I was worried about the mixed reviews, but my husband and I went anyways. I am happy to report that we had a wonderful time! If you show up with reasonable expectations, I think you will enjoy this experience as much as we did. The boat is really nice and fairly new (less than a year old). It has three decks (two covered and one rooftop), two bars, and several bathrooms. It holds about 300 passengers. The trip to Blake Island took about 45 minutes and there are beverages/snacks available for purchase. I've had motion sickness before, but I felt totally fine on this boat! The water was really calm and it just felt like a ferry boat ride. On the trip over, George (our host) gave a nice presentation on the history of Seattle. He had a microphone, so it was easy to hear him. It was quite informative and I thought he did a really good job. Once you arrive at Blake Island, you are welcomed with a cup of steamed clams, which were delicious. It is traditional for you to dump the empty shells on the ground and stomp on them, which was fun. The meal is served in the Tillicum longhouse. (We were on the 1:30 PM cruise, and ate around 2:30 PM, so it was more of a late lunch versus dinner). All of the seating is pre-assigned, so a host will escort you to your seat. I thought the buffet was great. There was a nice variety of items including salmon, beef stew, polenta, rice, salad, fruit, and bread. They had little fruit tarts and cookies for dessert. Everything is labeled really well in case you have any dietary restrictions. Soda/tea/coffee was complimentary with our meal, but there were also alcoholic beverages available for purchase. The Native American storytelling show was neat. It was about 15 minutes and had a mix of video projection and live dancers. I thought it was the appropriate length and well done. After the show, you have some free time before the boat goes back to Seattle. You can take a short hike, walk to the beach, relax in the totem garden, visit the gift shop, hang out at the bar, or look at the artifacts in the longhouse. George gave us some more info on the way back and we made it to Seattle on time. I thought everything went really smoothly and the entire crew was friendly. We would definitely take another Argosy cruise in the future! My last few tips: * This is a pretty unique experience because you can't get to Blake Island unless you have a friend with a boat! There are no bridges and no ferries go there. * The longhouse where you eat is the same place where President Clinton hosted the 1993 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit! There are some pictures on the wall there. * Parking near the waterfront costs about $30. I suggest parking at the Second & Seneca garage. It only cost us $10 for all day on Saturday and it's a 5 minute walk to Pier 54. * Tickets are kind of expensive, but it does include a lot (transportation, buffet, entertainment). Argosy has a couple of discounts available (AAA members, Washington State residents, "Passport" card holders, etc). read more

Argosy Cruises - Blake Island - Our ride to Blake Island - Boat Tours Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

We really enjoyed our harbor cruise. It was quick and informative. There were drinks and snacks aboard for purchase and two levels that you could sit on. My only critique would be to maybe allow special purchase for top deck seats. The space was limited and most people wanted to sit on the top deck to enjoy the views. read more

Great ride good service and very relaxing. Blake had a great tome taking in the scenery. He also enjoyed the snack bar read more

Argosy Cruises - Blake Island - Boat Tours Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Boat ride: 5 star Appetizer: 5 star Food: 4 star Time to explore before riding the boat back: 2 star Price: 5 star (due to Groupon XD) I got two tickets to Tillicum Village + boarding photo from Groupon for $44 each (It was $55, but there's a 20% discount at that time for local events). You will have to pay $5.78 per person for service fee and fuel surcharge though. It ended up being a very good deal since the original price was $79*2= $158 + $20 (for 2 photos) = $178. So hm saved about $80 bucks. The boat was suppose to leave at 11:30 am, but since there were people waiting in the line, it didn't leave until 11:40 am. The weather was really nice and the narrator did a great job talking about the salmon and the history of Northwest. It was very informative, but I overheard some old people talking about how they just want to enjoy the scenery quietly, lol. When we got there, it was low tide so they took some effort to board the cruise. It was kind of funny. We then got welcomed by a warm cup of clam soup. I believe each cup contains 3 clams, they were big, juicy, and chewy. After you are done, you throw away the clam shell on the ground (yes, i'm not joking!) and step on them so they look like gravel on the ground xD. There seems to be a lot of them there already, and I really wonder when did they start making the guests doing that haha. However, not every guest made the effort to do so since some just left the shells in the cup afterwards. It was nice to sit on the benches outside and look at the scenery.. pretty fantastic view. We then entered the place, there were a gift shop at the right hand side with native american decorations for sale, and at the center there is the place for them to BBQ the salmon. It was quite a view. We then entered the dining hall at the left hand side. It was a very large dining hall with platform in front for performance later. There were 4 (or 3?) stations for food, and they were all the same. I think they do that to keep the food warm. There's a person there to tell you which station to go. The mixed salad was very fresh, the dried cranberries were yummy. There were beef stew and some dishes that I had no clue what they were, but they were good. The salmon was good as well, so I was really glad. The mushroom that comes with one of the dish was really good, so i went back and got more. I took a picture of the menu, and I will upload it later. Coffee, tea, and soda are complementary. You can also order wine or fresh juice for an additional fee. There was someone carrying a tray of desserts, so we got some as well. I still have no clue what it was though.. Since we got in really early, we were already done with our food when they turned off the light for the performance. It was a 3D projection, but there's people who dances or acts with the projection. I'd say they really try their best to make it not seem so boring. The show was also informative and interesting. After the show, we got 30 minutes to walk around. We could either walk to the right side to see the ocean and play with marine animals(??) or walk to the left hand side to see the cedar tree. We did the latter, which was nothing special.. There was no direction or map or anything, so it was confusing. Also due to the time restriction, we were worried that we won't be able to make it back on time since the trail seems endless. I would really enjoy more time on the island for exploration, like at least an hour.. The boat ride back was fun as well, even though in the last 10-15 minutes the narrator started to talk about places to go for tourists.. I wasn't a tourist so I got bored... After the cruise, you get to check your picture before you board the cruise and you can buy it if you want. They were $15 for one and $20 for two. We got 2 due to the Groupon. I'd say I really enjoyed the trip and it was nice to spend some quality time with my husband. read more

