline, landmarks, mountains and the working shipping terminal. First-time visitors love how much it covers in such a short window.
Choose the Locks Cruise for a longer outing of about two hours, traveling one way between the waterfront and Lake Union through the Ballard Locks. Along the way you glide past floating homes, seaplanes, fishing boats and several waterfront neighborhoods. Since the trip runs one way, work out how you will get back to your starting point before you book.
To slow the pace, catch one of Argosy's 1.5-hour Sunset or Happy Hour cruises, both with minimal narration. Your Happy Hour ticket includes one signature drink, and mocktails are among the choices. Browse every departure on the Argosy Cruises website.
Sailing on Elliott Bay
Sailing Seattle
Sailing Seattle takes guests out on large sailing yachts from the downtown waterfront. The crew handles the boat, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride, though curious guests are welcome to ask about helping trim the sails. Routes change with the wind and boat traffic, giving each outing its own character, and all ages are welcome aboard.
Seattle's Tall Ship
Step aboard the Bay Lady, the 85-foot sailing ship that Seattle's Tall Ship takes on two-hour trips around Elliott Bay. The captain and crew do the work while you settle into outdoor seating and take in the views. It is a fine choice if you want the look and feel of a traditional ship, and sunset sails and private charters are on offer too.
Wildlife, Family and History Cruises
Salish Sea Tours
Salish Sea Tours runs a one-hour catamaran trip on Elliott Bay centered on wildlife and marine conservation. Keep your eyes open for seals, sea lions and bald eagles as you cruise. Tours leave from Pier 57 on the waterfront, and times vary by season, so check its ticket site for current availability.
Emerald City Pirates
Emerald City Pirates puts a playful spin on a harbor trip with pirate-themed cruises made for families. The ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, sails under pirate flags with a costumed crew on deck. Treasure hunts make it a strong pick for children who might lose interest on a narrated tour.
Steamer Virginia V
The Virginia V is a historic steamship recognized as a landmark, and you can cruise aboard the vessel itself. History fans will be drawn to it, as will anyone curious about how people once traveled around Puget Sound. Check the steamer's own site for upcoming sailings, since its schedule differs from a daily sightseeing boat.
Holiday Sailings and Ticket Bundles
Argosy's Christmas Ship Festival is the big holiday tradition on the water, running each year from late November to just before Christmas. You will find sailings for all ages, plus some limited to adults 21 and over. Argosy also schedules a New Year's Eve sailing.
Planning to see several major attractions? The Argosy Harbor Cruise is included in Seattle CityPASS, a bundle that can make sense for a first visit packed with Seattle landmarks. If you would rather skipper your own boat, a rental offers a different kind of outing, while a guided cruise remains the easiest choice when you want someone else at the helm.
