Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel (with an enclosed and climate-controlled lounge) in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.
- Admire a perspective of Chicago that most visitors miss on this boat tour
- Explore after dark to see the city's glittering lights come on
- Spy the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Hancock Building, and more
- Snacks and drinks are available onboard to purchase
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Restroom on board
- Enclosed climate-controlled lounge
- Local Expert Guide
- Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your way to the meeting point in downtown Chicago to board the sightseeing cruise, and set sail along the Chicago River. As you cruise through the heart of the Windy City, you’ll pass landmarks, including the Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Building, the Wrigley Building, the Aqua Tower, and the Willis Tower.
Listen to the on-board commentary to learn more about Chicago’s historic sites and striking architecture as you admire the city skyline from the water. Cruise all the way to Lake Michigan, where you’ll watch the sunset from the open-air top deck or climate-controlled lower deck. While on board, you can also pick up some drinks and snacks from the full-service bar (own expense).
After about 1.5 hours on the water, return to the starting point where your tour ends.
Listen to the on-board commentary to learn more about Chicago’s historic sites and striking architecture as you admire the city skyline from the water. Cruise all the way to Lake Michigan, where you’ll watch the sunset from the open-air top deck or climate-controlled lower deck. While on board, you can also pick up some drinks and snacks from the full-service bar (own expense).
After about 1.5 hours on the water, return to the starting point where your tour ends.
Chicago Skyline (Pass By)
John Hancock Center (Pass By)
Aqua Tower (Pass By)
Lake Michigan (Pass By)
1
Chicago River
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time
- Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
- Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
- No Coolers
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q:Where do we meet for the Chicago Sunset Cruise?
A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.
Apr 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 1,540 reviews
Basileo_R, May 2026
The line for the bar was long and slow moving. There was only one bartender. I missed the beginning commentary portion of the cruise waiting in line. Lastly, the restrooms were closed prior to exiting the vessel so I had to uncomfortably rush to find a restroom upon exiting the vessel.
ashika_s, May 2026
It was lovely getting out in the lake. The cruise showcases beautiful skyline of Chicago! I would highly recommend this cruise.
PAULAANN_T, May 2026
What a fantastic trip and Bob was an amazing guide and very knowledgeable making themselves trip even better - the Chicago skyline is breathtaking from Lake Michigan
Marge_M, May 2026
We went on the sunset cruise. It was a chilly cloudy evening, but we were dressed for the weather and enjoyed sitting on the top deck to see all the sights. We did get to see a bright reddish sunset behind the silhouette of skyscrapers. Our guide, Scott D ? was very informativeand entertaining. I would go on this again.
Stephen_Y, May 2026
Boat was clean, on time and the tour was nice
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Dekeyla_J, May 2026
This experience had excellent views. A nice blanket would have been good. There was a Nice breeze off the water.
Lori_O, May 2026
The sunset cruise was amazing! Seeing the Chicago skyline at night was so cool. Boat ride gave you plenty of time to take in the beauty of the city at night and to take plenty of pictures. You can buy drinks and there is a restroom on board. It does get chilly out on the water. Speaker was a lil loud but once out on the lake they played music and was very relaxing. Definitely would do again.
siddant7hotmailcom, May 2026
Worth it for the views but the overal expierence isn’t what you’d expect. There was a lot of waiting time once we entered the lake like for about an hour we didn’t move. Maybe because the weather was bad like we had a lot of fog and we choose the 7/8 pm tour for the sunset. It was almost like they were waiting for it to clear up or for the city to turn on all the lights but it just feels like a long waiting time/waste of time. Especially since there’s not a lot to do and especially not when everyone is cramped inside on the lower deck because of the cold. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re traveling with someone of age like a parent.
Carolyn_T, May 2026
Too many people! Bar ran out of a lot of stuff. The noise level was out of control. Would not recommend.
