Argosy Cruises - Tillicum Village

Seattle's waterfront bustles with activity each day. Ferries, sightseeing excursions, sailboats and commercial vessels ply the waters of Elliott Bay for business and pleasure. But just eight miles from the waterfront by boat lies Blake Island State Park--a sanctuary dedicated to showcasing a different way of life. Argosy Cruises will take you there, and you won't forget it.

"Tillicum" means friendly or friendly people and the the village on Blake Island captures the spirit of the Northwest Coast Indians that developed a lifestyle based on two of the regions great natural resources--wild salmon and western red cedar. Both were found in abundance and both were integral in sustaining the indigenous people.

Tillicum Village has been a Seattle area landmark since 1962. Today, 48 years later, Tillicum Village hosts travelers from around the world who want to learn more about the Native Americans that lived here before the Europeans arrived.

Tillicum Village celebrates the heritage and culture of the Northwest with a salmon feast and a performance by the Tillicum Village dancers. Starting at Pier 55 on Seattle’s waterfront the cruise to Blake Island takes about 50 minutes. Upon arrival guests are treated to a steamed clam appetizer and then get to watch their Chinook salmon dinner cooked Northwest Coast Indian style over an alder-wood fire on cedar stakes. After dinner and the show, guests can watch carving demonstrations, peruse the gift shop or stroll along the forested trails and quiet, pristine beaches.

Tillicum Village

Argosy Cruises has been celebrating the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest for 60 years. Founded as the Spring Street Water Taxi and then operating as Seattle Harbor Tours and now as Argosy Cruises, the family-owned and Seattle-operated company is the Northwest's premier cruise company operating from the historic downtown Seattle waterfront, South Lake Union and Kirkland City Dock.

Argosy operates nine vessels providing cruises around the Puget Sound area. Argosy Cruises offers the Lakes, Locks and Harbor Cruises and hosts countless weddings, parties, corporate events and community activities, including the Christmas Ship™ Festival, Jazz Brunch Cruise Series, Murder Mystery Series and other themed and holiday events. Below is a photo of the Royal Argosy at dock. The Royal Argosy is renowned for its dinner cruises and themed events.