Viator Rating : 5 (381 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.8/10 (Solid Experience)
Seattle
Seattle Locks Cruise: Unveiling City's Charm & Marine Marvels
120
Overview
The Seattle Locks Cruise explores the city's essence via the Ballard Locks, connecting Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Enjoy views of the skyline, mountains, and historic neighborhoods. A live guide shares stories of Seattle's history as you cruise by fishing vessels and floating homes. A unique blend of nature and city life. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (6 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Highlights
Navigating the Iconic Ballard Locks: Experience the engineering marvel of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, as your vessel is lifted or lowered between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lake Washington Ship Canal.
Breathtaking Seattle Skyline Views: Marvel at the panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and the Great Wheel, against the backdrop of the majestic Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
Engaging Narration by Local Guides: Enjoy captivating stories and insights into Seattle's history, culture, and maritime heritage from knowledgeable and entertaining local guides who bring the city to life.
Witness Seattle's Vibrant Waterfront Life: Observe the bustling activity of Seattle's working waterfront, including commercial fishing vessels, houseboats, seaplanes, and marine wildlife, providing a glimpse into the city's unique maritime culture.
Sentiment Analysis
Scenic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
-
Informative and engaging narration by live, local guides.
-
Unique experience of passing through the Ballard Locks.
-
Opportunity to see diverse marine life and waterfront communities.
Snacks and beverages are not included in the ticket price.
-
Transportation to and from the departure point is not included.
Review Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Seattle Locks Cruise for its unique scenic views, informative live narration, and the opportunity to see both the saltwater Puget Sound and freshwater Lake Union environments. Frequently highlighted positives include the comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, accessibility features, and the one-way format that doubles as transportation. Some negative feedback mentions the need to be mindful of the two different departure/endpoint locations and the additional cost if returning by bus. Overall, the cruise is recommended for families and first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive water-based Seattle experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Seattle
$368
Olympic Nat'l Park Day Tour: Seattle Small Group Adventure
4.9
(1006 reviews)
Duration: 720
minutes
Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour whisks travelers away on an unforgettable journey into one of Washington's most treasured natural landscapes. Departing from Seattle, this all-inclusive tour, guided by expert naturalists, offers a deep dive into the ecological wonders of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each tour is uniquely crafted, showcasing the park's diverse offerings based on the day's conditions.
Travelers can expect to witness the breathtaking beauty of turquoise lakes like Lake Crescent and Quinault, wander through lush, fern-filled forests, and marvel at giant trees leading to hidden waterfalls. A visit to the shoreline provides a glimpse into Washington's vibrant marine ecosystems. The journey includes scenic drives across the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and along the Olympic Peninsula, with key stops at the Elwha River and iconic locations like Marymere Falls and Hurricane Ridge.
This small-group experience, limited to 10 people, ensures personalized attention and a chance to connect with nature. Guests enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at their downtown Seattle accommodations, as well as a delicious local, organic lunch enjoyed outdoors. The tour includes all necessary amenities, such as Olympic National Park entrance fees, coffee, tea, snacks, and beverages. This full-day adventure promises an immersive exploration of Olympic National Park's highlights, creating lasting memories of the Pacific Northwest's stunning beauty.
San Juan Islands
$119
San Juan Island Kayak Tour: Seals & Eagles!
5.0
(41 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island takes you to a calm and beautiful world just south of Friday Harbor. Instead of busy crowds, this trip is quiet and has amazing views of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains. The water is easy to paddle, perfect for families and anyone who wants to try sea kayaking.
What to Expect: The tour goes to Dinner Island, where lots of harbor seals live. Then, it heads south to peaceful little bays. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, porpoises, river otters, and many kinds of birds that fly through, like scoters and loons. Local herons and kingfishers are often seen, too! This easy-going trip lets everyone enjoy nature without the noise.
This tour includes all taxes and fees, a trained guide who knows about nature, and all the kayaking gear you need. The tour starts with transportation from Friday Harbor to the launch spot. Please note that tips, bottled water, and sun protection are not included, and participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing. San Juan Kayak Expeditions, started in 1980, focuses on protecting nature and giving excellent service. They use great equipment like fiberglass kayaks. This small group tour lasts half a day and is a sustainable way to see the water. People love the high-quality experience!