Stephanie_S, Apr 2026
It was very informational. Very pretty at night. There are options to sit inside when it got to cold after the sun went down. So good overall. The people were nice and the guide was funny.
Nick_B, Apr 2026
Lake Michigan 🌅 The skyline, the colors, the vibe… it all just hits different. Everyone needs to try this!
Marla_K, Apr 2026
Bring a blanket or warm jacket. It may look like a nice day out but on the water its chilly. Bring a backpack for water or a beverage and snack. Other then that we had a great time and it was nice to see the city all lit up. So beautiful and so relaxing. If your a drinker they have a full bar. They also have some snacks. Once out on the channel you can walk about the boat. Plenty of seating.
Colleen_B, Apr 2026
Great skyline pics opportunity. Best to sit along the sides to get the best pics. Take lots of selfies. The only down side was we were told music would play after the narration part. No music at all.
Damian_L, Apr 2026
The tour was awesome, however I recommend planning for the weather, April it can get really chilly out on the lake as the sun goes down
Brian_L, Oct 2025
Very crowded boat and all sat on top of each other virtually. The guide had a high opinion of himself and made jokes that were not really that funny. Didnt really tell us much about Chicago - The boat went through the lock and onto the lake and that was it. Pictures however were good and at least we could get a beer
Thomas_K, Oct 2025
Informative fun and romantic trip. Sunset was beautiful. So enjoyed the Chicago night skyline. Lake Michigan is beautiful
Eric_R, Oct 2025
Very organized, be sure to get there 30mins before departure to get best seats. Friendly staff, nice little bar with drinks and hot chocolate and snacks. Relaxing non guided night time fun.
Essence_C, Oct 2025
This was an amazing experience, even with it being cold! I booked this for my sister's birthday, and this was our first time visiting Chicago as well!
Paula_W, Oct 2025
We missed the sunset cruise because we could not find parking. When we finally did find parking, it was too late. We went to the ticket office and they gave us the architecture tour instead. It was great. A beautiful clear night and a wonderful tour guide. The buildings were lit up and we learned the stories behind them. The tour people were quite accommodating with the tickets. Missing the cruise was our fault. They made this a wonderful experience.
Nickoletta_K, Oct 2025
Love the city history and architecture, the staff were professional and friendly. The cityscape was so beautiful.
Tomekia_G, Oct 2025
The experience was fun and we were able to take great pics of the city. The music was upbeat and the people were so friendly. We were visiting from GA.
Alvin_J, Oct 2025
A little confusing finding the location but overall it was an extremely fun excursion. And the view of Chicago at night was mesmerizing. We had a wonderful time
Carolyn_T, Oct 2025
This cruise was fun and informative. We loved that there is a bar and snacks. Although it was a sunset cruise and the sun was not out, the city lights view was nice.
June_A, Oct 2025
Excellent boat ride with very informative and friendly guide. Stunning views of the city. Well worth it.
Lyndea_W, Oct 2025
The host was amazing. Super knowledgeable. The vibe and views were perfect!!!! All had the best time.
Bozhena_S, Oct 2025
We did a standard architecture tour a while ago, but we've never been out on the lake. Amazing activity, the whole friend group loved it. I'll do it again with my mom when she visits Chicago <3
Debbie_C, Oct 2025
Very informative tour. Going from daytime to night was beautiful. Was with my granddaughters and daughter in law which made for great memories.
kimberly_l, Oct 2025
Cruise was beautiful and the guide was amazing! Super fun experience and beautiful views. Highly recommend!
Denise_L, Oct 2025
Amazing sunset cruise - I had pre booked and it was a great experience
You go along the river then into the lock then onto Lake Michigan
Sunset was stunning - much better to do thus cruise at sunset time as it adds to the vibe.
Great commentary by the guide- very amusing and informative
Amy_P, Oct 2025
Beautiful boat ride and would highly recommend. Convenient to get to by taxi or walk from where we stayed on Monroe Street. Did get a little bumpy.
From $45.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
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