Argosy Sunset Cruise Seattle: 1.5-Hour Elliott Bay Golden Hour Sail from the Waterfront, $51
Quick answer
The Argosy sunset cruise costs $51 per person on GetYourGuide for 1.5 hours on Elliott Bay, with a bar and snacks sold on board.
GetYourGuide rates it 4.5/5 from 48+ reviews, but Argosy says its 2026 sunset season has ended and sailings return in May 2027.
The Argosy sunset cruise is a 1.5-hour evening sail from the Seattle waterfront that Argosy Cruises times for the golden hour, with minimal narration and the Olympic Mountains as the backdrop. At $51 it is one of the cheapest evening boats I list, and it is sold with a full-service bar and indoor and outdoor seating.
The detail that changes the decision is the calendar. Argosy's own sunset page said on 17 October that the 2026 sunset cruise season had closed and the cruise would come back in May 2027, with dates still to be announced. If the GetYourGuide calendar shows no dates, that is why, and you should plan around late spring to early autumn.
My Seattle sunset cruises guide ranks the evening boats, the Seattle boat tours hub lists the daytime harbor cruises, and the home page covers the other cities.
| Operator | Argosy Cruises (sold through GetYourGuide) |
|---|---|
| Boat | Argosy sightseeing vessel with indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms and a bar; capacity not stated |
| Price | $51 per person; children 0 to 3 ride free but need a boarding pass |
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Season | Summer evenings; Argosy says the 2026 season is over and 2027 starts in May |
| Departure times | Not stated on the listing; the checkout calendar shows them |
| Pier | Pier 55, Seattle Waterfront on the listing; Argosy's own page names Pier 54 next door |
| Route | Elliott Bay, Alki Point, then open Puget Sound water |
| Food and drinks | Cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks and packaged snacks for sale; no outside food or drink |
| Languages | English, light narration |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before, full refund; pay later available |
| Rating | 4.5/5 from 48+ reviews on GetYourGuide |
What does the Argosy sunset cruise show as the light fades?
It shows the Seattle skyline and working waterfront from the water, then Alki Point and the Olympic Mountains as the sun drops behind them.
- Seattle skyline and waterfront: the first stretch, with ferries crossing the bay.
- Alki Point: the route reaches the point, and Argosy lists the Alki Point lighthouse and Alki Beach Park among the sights.
- Olympic Sculpture Park: also named on Argosy's page, on the northern shoreline of the bay.
- Olympic Mountains: the backdrop for the sunset itself, to the west across Puget Sound.
Because the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains to the west, choose a west-facing seat on the open deck. Argosy keeps narration light on this cruise, so the evening is about the view, not the history.
Is this sunset sail running now?
No, not for the rest of 2026: Argosy's page says the 2026 sunset cruise season has ended and the cruise returns in May 2027.
The GetYourGuide listing carries no season note and still says summer evenings, so a visitor in October could miss the mismatch. Argosy's daytime Harbor Cruise keeps running, and I cover it on the Argosy harbor cruise page. For an evening boat in the off season, the Waterways lake cruises on the dinner cruise page run on a year-round schedule.
Where does the Argosy sunset cruise leave from?
The listing says Pier 55 on the Seattle waterfront, while Argosy's own sunset page names Pier 54, one pier south of its main dock.
Argosy's parking and directions page lists both Pier 54 and Pier 55 as ticketing locations, so the two docks sit one pier apart. Read your voucher for the pier, then use these walks from the train.
| From | To | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Symphony Station (Link 1 Line) | Pier 55 | 7 min (541 m) · walking route |
| Westlake Station (Link, monorail) | Pier 55 | 15 min (1,105 m) · walking route |
| Pier 55 | Overview | Argosy at Pier 54 on Google Maps |
A single bus or train ride on King County Metro costs $3.00 for an adult, according to King County Metro, and a regional day pass costs $6.00 on Sound Transit's fare page. Argosy also lists a free seasonal waterfront shuttle, though it gives no schedule I could check.