See all

I don't really understand all the good reviews for the Tillicum Excursion. Honestly, it was really disappointing and I don't think it's worth the huge cost at all. I would not recommend it to my friends just because the costs is not justifiable at all and the trip itself is really boring. You takeoff from the port of Seattle and the cruise ride over to the island is alright, nothing special. The boat is large and well maintained. They do speak a LITTLE bit about the history of Seattle and native americans; however, this is minimal and very glossed over at best. When you arrive at the island, you are immediately ushered into the longhouse. They force you to walk through the giftshop and then line-up for your little photo-op (this is unavoidable). This was the only point where they had the actual salmon bake display up (the rest of the time that area was used for storage / dishes). Then you can enter to the buffet. The meal itself was good and was the highlight of the trip. The food is good and obviously plentiful (considering it's a buffet). Everything else was a disappointment. The "show" was terrible. It's hardly even 10 minutes long and really doesn't have any substance too it. I did enjoy the dancing and costumes, but having this little demonstration marketed as a "show" really bothers me. After the fake "show," you are left to fend for yourself for an hour. On rainy days, there is literally nothing for you to do during this time. There is a trail around to island, but this was a horribly muddy mess that was basically un-walk-able during my visit. There really is no museum or anything on display at the longhouse. Most people just stood around since there wasn't even enough seating for everyone to sit and wait. They do have a "totem pole garden" but there's literally only 2 totem poles, and they're replicas not the real deal. I was so bored during this time and just wished we could head back already. It was a total waste of time. The cruise back was uneventful. They didn't speak or anything. Overall, I would NOT recommend this tour to anyone. It's a huge rip-off and a waste of both time and money. There is no substance to the tour and it's not actually informative or interesting. The best part was the food, and you can eat good food for much cheaper around town. Parking: You will have to park in a paid lot across from the waterfront. The lot closest to the departure point will cost you $30. ADA: I believe this tour is fully handicap accessible. The boat and all entrances all have ramps and people are there to assist as necessary. read more

This cruise was the best!. It is the perfect time to experience your own city's tours without crowds! We selected the nature walk which included a fabulous lunch of salad, clams, salmon, chicken, rice, bread, and berry cobbler and a drink. Very generous portions and such nice staff and service at tillicum. If I could give you ten stars I would. With the governor's mandate Argosy can only have 50 folks on a 400 capacity boat and boy does that make for no issue with social distancing and everyone requires a mask so you feel very safe. I was amazed at people whom had masks on kids that are less than the age that requires it. They were so good and so cute. Seattle people this is a great time for us to support local businesses and also enjoy our own city! I highly recommend this tour it was so relaxing! read more

See all

The excursion was nice. The ride to and from enjoyable and very relaxing. The bar staff were top notch as well. The show and food on the island were also very good. My only complaint was the service at the island. Our server was stressed and stretched very thin. We had to "borrow" silverware and water glasses from other tables and spent a great deal of time trying to see where she was. I do recommend for people visiting Seattle. The salmon was perfect! read more

Argosy Cruises - Blake Island - Boat Tours Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

I love the Argosy Cruises! Let's see....Steve and I have been here three years now but we still behave like tourists in our own town! Lol! Hey! Locals go on this excursion too so one can't say that it's for newbies or sightseers only! This particular cruise requires a bit of planning. Unlike the other cruises at the Argosy location downtown where you can relatively just go in the office and book a cruise for a tour of the harbor or the Ballard Locks you need to make online reservations in order to go in this trip. The boat cruise is a fun one and long enough that you can really take in some fine scenery! There is a guide that points out the history of Tillicum Village and the very influential Chief Seattle. Upon arriving you are offered steamed oysters and according to tradition you drop the shells on the ground and stomp on them to make the welcoming even more joyous. On this cruise a meal and entertainment is provided as well so when you go into the Longhouse you can see how the salmon that you will be eating is baked in the traditional manner of the indigenous traditions of the area. Also inside the Longhouse there is a gift shop and loads of information to read up on as well as a booth (at least when we were there) of an artist demonstrating her talent for making hats that some of the tribes in the area once wore. The meal was excellent! We had the salmon of course which was really tasty and baked to perfection! Sometimes I don't like salmon because on some occasions it tastes to strong but this was amazing! There were other dishes as well like a beef stew, fruit with strawberry dipping sauce, salad, wild rice and more all in a buffet like style.Seconds are allowed! Yippie! After we got our bellies full you are given a small dessert that is brought to your table. On this occasion we had a blackberry crisp kind of dessert which was wonderful! During dessert there were performers that came out on a stage and conducted various tribal dances and that was really informative and entertaining to see! The storytelling is rich in culture and life! Towards the end of the performance large masks were being worn and danced with which was very impressive! After the performance we had about half and hour of free time before the boat would leave. So you can do shopping, visit with the hat maker, go to the site where Chief Seattle was born (which is only a 5 minute walk from the Longhouse) or admire the view from the beach. In the summer you can do more of an extended stay here by taking this cruise and stay here all day and take a later cruise back to Seattle. You don't have to take the first cruise going back! However if you go in late summer or early Autumn there is just one cruise that comes and one that goes back in a day so you really should get back on the boat when they say when they are leaving unless you want to stay there overnight. You CAN actually stay here overnight since Blake Island is a state park, you just need to have your equipment and pay the state park fee. When we were here the weather was cold and windy so Steve and I wouldn't want to stay overnight but there were a few diehards that were! The trip back was a very pleasant one but the waves were getting stronger so we had a bouncy ride back to Seattle. It wasn't a problem for Steve and I but the little old lady next to us needed to change her shopping bag into a barf bag! Ewwww! read more

