Argosy Cruises · Pier 55
Argosy Cruises' narrated loop leaves Pier 55 on the waterfront and spends an hour on Elliott Bay, past the skyline, the container port and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier. Pick it as the easy hour that shows you Seattle from the one angle no bus tour can.
Argosy has run this harbor cruise since 1949, per the listing, and it's still the simplest way to see the skyline whole. The boat leaves Pier 55 (1101 Alaskan Way), heads north toward Myrtle Edwards Park and the Smith Cove terminal, then turns south past the waterfront, the stadiums and Harbor Island. A live guide narrates. The bar sells cocktails, local beer and wine, soft drinks and snacks.
Don't expect a small group. The boats have an enclosed lower deck and an open upper deck, with room for 375 people per the listing, and Argosy's own page says seating is first come, first served. The narration leans maritime: guests report plenty about container shipping and the port, which some loved and one didn't expect.
Clear days matter here. Rainier and the Olympics are weather-permitting, and the wind picks up once the boat is moving. The cruise is wheelchair accessible (call ahead for boarding help), kids 3 and under ride free with a boarding pass, and it pairs well with the Beneath the Streets walk, a short walk away in Pioneer Square.
Check in at the Argosy reservation center on Pier 55. The boarding gate closes 5 minutes before departure.
Seating is first come, first served. Guests suggest the middle or the right-hand side.
Past the Great Wheel, the aquarium and Myrtle Edwards Park toward the Smith Cove cruise terminal, with the Space Needle above the city.
Back past downtown to the stadiums, Harbor Island and the container cranes, with Alki Beach across the bay.
The boat returns to where you started.
★★★★★This was a very enjoyable 1hour long trip around Elliott’s Bay. Really good guide with interesting facts all the way round on a nice, clear audio system. Boat was clean and comfortable with really friendly bar staff.
★★★★★Excellent day and weather so could see the Mount and hills of Seattle. [...] They have a bar on the boat so nice to have a drink on deck whilst viewing the lovely scenery.
★★★★★This was a nice and relaxing cruise through the bay. Traveling north then south, no matter which side you're sitting on the views are beautiful!!! Try to catch the sunset!
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One hour, out and back from Pier 55.
Pier 55, 1101 Alaskan Way, on the downtown waterfront. Check in 30 minutes before; the boarding gate closes 5 minutes before departure.
Only on a clear day. The listing marks Rainier and the Olympic Mountains as weather-permitting.
Yes. Call Argosy in advance so the crew can help with boarding.
Ready to book
An hour on Elliott Bay, narrated by a local guide, with the skyline from the water.
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