Seattle Summer Views Cruise: Golden-Hour Elliott Bay Tour
Slide away from the waterfront and watch Seattle reshape itself under sunset. This 1.5-hour Summer Views Cruise offers skyline panoramas, mountain silhouettes, and a relaxed, social ride through Elliott Bay and Puget Sound.
The Experience
Before You Go
Check in early
Arrive at the Argosy Reservation Center 30 minutes before departure to get your boarding pass—gates close 5 minutes before sail time.
Dress in layers
Even on warm days, evening winds off the Sound are cold; a windproof shell is worth packing.
Bring binoculars
A compact pair helps spot seals, eagles, and distant mountain details during the cruise.
Prep for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventive medication—Elliott Bay can be choppy depending on weather.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Myrtle Edwards Park bike path viewpoint (good for pre- or post-cruise photos)
- •Smith Cove Park pier—less crowded angle on the skyline and industrial waterfront
Wildlife
- •Harbor seals
- •Bald eagles
Conservation Note
Operators follow no-disturbance guidelines for wildlife; avoid feeding marine animals and consider choosing operators with local sourcing and low-waste practices.
Seattle’s waterfront shifted from 19th-century canneries and shipbuilding to container shipping and tourism; Harbor Island was constructed in 1909 from dredged material and transformed the harbor.
Photographer's Notes
- • Starboard rail for Space Needle and skyline framing
- • Port side when approaching Alki Point for lighthouse silhouettes
- • Mid-deck for balanced shots of Harbor Island and container ships
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks evening spray and wind off the Sound when you’re on deck.
Compact binoculars
Helps pick out wildlife and distant mountain details.
Camera or smartphoneEssential
Golden-hour light makes for strong skyline and mountain photos.
Motion-sickness remedy
Useful if you’re sensitive to the boat’s movement in choppy water.
Common Questions
Where do I check in for the cruise?
Check in inside the Argosy Cruises Reservation Center at Pier 54; arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes—vessels are wheelchair accessible; call ahead to arrange boarding assistance.
Are beverages and food available onboard?
Yes—locally sourced beverages and light bites are offered for purchase on most departures.
Can I bring a stroller or infant?
Infants and small children can ride in a stroller; kids 3 and under ride free but require a boarding pass.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled for severe weather; you can receive a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
Will we get close to wildlife?
The cruise passes habitats where you may see harbor seals and bald eagles, but boats maintain safe distances and sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1.5 hours
Location
Seattle, Washington
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; involves minimal walking and boarding steps
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