See all

I have lived in WA for over a decade and I am wondering... WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO CHECK THIS OUT? My bf and I went the other month using a Groupon we had purchased. We never knew such an experience existed. First, you board the cruise boat and they have a narrator who does an excellent job explaining the ride there. Then, you're taken to an island where you are greeted with a cup of hot, delicious clams. The decor and setup of the island is just breathtaking. There is an area indoors where they are smoking the salmon that you will later devour in the buffet... the food was great, extremely friendly staff... I highly recommend you check this out, tourist or not. read more

I've lived in Seattle for 40+ years, and only now have been to Tillicum Village. I am glad I waited (more on that in a moment). We used a Groupon deal, which took the Tillicum Village experience from OK value for money to downright bargoon. If you see a TV Groupon offer, take it! The trip out is on an Argosy Cruises boat. They are well found and operated vessels, and the crew are pleasant and helpful. Booze is a bit pricey, though, and one of the bartenders was downright stingy with her wine pours. Fortunately, another crewman who was circulating on deck taking drink orders must have gone to the other bar (there's one on each deck), and that barkeep poured honest draughts. The salmon buffet is only OK. After starting with a truly outstanding steamed clam appetizer, you can go into the longhouse and see the butterflied salmon being roasted on cedar spits. It's an interesting show, and the cooks are happy to share the technique (used by NW Indians for centuries) with you. The buffet, as I said, is just OK. You have a selection of salads, a truly delicious house-made molasses bread, elk & buffalo stew, rice pilaf, and salmon. I thought the salmon was a bit dry, but considering you're cooking for 100+ guests, it's awful hard to 'nail', so it was OK, not great. To their credit, that set up 8 serving lines, so guests get their food quickly. The show follows, and it is very good. Apparently, before Argosy took over, the show was more of a Disneyfied 'dog-and-pony' show that simply existed to entertain the (mostly) white audience with the dances and antics of the 'primitives'. The show now is a fascinating, respectful, and educational overview of NW Native philosophy, dance, and storytelling, that actually leaves you wanting to visit the library or go online and learn more. Overall, this is a wonderful value and a great place to take out of town guests, It is definitely not a 'tacky tourist' attraction, but something Seattle can be proud of. 5 stars for show, boat, crew, and service; 3 for food. Overall 4 stars, and a hearty recommendation from me. read more

For the past couple of years, my wife and I have always wanted to go to Tillicum Village. It just so happened that we had a bunch of family in town who were interested in going! Too bad she had to work today (she is a RN and can't really take time off work for a trip like this) and luckily for me, I am a teacher and have the whole summer off! The rides over and back were alright. After awhile I had to drown out the constant story telling on the boat ride and just take in the views. The views were amazing. After dinner we walked around a little and took in more great views and even saw a bunch of neat wild life. Food was pretty good as well. The BAD part .... the show! After going as a little kid and seeing advertisements I was excited to see the performance. Performance? What performance? When the 3D image came on at the beginning I figured that was a cool way to get our attention. I had no idea the ENTIRE show would be narrated by a PRERECORDED 3D character! This was a huge let down. While the three dancers were not bad, I expected way more from a $70 or so ticket. Needless to say, I don't think I will bother bringing my wife to Tillicum Village :( Good thing Argosy offers an awesome Christmas Cruise which I will continue to go on! read more

In town with my BF and this was one of the activities we planned with the kids. We'd never been to Seattle and the kids are new to the area so a historic boat ride from Seattle to Tillicum Village on Blake Island was a great activity. We lucked out and picked one of the few gorgeous days (80 degrees, crystal clear skies), we could see Mt Ranier while on the boat! The ride was sold-out so there were plenty of people, and we had a very chatty group of older women seated right next to us on the ride over to the island so it was difficult to hear the stories from the guide on the upper deck. They have a bar serving alcoholic drinks and a few snacks (chips) so things did get louder as we sailed That said, we got were surrounded by crystal clear water, plenty of birds and we even saw a seal (?) fighting with a gull over fish lol When we arrived at Tillicum Village, we were met with mug of freshly boiled clams which were great, and then ushered (slowly, the boat was pretty packed) into the salmon buffet. I have to say, I dont expect the most when I hear the word 'buffet' but the food was excellent! Simple mixed green salad with mustard vinaigrette, polenta, beef stew, brown bread, wild rice and grilled salmon. It was really good and they kept it coming. Servers brought drinks to the table and circulated frequently, but you went up to refill your own plate. Service was about an hour or so, then they brought out a dessert of blueberry cobbler (which was the only 'just ok' part of the meal) and the lights dimmed for the show. The show was interested, especially since some of the servers did double-duty as performers but I appreciated hearing some of these Native stories I had not been exposed. The performances were very simple, never more than 3 or 4 people on stage. All the exposition was pre-recorded and pumped in through speakers....but the costumes and dramatic headdresses were definitely something to see. After the performance we had, about 15 minutes to wander around a bit before re-boarding the boat. All in all, it was a good 4 hour excursion, great for the entire family. My bf DID use a coupon so it helped that there was a discount, but the price is a bit steep but I understand since salmon is not cheap (at least where I live far from the Pacific Northwest). Note they also have options for you to camp overnight on Blake Island if you make arrangements. We saw a couple camping families in our 15 minute perusal of the beach. read more

Argosy Cruises - Blake Island - Salmon grilling within Tillicum Village hall - Boat Tours Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

I took some family members visiting from out of town on the day cruise to Blake island with lunch and the show. The ferry ride over was beautiful and the narrator was nice enough, telling us traditional stories about the raven. When we arrived on the island, lunch was immediately served and I ate some of the best salmon of my life! The reason this attraction receives 2 stars is because of the show. It was a huge let down! The narrator and the majority of the dances were done via a projector. YES that means it was not live, it was mostly pre-recorded! For around $90 a ticket, I expected at least a few dances to be live amd there was no live narrator. Only two dances of the 5 performed were live. If they have to charge more , then they should do so in order to have a more authentic and better experience for their guests. read more

