Historic Sightseer Seattle Lakes Cruise with Taco Bar

See Seattle from the perspective that shaped the city, the water. Along the way, you’ll glide past the colorful floating homes made famous in films, historic wooden boats, and bustling marinas where sailboats and kayaks weave through the channels. Seaplanes skim the surface and lift gracefully into the sky, a sight that never gets old, even for longtime locals.

The route takes you under iconic drawbridges and along shorelines rich with character. You’ll see Gas Works Park rising from the north shore with its striking industrial towers, the vibrant neighborhoods of Fremont and Eastlake, and the leafy campuses and stadiums near the University of Washington. As the boat moves through the Montlake Cut, an engineering marvel linking the two lakes, you’ll experience one of Seattle’s most unique waterways up close, often with rowing crews, paddleboarders, and pleasure boats sharing the passage.

Out on Lake Washington, the pace relaxes and the views open wide. Waterfront estates, quiet coves, and forested shorelines line the horizon, and on clear days the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades, and even Mount Rainier can appear in the distance, creating the kind of postcard view that feels almost unreal. The changing light on the water, the rhythm of the boat, and the fresh air create a sense of calm that makes the city feel both vibrant and unhurried at the same time.

Complementing the scenery is a vibrant gourmet taco bar, freshly prepared and full of bold, satisfying flavors. Warm flour and corn tortillas are served with your choice of grilled pollo asada, carne asada, or seasoned fajita vegetables. Guests can build their tacos with fresh toppings like crisp cabbage slaw and refried beans. On the side, tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, savory Mexican rice and black beans round out the meal, while Mexican street corn salad adds a bright, creamy bite. To finish, soft snickerdoodle cookies provide a sweet cinnamon-sugar ending that feels just right as the boat glides across the water.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll hear the stories behind the landmarks, the history of the lakes, the industries and innovators who built Seattle, and the little details most people never notice from land. It’s a chance to connect the dots between past and present, to see familiar places from a new angle, and to discover corners of the city that many people don’t even realize exist.

Whether you’re visiting Seattle for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, this experience has a way of making the city feel new again. It’s sightseeing, storytelling, great food, and a little bit of escape all in one, an easygoing journey that invites you to slow down, look around, and fall in love with Seattle from the water.

The full menu for this cruise is available at the bottom of the page. We proudly accommodate guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions whenever possible. Contact us in advance so we can ensure the best experience for you.

Cruise Includes

• Two-hour cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington (cruising on Lake Washington is subject to boat traffic and weather).
• A delicious All You Can Eat Gourmet Taco Bar
• Complimentary can of soda, coffee and hot tea
• Captain’s narration of sights
• Breathtaking views of Seattle’s most iconic sights, including: the Space Needle, charming floating homes, historic bridges, the stunning city skyline, waterfront landmarks, seaplanes
• All Ages!

Book for a group of 10 or more to save 10% off your tickets. 

Bar available for the purchase of wine, beer, margaritas and non-alcoholic beverages.

Departure

Waterways Cruises at South Lake Union Park
860 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109

2 hour cruise

Boarding: begins at 11:00am
Departure: 11:30am
Return: 1:30pm