Seattle
$2645
Reconnect with Silence: 3-Day Olympic National Park Escape from Seattle
5.0
(7 reviews)
Duration: 4320
minutes
Experience '3 Days in Olympic National Park from Seattle,' a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Explore pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains. This all-inclusive tour offers a unique chance to reconnect with natural silence, discover local wildlife, and unwind in one of North America's quietest places. Perfect for nature lovers seeking rejuvenation.
Seattle
$368
Seattle: Whale Watching & Deception Pass Tour
5.0
(4 reviews)
Duration: 630
minutes
Whale Watching + Deception Pass Tour from Seattle offers the ONLY whale watching experience with hotel pickup directly from Seattle! Instead of a long drive, enjoy a scenic journey north to Deception Pass State Park, a breathtaking Pacific Northwest treasure. This tour provides views that can rival even the best National Parks!
Travelers will explore an old-growth forest with jagged cliffs and secret coastlines before a seasonal catered picnic lunch. Then, the tour proceeds to Anacortes for a 3-hour whale watching adventure with Outer Island Excursions. Aboard the vessel, a professional naturalist will share insights about the Salish Sea as the group searches for whales and other local wildlife.
This all-inclusive, small-group day trip is limited to just 10 travelers. It includes park entry fees, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and convenient pick-up and drop-off at your downtown Seattle hotel or rental. The tour uses a modern Ford Transit Passenger van and ensures a comfortable and worry-free experience in exploring Downtown Seattle, Deception Pass State Park, Anacortes & Salish Sea during Whale Watching.
Seattle
$94
Seattle & Snoqualmie Falls: Half-Day Tour
4.9
(1290 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
The Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour lets visitors see the best of Seattle and its natural beauty in just four hours. It's a great way to see both city sights and a stunning waterfall.
The tour starts with a visit to Snoqualmie Falls, a large waterfall at the base of the Cascade Mountains. After that, the tour explores Seattle, showing off the attractions and history that make it a special place to live. Guests will hear fun stories about Seattle, learn how the city got its name, and find out the truth about how much it rains.
Key stops include historic Pioneer Square, the homes of the Seahawks and Mariners at CenturyLink Field and T-Mobile Park, the quirky Fremont Troll, and the bustling Pike Place Market. Depending on the season, the tour might also visit Fisherman's Terminal or the Ballard Locks. For a great view of the city, the tour stops at Kerry Park. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with a local guide. Gratuities are not included.
Seattle
$74.38
Seattle's Best City Tour: Space Needle & Hidden Gems
4.9
(1143 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Seattle City Tour offers a fun and informative exploration of the Emerald City's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. This tour is like watching your favorite show, without the zombies. Instead, visitors get a close look at a troll, the Space Needle, a waterfall, giant Amazon spheres, and floating homes like the Pixar movie UP. Guests will even see where Boeing's first airplane took flight. Plus, from March to July, it's possible to spot Pterodactyls! This tour blends structure with spontaneity, promising both learning and laughter.
This tour shows the city's famous sights and unique neighborhoods. Key stops include Pioneer Square, the birthplace of Seattle, and Pike Place Market, a bustling hub of local produce and crafts. The tour ascends to the Space Needle for panoramic views and explores the quirky Fremont Troll. Other highlights include the serene Waterfall Garden Park, the vibrant Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the innovative Amazon Headquarters. Visitors also see the Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) and the thought-provoking Lenin Statue in Fremont, before experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of the Chinatown-International District.
The tour includes convenient pick-up at the Hyatt Regency Seattle and bottled water to keep guests refreshed. It excludes gratuities, allowing guests to show appreciation based on their experience.
Nearby Events
Climate Pledge Arena
Feb 22
7:30 PMCardi B Little Miss Drama Tour Seattle Tickets
Cardi B's Little Miss Drama Tour is set to electrify Seattle at the Climate Pledge Arena, offering fans a groundbreaking hip-hop and rap concert experience. As Cardi B embarks on her first-ever arena tour promoting her highly anticipated sophomore album Am I The Drama?*, Seattle audiences will witness a dynamic performance blending fierce lyricism with vibrant stagecraft.