I brought my family (wife and 2 children) on the Tillicum Excursion and it was fantastic. The vessel is a new ship that is laid out very well. There is plenty of seating with good views, and 2 covered levels if the Seattle weather determines that it needs to be more wet :) The host on the ship is very informative and friendly. He narrated a lot of interesting history, even for someone who lives local - everyone is sure to learn something. He gave ample opportunities to ask questions. The trip to the island was long enough to enjoy the water but not too long. When you arrive on the island you are greeted by the staff who bring out clams in steaming water inside of a cup. They taste great and the kids loved throwing the shells on the path and stomping them into the ground. When you go inside the longhouse, you'll notice the overwhelming smell of smoking fish right away. The Salmon Fillets are smoking in the main area on display for everyone to enjoy before the meal. It sure helps with the anticipation. The host will take groups of people to the tables that are pre-assigned. When you book, make sure you put a preference in to sit with the rest of your group (if you have one). Almost all the spots have a great view of the show, and they generally map out where people will sit that keeps the most people together and gives everyone a great view. Pro-Tip - If you can, ask for table 2 or 3 which are stage side, when booking. The show is a combination of both digital and real life dancers. The digital portion is on a cool silkscreen projection that almost looks 3d. At some points of the show, the real actors are interacting with the 3d projection and it is very entertaining. My two children thoroughly enjoyed the show, at one point the Shaman was explaining how a girl from a local village helped by raising her hands up in the air, and my 3 yo daughter was so enthralled that she joined in. It was a very special memory for us, that we'll cherish. My 4 yo son especially liked the hunting scene and the dances with the traditional masks. There was lots of drums, stomping and it kept my two kids attention (which is not easy). The food was pretty good, and had both seafood options as well as a vegetarian option (not sure if it was vegan) and a non fish option (beef stew). It all tasted pretty good, and we topped it off with some dessert. You do have to pay for the drinks, and there is a good selection. The servers come to your table for drinks but the food is served buffet style. The show starts shortly after people have completed eating. Note, there is no flash photography or video recording during the show, however you can get photos afterwards in the lobby. After the show is over, you have about an hour or so to wander around. There is a totem exhibit in the back of the show that I did not go to. I went to the beach (that is a public campground as well) that is directly to the left of the building that the meal was in. I have also (on another trip here) gone on a hike up the trail to the right of the building. There isn't quite enough time to hike to the north point of the island, even at a fast clip, given that it take just as long to get back to the boat. I was pretty nervous that I may miss the boat which leaves after the horn sounds. Note, the horn sounds the loading of the boat but there is still about 20 minutes after that horn sounds before the boat actually leaves. I'd start to go really fast if you are not within sight of the boat when that horn sounds. On the way out, we got a couple gifts from the gift shop, which were reasonably priced for a gift shop. My kids like the card games we got. I'd highly suggest this for any family that wants to do more than just ride a boat. It's an entire experience, and I'm glad we did it. Argosy has delivered on this one. read more

I would suggest going on this cruise at least once if you live in Seattle, but once will most likely be enough. I got a BOGO special through the Entertainment Book and my ticket was still pricey. The boat ride over from the downtown pier to the island was nice. Nothing happens on the boat, you just ride over. When we got off the boat, we were greeted with a small serving of clam soup which didn't appeal at all to me, either in smell, taste or presentation. They encouraged people to chuck the shells on the ground, and there were a lot laying everywhere. Part of my OCD tendencies didn't care for that. There was some delay before the buffet and show, and we wandered around the gift shop and the island a bit. The salmon buffet was pretty limited and basic, but it was all right. However, we were sandwiched in at these long tables where everyone was crammed in like sardines. I could hardly move. The show was a letdown. The dancers that were there did a great job, but the dancing was short. We would have liked to have learned more about the culture. Seeing how the salmon was cooked around the campfire was cool, but no one was around to explain why it was cooked that way, the history behind it, etc. Since it's $80 an adult, I am really glad I had the coupon. There are a lot of places in Seattle where you can lay down $160 for dinner on the water, and on a boat for that matter, where I believe you'll enjoy yourself much more. Food: 3 Service: 3 Ambiance: 3 read more

Tillicum Village is a magical place! There are a number of places in this country that I speak of often, telling friends "If you're in this city, visit this place." Tillicum Village is on the short list, among my top 10 favorite places to eat in the United States. There could be no better salmon than this, plucked straight from the Pacific Ocean by Native Americans just hours before your meal, baked around a large fire until tender and perfect, absolute perfection and all you can eat. When you take the ferry over from Seattle to Blake Island, a gorgeous view of the city opens up before you. Upon arrival, you eat a flawless bowl of mussels. The smell of fresh wood-smoked salmon wafts out of the building. The deer on the island are completely tame, raised by the natives. They'll feed them right in front of you. And of course you will consume the world's best salmon! If you partake in this opportunity, it will be worth every penny and give you a truly remarkable local experience that cannot be had anywhere else. read more

Love it, sun, boats, beach, drinks and an awesome show! Wish we would have had more time at the low tie beach but overall it was grrrreeaatt!! Definetally would do it again. read more

