Our Scenic Seattle Harbor Cruise Experience
On my recent trip to Seattle, I wanted to see the city skyline from the water. I booked this one-hour Seattle sightseeing harbor cruise, and it turned out to be the perfect way to take in the skyline, the Space Needle, and even the Olympic and Rainier mountains in the distance.
It was a sunny September afternoon, and being on the boat felt like a peaceful break from the busy streets while still giving me some of the best views of the city.
➡️ We booked this Seattle’s Original Guided Harbor Cruise
Why Take a Harbor Cruise in Seattle
A harbor cruise is one of the best ways to see Seattle from a different perspective. While you can admire the skyline from land, nothing compares to watching it stretch across the water with the Space Needle in view. On clear days, you might even spot the Olympic Mountains or Mount Rainier, which makes the experience unforgettable.
It’s also a relaxing break from a busy day of sightseeing. Instead of rushing between attractions, you can sit back on the boat while the city unfolds around you, with live narration that adds fun history and context to the views.
➡️ We booked this Seattle’s Original Guided Harbor Cruise
Onboard Experience and Views
Argosy Cruises is the leading sightseeing company in Seattle, and we booked their one-hour narrated harbor cruise. Boarding at Pier 55 was quick and efficient, and soon we were ready to head out.
The boat had two levels, a lower enclosed cabin with large windows and an open-air upper deck. I chose the upper deck to enjoy the sunshine and uninterrupted views.
As we pulled away from the dock, the Seattle Great Wheel stood out along the waterfront, looking even bigger from the water.
Right next to it is the Seattle Aquarium, another popular attraction along the pier that you can easily spot from the boat.
Our guide gave live commentary throughout the trip, sharing Seattle’s history and pointing out landmarks as we cruised through Elliott Bay, part of the larger Puget Sound.
The Seattle skyline was stunning, a mix of modern towers and historic buildings rising above the waterfront.
Along the piers, three massive cruise ships were docked, a reminder of how busy Seattle’s port can be, especially in summer.
The Space Needle, though not very tall compared to other towers, is still the city’s most recognizable landmark. Once the boat moved farther into the bay, I could capture the entire skyline, including the Space Needle, in one frame.
Past downtown, the boat headed toward the industrial waterfront, where giant cranes lifted shipping containers from cargo ships, a cool thing to watch.
On the return, our guide pointed out T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field, Seattle’s two stadiums, and shared how central sports are to the city’s culture.
The highlight for me was looking beyond the city. The Olympic Mountains stretched across the horizon, and on our clear September day, even Mount Rainier made a faint appearance in the distance.
After we docked back, we walked along the waterfront exploring the souvenir shops.
➡️ We booked this Seattle’s Original Guided Harbor Cruise
Other Cruise Options
Beyond the standard one-hour sightseeing cruise, there are a few other ways to experience Seattle from the water:
➡️ Seattle Locks Cruise – This cruise takes you through the Ballard Locks, where freshwater from Lake Union meets the saltwater of Puget Sound. It’s a unique way to learn about Seattle’s waterways and maritime history.
➡️ Sunset Sail on a Historic Ship – For a different kind of evening on the water, some cruises use classic sailing vessels. You’ll get open-air views of the skyline as the sun sets, with the added charm of being aboard a historic ship.
➡️ Whale Watching Cruise – A half-day adventure that goes farther into Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. Depending on the season, you may spot orcas, humpback whales, or other marine wildlife.
Tips from our visit
Final Takeaways
Taking a harbor cruise was one of the highlights of my Seattle trip. It gave me a chance to slow down, enjoy the city from a different perspective, and capture some of my favorite photos of the skyline and surrounding mountains. The live narration made it more than just a boat ride, adding context and stories that helped me appreciate the city even more.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d consider a harbor cruise one of the top things to do in Seattle. It’s easy to fit into your itinerary, family-friendly, and offers views you simply won’t get from land.
➡️ Check availability and book your Seattle harbor cruise here.