What time should you arrive for the boarding line?
Arrive 30 minutes before departure, because Argosy opens its check-in queue then and shuts the gate 5 minutes before sailing.
- 30 minutes before: the queue opens and you show the mobile boarding pass from your confirmation email.
- About 20 minutes before: boarding begins, and seating is first-come, first-served.
- 5 minutes before: the boarding gate closes for safety.
- After that: a late guest has to see a reservationist to rebook a later sailing.
The gate rule explains a one-star review from a guest who drove two hours, arrived late and could not get a refund. The listing's free cancellation applies up to 24 hours ahead, not after you miss the boat.
How does sunset time change the Argosy sunset cruise through the year?
The sunset moves from 9:10 PM in June to 4:20 PM in December, so a May to September season covers sunsets from 7:23 PM to 9:10 PM.
| Month | Sunset | What it means on a sunset cruise |
|---|---|---|
| May | 8:41 PM | First 2027 month; sun sets late, so sailings run into the evening |
| June | 9:10 PM | Latest sunset of the year; the golden hour is after 8 PM |
| July | 9:04 PM | Almost as late; warm evenings on the open deck |
| August | 8:23 PM | About 45 minutes earlier than June |
| September | 7:23 PM | Early evening sunset; bring a layer |
| October | 6:22 PM | Sunset before 6:30 PM; the 2026 season has already ended |
| December | 4:20 PM | Sunset at 4:20 PM, so no evening light on the water |
The listing gives no departure time, so I can't tell you how long before sunset the boat leaves. Pick the sailing that spans your month's sunset and arrive with a jacket, because the temperature drops once the sun is down.
$8.8 billion was the record total visitor spending in Seattle in 2024, with 2.4 million international visitors.
What is on board the sunset boat?
You get indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms and a full-service bar, but you pay for every drink and snack.
- Bar: cocktails such as margaritas, local wine and beer, and soft drinks for sale.
- Snacks: packaged sandwiches, salads and snacks from a menu.
- Seating: inside for cold evenings and an open deck for the sunset.
- Accessibility: the listing marks the cruise wheelchair accessible, and Argosy's crew helps with strollers and scooters on the docks.
- Rules: no outside food or drink, and the listing says gratuities are included.
When is the best time for a sunset sail on Elliott Bay?
June and July have the least rain in the 2025 data, with three and one rain days, and the latest sunsets of the year.
| Month | Average high | Rain days | On deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44 °F | 9 | Cold, dark; season closed |
| February | 46 °F | 15 | Cold, wet |
| March | 53 °F | 20 | Wettest month, season closed |
| April | 59 °F | 11 | Jacket, season closed |
| May | 65 °F | 11 | Light jacket, season returns |
| June | 72 °F | 3 | Warm, driest start |
| July | 79 °F | 1 | Warmest, driest |
| August | 77 °F | 5 | Warm, then cool after sunset |
| September | 71 °F | 5 | Jacket after dark |
| October | 58 °F | 16 | Season over, cold |
| November | 53 °F | 16 | Cold and wet |
| December | 50 °F | 19 | Wettest, darkest |
The 2026 season has closed, so the useful rows are May to September. The highs run from 65 °F in May to 79 °F in July, but the open deck feels colder once the sun is gone, so take a layer. The National Weather Service Seattle office posts the forecast for your sailing date.
How does it compare with the tall ship and the harbor cruise?
It is the cheapest dedicated sunset boat I list and one of two Argosy options, but its 4.5 rating sits below the Tall Ship's 4.8.
| Cruise | Length | Price | Includes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argosy sunset sail (this page) | 1.5 h | $51 | Cruise; bar and snacks extra | 4.5 (48) |
| Seattle's Tall Ship sunset sail | 2 h | $80 | Food and drinks | 4.8 (267) |
| Argosy harbor cruise | 1 h | $43 | Narrated cruise | 4.8 (741) |
| Waterways dinner cruise | 2.5 h | $149 | Three-course dinner | 3.8 (60) |
The Tall Ship costs $29 more but includes food and drink and is the better-reviewed sail. The Argosy harbor cruise is $8 cheaper, with a guide, but it is a daytime hour. The sunset cruise's argument is price per hour and a bar on a bigger boat.