As a long-time Seattle resident I've wanted to visit Blake Island for a long time, and today I finally did it! Top-level: it's very convenient to get to the boat; the greeting-with-clams was everything I'd ever dreamed of; the buffet lunch was generous, high-quality, and accommodated dietary restrictions; the multi-media presentation/show was EXCELLENT; and I had a very nice glass of champagne on the way home to celebrate the happy fulfillment of a long-term dream of mine. Some details: With the Viaduct down, the parking was very available and convenient for old creaky ladies like me (people concerned about cost can drop their old folks off and go to a parking garage). The ship was comfortable with plenty of assistance available for creaky old people with walkers or wheelchairs. Blake Island itself was also very accessible. The crew kept track of us creaky people and proactively offered assistance at every step of the way, so I got to fully enjoy everything I've always dreamed of doing on this visit: including: (details!) Lovely roomy boat, we did pre-boarding (creaky old lady) and got great seats. On the way, there was a presentation on Seattle landmarks and early history; when we got there, I was helped to debark (it was really really really low tide . . . ) but then we got: clams! A lovely mug of steamed clams in clam broth! Delicious, especially since there were four of us but only one of us likes steamed clams, so Yay Me (hee hee). We went straight into the longhouse for the buffet meal. We had great seats for the show, but looking around at the way the longhouse was arranged, it looked like everybody did. The buffet meal featured wild-greens salad with fixin's, fruit salad, a delicious mushroom polenta, a rice dish, bread and butter naturally, a nice stewed beef dish, and Of Course Salmon Cooked Over Alder wood (with apple pie for dessert). By dint of fierce self-discipline I didn't totally over-estimate my capacity (grin). The show was lovely, a combination of live-action dance and recordings of traditional dance and song. The live-action dancing was particularly vigorous and athletic. Audience participation was encouraged during the telling of one foundation myth: I don't know if the kids enjoyed that but I sure did. (Yes, I =did= help separate the sky from the earth. No, quite all right, you're welcome, thank me later.) After the presentation/lunch some of the dancers and some of the masks were available in case people wanted to take their pictures, so I got to sneak up close to one of the dance-masks and whisper "You're my favorite!" There was about an hour before boarding started up again, and trails going off in two directions. We went through the gift shop and then went a little bit one way and then a little bit the other way. Then for home. And for me a lovely glass of champagne to celebrate having finally had the chance to do the Blake Island excursion and be greeted at the docks with steaming hot clams in clam broth. I loved it, and if you do it, I hope you love it too! read more

Really a fun tour, Taking the boat right over was good (not to many waves for people with motion sickness, but I took the tour around 6:00 so maybe the tide is lower at that time) The captain tells you stories about the Indian natives that live on Blake island and how chief Seattle was responsible for the city being named. The ride is enjoyable Once you arrive to Blake island, you are greet with oysters and clams to enjoy. Once settled, you will enjoy a salmon meal with a life music theater event to enjoy while you eat. read more

Argosy Cruises - Blake Island - After dinner - Boat Tours Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am still a tourist afterall.... Brought my folks here last year for some good touristy fun. Since they are aging and not too mobile anymore, I figured it would be a good option. The boat ride is nice, cruising out from the piers just off Alaskan way in Seattle and onto Blake island. You are welcomed with some type of oyster or clam soup which was nice and simple. You even got to dump the shells on to the dirt path and stomp them with your feet! Seeing the salmon cooked splayed infront of fire pits was a nice touch. The dinner/lunch food was decent, served on cafeteria lunch trays and all. The show did have a high school production quality about it but I still enjoyed it and since I don't come from these parts, I thought it was educational. The island is pretty small and there isn't a lot of time to explore it although it did appear to have some camp sites that were in use. Is it for everyone? probably not. Pretty good for kids and elderly folks or eternal tourists like myself... read more

Nice ferry ride to Blake Island. A whole lot of history about the Seattle area. Very nice buffet of salad, smoked salmon, beef stew, mushroom and polenta, and dessert. Lets not forget a niece show of history. read more

This was a fun trip! Pros: The food was pretty good. Beautiful scenery and walking trails. We saw some eagles, raccoons, cranes and fish life. Great historical info was given throughout the tour. Log house and costumes are lovely. The staff was welcoming, friendly and quick to serve and clean up. Cons: The whole experience feels kind of rushed. Drinks on the ferry ride are expensive at almost 10 buck a pop! They close the buffet too quickly. We paid a lot for that salmon dinner...let us savor it! Also, when the show began, I noticed (since I sat toward the back) that the crew and staff got to eat the food that they had kind of horded to the side. I thought that was great, but they were banging plates around and making a racket which was very distracting from the show. Overall it was a nice trip. I would recommend it to out of townees, but I probably wouldn't pay that much for the show and food again. I would love to camp on the island though, which is an option! Tips: Bring Dramamine!!! I was very thankful that I did as the ride is nauseating-especially if you sit up top. Also, wear layers! read more

Very interesting and informative cruise. About 45 minutes from Seattle port to Blake Island. Spend about 2 hours on Blake Island which includes lunch and show about Native American history and dances. See how your salmon was cooked by the Native Americans over open fires . Buffet lunch with plenty of food. Staff very friendly and helpful. Lots of photo opportunities with the Native Americans as well as the Seattle skyline and Space Needle from the boat. Overall I found it to be a great value for the day. read more