Known for its sustainable design and state-of-the-art facilities, Climate Pledge Arena is the perfect venue to host this major event. The tour showcases Cardi B’s rapid rise as a dominant force in contemporary rap, making this concert a must-attend for music lovers in the Pacific Northwest.
Paramount Theatre
Apr 07
7:30 PMLes Miserables Touring: Seattle 2026
Les Miserables, the world-renowned musical phenomenon, returns to the stage at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre in 2026. This acclaimed touring production brings Victor Hugo’s timeless tale to life with breathtaking new staging, atmospheric video projections, and a stripped-down, emotionally powerful storytelling style that has captivated audiences and critics alike. The show features the beloved score by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer, including iconic songs like 'I Dreamed a Dream,' 'On My Own,' and 'One Day More.'
Les Miserables has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, performed in 53 countries and 22 languages. The Paramount Theatre, known for its historic grandeur and state-of-the-art acoustics, provides the perfect setting for this epic musical, ensuring an unforgettable theatrical experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Rogers Forum
Sep 17
7:30 PMJimmy Carr: Laughs Funny at Rogers Forum
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny comes to Rogers Forum in Abbotsford, featuring the award-winning British-Irish comedian performing his signature rapid-fire deadpan delivery and dark humour. As one of the UK's most successful live acts, Jimmy Carr consistently sells out venues across the country and around the world, known for his sharp wit, heckler comebacks, and masterful one-liners that have made him a household name in comedy.
Jimmy Carr is an acclaimed television host famous for presenting Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and Big Fat Quiz of the Year. His comedy career spans over two decades, with eight live DVD releases selling over 1.2 million copies to date, plus four Netflix specials that cemented his status as the first UK comedian to secure a major streaming deal. Rogers Forum, Abbotsford's premier entertainment venue, provides an intimate setting for this high-energy performance.
Climate Pledge Arena
Mar 17
7:00 PMKraken vs Lightning Tickets at Climate Pledge Arena
Seattle Kraken vs. Tampa Bay Lightning ignites Climate Pledge Arena with high-stakes NHL action. Both teams boast strong records—Kraken at 7-4-4 overall and undefeated at home in 4-1-2, while Lightning stand 8-5-2 with a potent 4-2-2 road game—setting the stage for explosive plays from stars like Jake Guentzel and Jordan Eberle.
The Seattle Kraken, Seattle's expansion NHL powerhouse, face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, two-time Stanley Cup champions renowned for offensive firepower and playoff prowess. Climate Pledge Arena, the NHL's greenest venue, offers premium sightlines and electric fan energy.
Showbox SODO
Mar 29
8:00 PMRuel Live in Seattle: Showbox SODO Tickets
Ruel, the sensational Australian singer-songwriter, is bringing his captivating performance to Showbox SODO in Seattle. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Ruel has quickly become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with hits like "Younger" and "Painkiller." Fans can expect an unforgettable night filled with raw emotion and stunning vocals as Ruel showcases his impressive range and stage presence, supported by Mercer Henderson.
Ruel's music resonates deeply with listeners, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Showbox SODO, a premier music venue in Seattle's vibrant SoDo district, is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, providing the perfect backdrop for Ruel's dynamic performance. It is one of Seattle's most beloved music spaces.
Paramount Theatre
Mar 28
7:30 PMStand By Me VIP Reunion: Seattle's Must-See Event
Stand By Me: The Film and Its Stars 40 Years Later comes to the Paramount Theatre in Seattle with an unforgettable evening celebrating four decades of one of cinema's most beloved films. This exclusive event reunites the iconic cast—Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and Wil Wheaton—for an intimate, in-person conversation following a big-screen screening of the classic film. Attendees will experience stories from the set, behind-the-scenes secrets, and heartfelt reflections on working with the late River Phoenix, whose performance continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Stand By Me has captivated generations with its authentic portrayal of childhood friendship, adventure, and the bittersweet moments that shape us. The film's enduring legacy speaks to universal truths about growing up and the bonds we form in our youth. The Paramount Theatre, Seattle's premier performing arts venue, provides the perfect setting for this deeply special reunion that brings together fans and cast members for a night of genuine connection and nostalgia.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Seattle
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Seattle From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Small Group & Rock in Seattle. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Seattle Activities