Is the Argosy sunset cruise worth it against the tall ship and the harbor cruise?
Yes if you want the lowest-priced sunset on the water and can travel in summer; no if you want food included, a guide or a winter evening.
- Worth it for date nights - $51 buys 1.5 hours with a bar, and the open deck faces the Olympic Mountains.
- Worth it for first-time visitors - Pier 55 is a 7-minute walk from Link light rail.
- Not worth it for a guided tour - narration is light by design, and the guide score is 4.1/5.
- Not worth it outside the season - nothing sails until May 2027.
For one summer evening, I'd book the Argosy sunset cruise when the budget is tight and the Tall Ship when I want food included.
What do passengers say about the sunset sail?
The 48 reviews on GetYourGuide average 4.5/5, with the guide scoring 4.1 and value 4.4.
- Views: sunset, skyline and city lights after dark are the most-cited praise.
- Staff and captain: friendly, and one guest liked the stories about the sights.
- Seating: indoor and outdoor seating suited changing weather.
- Complaints: a double booking that could not be fixed, an old boat with a poorly supplied toilet, and a late arrival refused a refund.
Most recent reviews are 4 or 5 stars, with two sharp low scores about customer service, so the complaints cluster around booking changes and not the sailing.
Who should skip this evening sail?
Skip it if you travel between October and April, want a meal included, or need a detailed spoken tour.
- Winter visitors: nothing sails until May 2027.
- Foodies: only packaged snacks are for sale, so the dinner cruise is the better meal.
- History fans: the guided harbor cruise carries the narration.
- Last-minute planners: the boarding gate closes 5 minutes before sailing.
The Seattle boat tours hub lists every option by trip type.
How do you book the sunset sail?
The Argosy sunset cruise costs $51 per person on GetYourGuide, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and the option to pay later.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Argosy sunset cruise running in 2026?
No, Argosy's own page says the 2026 sunset season has closed and the cruise returns in May 2027, with dates to be announced.
How long is the Argosy sunset cruise?
It lasts 1.5 hours and crosses Elliott Bay to Alki Point before turning out toward Puget Sound.
Where does the sunset sail leave from?
The listing says Pier 55 on the Seattle waterfront, and Argosy's page names Pier 54 next door, so check your voucher.
What is the best time of year for a sunset cruise in Seattle?
June and July, when the sun sets after 9 PM and the 2025 data shows one to three rain days.
How much is the Argosy sunset cruise?
It costs $51 per person on GetYourGuide, with children aged 0 to 3 free but needing a boarding pass.
Can you drink on the sunset sail?
Yes, a full-service bar sells cocktails, wine and beer, but outside food and drink are not allowed.
Is there narration on the sunset sail?
Only a little: Argosy describes the narration as minimal so you can watch the sunset.
Is the Argosy sunset cruise wheelchair accessible?
The listing marks it wheelchair accessible, and Argosy's crew helps with wheelchairs, strollers and scooters, so call 206-623-1445 with specific questions.
How do I get to Pier 55 by train?
Take the Link 1 Line to Symphony Station and walk about 7 minutes (541 m) to Pier 55.
What if I arrive late?
Argosy's boarding gate closes 5 minutes before departure, and a late guest has to rebook a later sailing at the dock.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing 1258058 (read 2026-10-17); Argosy Cruises, Seattle Sunset Cruise; Argosy Cruises, parking and directions; King County Metro fares; Sound Transit fares; National Weather Service Seattle; Visit Seattle; Open-Meteo, sunrise-sunset.org and OSRM APIs.