As a native Seattleite, with my pops being half Native American and a graduate of West Seattle High, class of '57, I grew up right on Beach Drive of Alki Beach until junior high. I've heard of Tillicum Village and Blake Island as a child, and my father, being proud of his Native American heritage, instilled in me respect and knowledge of tribes indigenous of the Seattle area. With this as a background, I provide my Yelp friends with this review: 1. Good option for tourists visiting Seattle 2. Good option to entertain adults over 40 That's about it. The 40 minute ferry ride over was narrated at the top deck, I learned that Luna Park in West Seattle was once the Coney Island of the West Coast, before burning down in 1913. The settlers that arrived (Denny Family) found Portland too congested, and found their way into Alki Beach and settled into the harbor on 11/13 in the late 1800's - wanting to create a New York of the West Coast. The Natives here were very gracious and generous, yet they only lived on Alki during summer months. As you arrive onto Blake Island (which has camping grounds) you are greeted by the Argosy staff (excellent staff members) and served a cup of clams. (More is provided if desired) Then, one is welcome to browse around, view the salmon being traditionally smoked, and then enter into the dining room for the buffet dinner. Salad, a variety of beans, beef stew, and of course, the smoked salmon. The buffet is all you can eat, and fatty over here went for 2nd's. The salmon is unseasoned, with the idea of the traditional smoked cooking being the seasoning. A 20 minute show is performed by the staff with their version of Native American traditions, dances, and the story of how Raven became Sun and Moon. My heart cried out inside while watching the performance, although the staff did good, the production is closer to a high school play. My emotions ran deep as I felt such a sadness for my Native people. They love their land, they love their food sources, and were the original people of America. Killed off by greed and a people that felt superior. It saddened me to see the costumes and display pieces of such low quality, I can just imagine Chief Seattle and other Native American spirits grieving at the sight of using printed canvas as a traditional coat . With all this said, I do not discourage anyone from visiting Tillicum Village for the experience. Every single person encountered on the experience was excellent, from the staff, to the guests at our communal dining table. (Mostly tourists, from Boston, to Italy). At $130/for 2 people, which included dinner buffet for 2, a ferry ride, and a play, along with a quick jaunt to Blake Island, I will give it 4 out of 5 stars because it is important to keep awareness of the Native American people and traditions - even if diluted. It would be amazing to have a Native American investor come in and completely revise the experience! There is a gift shop, and I found myself purchasing quite a few items, from large pieces of art, to trinkets and sunglasses with a Native design on them. +1 star for the staff. They really were awesome. I was surprised there wasn't more attention brought to them for congratulations for their performances and hard work. read more

There is something to be said for having deep roots in one area for a long time... I'm a fairly sentimental b*tch a lot of the times, friends laugh at me that I can go to a local park I grew up in and still be sad the big toy of my youth is gone...despite how great it all still is. Tillicum Village is like one of those things to me. My mom and aunts and uncles took school field trips here. My brother and I took school (and for me girl scouts too) trips here, and last Friday, the 3rd of my 4 kids took their school field trip here. It's had it's ups and down through out the years, and the "show" is much more "showy" than when I was there as a kid. The Salmon dinner is worth it, and my kids still rave about how it's cooked and even the picky eaters (who claim to not like fish) eat it right up. This is one of those Northwest "institution" tourist things, that is worthy of *at least* one visit in your lifetime, to say that you did. I can't wait for next year, when the last of mine jump on that field trip bus to experience it all their own. read more

I'm giving this place two stars instead of one because a) the staff were really nice b) the food was good and c) the ferry ride to and from the island was enjoyable. Based on the experience itself, though: definitely not worth the money you dish out. Even with a discount, my hubby and I paid 130 bucks for the experience. We found out during the narrated harbor cruise that the Village isn't even a real Native American village. It was built and is still owned by a White man who no doubt built it for tourist profits. The clams were okay, the buffet and demonstration of how the salmon is traditionally cooked were good...but the show??? Wow, it was like we were watching a 4th grade play. There really was low energy, one dude FELL during the dance, and the dancers weren't even Native American! One was Black, two were Hispanic, and I think two were of Native descent. Anyway, no big deal except: the reason we purchased the tickets in the first place was because the show was touted as "award-winning." WHAT AWARD??? That's what I want to know. Wouldn't go again, even if they improved on the extreme lack of authenticity just for the simple fact that it's not even a real village. With all of the rich Native American history and culture in the area, skip Tillicum and check the others out. read more

I could write a very lengthy review, but I'm going to make it short and sweet. Pros: - We got a discount with our Prime card which saved us $79 (or 1/2 off). Probably would have given 2 stars if we paid full price. - Nice trip with great views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier (if you luck out and go on a nice day) - Tour guide was knowledgable, staff were pleasant - Lots of food. Not the best, but the Salmon was very good. - Nice to get away even if for a few hours. We layed on a picnic table near the shore and stargazed after the show. Cons: - Tilicum Village is not a real tribe and never was. - Feels contrived and touristy. I felt embarrassed for the authenticity. - The show was not the greatest quality. The set reminded me of eating at one of the Rainforest Cafes in Disney World. - The entire show was to pre-recorded audio and sounds like it is being played on an old tape player or record. - The energy was low. You could tell the dancers weren't really into it. There was definately a cheesiness factor. Fun to do once. It was a decent price (after the discount) for a boat ride, dinner and show. I don't think it would be worth it full price. read more

I've was raised in Seattle and lived here most of my adult life. The last time I experienced this attraction was in about 30 years ago when I was in 5th grade. While I don't have a lot of memories from that trip, my expectations were, shall we say, not that high. However, as part of my job, I needed to plan an event for about 25 interns from across the country and a trip to Blake Island/Tillicum Village seemed like a unique, interesting experience and with a 4-hour round-trip time commitment, something that wouldn't eat up their whole weekend, but would still provide a memorable outing. It was a perfect event! My low expectations were far from exceeded - they were blown into the stratosphere! From the office staff who helped me coordinate the ticket purchases to the people at the gate, my needs as a coordinator were handled in a very professional fashion. The staff on the Goodtime II and at the Village itself are incredible. The tour host who narrated the boat ride was super entertaining and amazingly well-informed on local history, folk lore, geography and native cultures, traditions and history. The staff at the Village made sure our guests were comfortable - the service was on par with quality restaurants in the city. The entertainment was great - informative and educational, but not too lengthy or heavy. The message was serious enough to have an impact, but not negative in any way. If you are looking for a great way to entertain out of town guests or even just something different to do on a weekend - you won't be disappointed with the Tillicum Village / Blake Island tour! read more

Pros - 1. The cruise to and from the island is very nice. The narration is very good and informative. The views are great. 2. The island itself it very nice. I wish we had had more time to walk around. Lots of deer. 3. The salmon cooking demonstration was very informative. 4. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. 5. The dancers are well trained and very accessible. They were available for over 1/2 an hour after the show for questions and pictures. The headdresses are very impressive. 6. The salmon was well prepared and tasty. The other highlights of the meal were the bread and rice pilaf. 7. I was wary of the clams in nectar, but was pleasantly surprised. Cons - 1. Worst venison stew I have ever experienced, and I had been looking forward to it. 2. They did not inform us that there would be an extra charge for soda. No one came to refill out water glasses. They cleared the plates quickly enough, but three requests for water went unanswered. 3. The green bean salad would have been better had it been warm. 4. For the price you're charged, I would expect more than a video presentation. It's no better than what you would find in a museum or lecture. The dancers were good, the three of them, but I was expecting more. 5. The cruise is nice, but if you want to see anything, you have to be on deck. There are no clear windows in the salons.This means you're exposed to the weather, and since we went on the 6:30 excursion, it was very cold on our way back. Having attended these types of events before through other venues, this is lacking. Unless they change the type of presentation, I would not be interested in doing this again. read more

I give three stars, because that is exactly what it is - a middle of the road experience. Neither horrible nor wonderful. There were tons of FUN and really cool aspects and just as many aspects that disappointed and were lacking. The way to enjoy the Tillicum Village, however, is to do exactly what we did. Go in with very little expectations. Go in and know that "it is what it is". No more, no less. It is enjoyable. It is entertaining. But could it be so much more? Yes! The cruise over and back from Seattle is awesome! Definitely one of the perks! The food, although sparse and served in buffett style, was delicious. In fact, some of the best salmon I've ever had. The servers could definitely be taught some more customer service. And the show is the biggest disappointment. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it really respectful of the Native American tribes that is states it represents? Probably not. There were only three dancers - and 90% of the show is a mere video on a screen. Cool and 3D, yes. But a video nonetheless. Again, I think everyone should do it once! We live in Seattle and take our guests when they come in from out of town. Again, its a touristy thing to do - why not? But sadly, yes, they could make it be SO MUCH BETTER! Go with the "it is what it is" attitude and you'll enjoy yourself and not be angry or disappointed! :) read more

Sooo I don't really know what the expectation was of some of the other reviewers on here. And I had the pleasure of not reading any reviews before I went with my mom for her birthday in 2013. Boat ride was a typical boat ride. But Blake island itself is pretty and scenic. All you can stuff in your face buffet complete with smoked salmon and a performance. Extra time to talk to the Natives, enjoy the totem poles and wildlife. Newflash: It feels like a tourist attraction because.... Wait for it.... It is! Pay your $70 and enjoy some native American history and then go home. Their trying to make a dollar like everyone else. read more

See all

The ride out was great and our guide was extremely informative. Luckily, I was there for the weekend of sunshine! SUNSHINE IN SEATTLE? WHAT? But yes, I got to see the beautiful Mt. Rainier on the way there. I've always been fascinated with Native American history so I was really excited with the performance. It was kind of a let down because most of it was digital and the dances were boring. The costumes I thought were pretty authentic. The food was mediocre. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the rice was also yummy. The fruit was fruit what else can I say. I went back for the bread and butter though, SO good. Upon arriving, you receive a cup of clams in some sort of broth? You can have more if you like and the idea is to throw the shells on the floor and crush them, hence the clam-shell trail. I'm not a fan of clams, but they were decent, not the best. The idea was cool. The ride back was chilly. We sat on the deck but ended up going inside because it got really windy. Overall, i'd recommend this for tourists like myself. A lot of people say "older" people would enjoy it more, but I'm 17 and I had fun. It'd also be a nice date idea. If I go back, I would definitely camp there. It's so peaceful and the water/beach is right there. read more

Really enjoyed another argosy cruise to Tillicum village on Blake Island. I was really impressed with almost everything. The only downfall was the trip to the island. I think they sold a few too many tickets because the only seating options turned out to be on the back of the boat where the engine is the loudest. It was impossible to hear the tour guide and all the very interesting info that I assumed she was giving. I asked for the volume to be turned up in the back but it was still very hard to hear. The staff member apologized and explained that it was because we were sitting on top of the motor and that probably the sound wasn't going to get any better. We barely for 10% of what was said. It was a long hour journey. Arriving at the island we were welcomed with clams. The clams tasted great and it was fun to crush the shells. We were immediately shown into the lodge and dining area. Even though there were 100s of people the buffet lines were very quick. They had several stations set up and managed the flow very well. The food was excellent. Very fresh and good quality. I was a little surprised that drinks (soda) wasn't included in the cost. Now the show.. People seem to really complain a lot about this but I think it's well done and I found it very interesting. First, Roger Fernandes is a great storyteller and I love listening to him. Yes, he is a 3D image but i think to have anyone else tell the story (in person) would really detract from the art of the storytelling. I thought the dances and costumes were fine too. Overall I thought the show was well done and thoughtful. Blake Island is great. Only wish we had more time to explore the island. There is a lot of wildlife and beautiful scenery to experience. 20 minutes does not do the island justice. Overall, totally recommend this cruise just be sure to hustle on board to find a seat otherwise you will miss out on a lot. read more

Really Argosy? I went to Tillicum to watch a *live* show, not some video of a man telling a story. This show used to be hot. There were multiple live performances and now most of that seems to be gone. They have cut down on their staff a lot but I see no reduction in prices. This tour has a lot of potential to be a truly awesome experiece. Tourists and locals deserve it. Don't let us down Argosy! read more

Yesterday we went on the Tillicum Excursion to/on Blake Island. We really enjoyed the event and felt it well worth the expense. The trip from Seattle to the Island was informative and comfortable. The trip back to Seattle was informative with some history of early Seattle and how it became. The crew was fantastic especially when it came to assisting the mobility challenged. Once on the island, the buffet , which was not limited to one trip through, was delicious and plentiful. The menu is posted on line. The show was interesting and informative about various local tribal lore through a story telling and dance format. I am so glad we finally checked this off our "bucket list" We had talked about going for several years. The only downfall, mobility on the island itself was a challenge. The grounds are natural. The paths are crushed clam shell or dirt and gravel. The scenic trails are typical forest "groomed" trails, tree root stairs and a few stubs. FYI, There is a seniors discount. AAA members do get a discount if reservations are made online. We saved $16 a ticket with those 2 discounts. I'm not sure about military discounts. 4 stars instead of 5 only because of the mobility issues. When I called the reservation line as suggested when making online reservations, the Rep did not have the information I needed about the access to the trails and beach on the island. Even the path from the boat dock to the longhouse for dinner was difficult. It was a thick layer of crushed clam shells which made walker, wheelchair, and cane use difficult. I feel Reps really need to know all this info. read more

Pros: Island was nice Indian History Thank God There's Alcohol Cons: Dinner not worth the money Performance really not worth the money Not worth the time (Don't even recommend once, unless you're bring your parents or someone older) *Warning: Not for someone in their 20s and 30s read more

I went to on the Tillicum Village tour with a large group yesterday. We were very lucky because the sun was out and the breeze felt really nice. Anyway, the actual boat ride itself was awesome. They have two bars and also a concession stand that has non-alcoholic drinks and snacks like popcorn or ice cream. The tour guide was pretty informative and there were lots of things to see outside, so the ride there was done in no time. When we got off the boat we were able to see how they cook the salmon, which was really really cool! Dinner was not that great, with the exception of the salmon--which was delicious! I brought my 8 year old with me, and he would only eat fruit and salmon. He wouldn't even touch dessert, which is saying something for an 8 year old boy. The show was just okay. Most of it was on a screen. There were three dancers that did a good job, and their costumes were cool. After the show a couple of them go into the lobby to take pictures. Touring the island was very interesting, and I really wish we had longer to do it! There are beautiful trails and wildlife walking around everywhere. We were able to get through about half of the island before it was time to go. All in all, I gave it three stars because it was a pretty good experience, but they should work on the food and give a little more time to hang out and explore... Not sure if it's worth the money. read more

Besides checking out the renown Public Market @ Pike's Place, Tillicum Village & Tours was one of the highlights that I experienced when I first came to WA State, specifically in Seattle back in 2006, which now I call home. The boat ride to Blake Island, and to see the nature & splendor of the Puget Sound, WAS AWESOME! Clear summer day in late July, sun shining, and the cool, crisp breeze coming from Canada....SPEECHLESS. Upon arriving @ the Village, we were greeted by the staff, and we visitors were given a piping, steamy bowl of clams in natural broth, which hit the spot after the boat ride. Could have had a bit more flavor added to it, but nonetheless, a good way to start the tour. Our guide then told us to throw the shells on the ground, being that it is the custom to do so, and of course, environmentally friendly. We were then guided by our host to see a recreation of the indigenous Tillicum Indian tribal Village which was really cool! Lots of native arts and crafts were on sale of course being it is a touristy destination, but also to learn about a different culture and their habitat, beautiful view of Lake Washington, gorgeous view of mountains capped w/ snow. Then, we were directed to go to a hall, where we visitors, got to see a FIRE PIT that was adorned w/ Wild caught salmon being roasted in the traditional style of the native Tillicum Indians' way of cooking, A whole salmon, deboned, and masterfully skewered in native aromatic wood, standing up, and pit roasted till golden deliciousness crispy brown. The fare for the buffet was so so, but the salmon made up for everything, crispy, melt in your mouth Omega 3 fatty goodness YUM YUM! We were then entertained by the staff of the Village to native dance, song and a CHICKEN SKIN Tillicum Indian chant that was hauntingly beautiful, giving me CHICKEN SKIN or to what the mainlanders here call GOOSE BUMPS. The price that i paid for both myself and my mon, was acceptable, being that it was $80 per person. So if you're ever in Seattle, and want to experience a true local custom to do on your visit, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you visit and experience, TILLICUM VILLAGE & TOURS! read more

I was with a group of senior citizens from Olympia. Most of us had been here at some other point in our life. I want to compliment "Haida" for his gracious, interesting presentation. The trip had two calamities occur on the way over. One was a medical emergency that resulted in our having to return to Pier 55 to get an ill passenger off the ship and to some medical help. On our second attempt to reach Blake Island, the ship was impacted by a current surge, which jarred the vessel, as well as everyone on board, causing one of the overhead speakers on the second deck to come loose and fall on one of the passengers. Injuries were minimal, but it was just a bit unnerving after having already had the first medical scare. The meal was extraordinary, and the only problem I had was that the performance started before I could even locate my food on my plate. Trust me - it gets very dark. I was seated in the very first row down front, so I have no idea how much the lack of light affected others. Sound was not optimal, and so the verbalizations of the presentation were lost on me. I would go again. Regardless of the negative events, it is certainly a worthwhile event if one keeps their expectations reasonable. read more

Entertaining out of town family this week and leapt at the chance to revisit one of my fave spots. Admittedly it has been 20 years since my last visit here. While much of this experience is exactly as I remember, it was obvious that they have seriously dialed back the show. It was much shorter than before and the majority of the dancers have been replaced by a video screen. Boo!!! Also I was bitterly disappointed at how little time we had to explore the island after the show ended. In the past I seem to recall being able to walk the full five mile loop around the island before needing to be back on board. This time we got roughly a half hour before boarding started to head back. Don't get me wrong; the food is still good, the show interesting, and the ride over and back quite enjoyable . But for me the price is too steep for the turn 'em & burn 'em pace that seems to be the norm now. I am very grateful that I still have many vivid memories of the way the experience used to be. read more