Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
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Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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 1,518 reviews
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.
Lauren_T, Oct 2025
Our tour guide, John, was full of energy and provided plenty of knowledge about Chicago history while making it a fun environment. The music was a variety of genres so there is something for everyone. We didn’t purchase any beverages while on the cruise, but they did let us know it was available. Worth the money for sure! Picture worthy.
Josh_A, Oct 2025
Wonderful and picturesque views of Chicago. It wasn’t too crowded for a Tuesday evening, and the crew were absolutely delightful. It was a romantic, relaxing atmosphere for us.
Gretchin_J, Oct 2025
What started out as a gray rainy day ended up being a beautiful crystal clear night with a bright full moon. The experience was absolutely amazing. What a fun and unique way to see the city of Chicago.!
Kimberley_B, Oct 2025
Fun boat ride and great opportunity for pictures of skyline. Boat was a little crowded. While I was prepared to potentially be cold/chilly, I was not prepared to get wet!
We Enjoyed the music and availability of the bar. Also liked the narration at the beginning - interesting.
Sheena_A, Oct 2025
The view of Chicago was beautiful. The staff was great. The playlist the staff played was great. Great time was had
Patricia_W, Oct 2025
I booked this experience for my husband's first weekend after retiring after 40 plus years. This first step in " the best is yet to be" did not disappoint.
Despite the large crowd of participants everything flowed smoothly in getting on the boat. The guide was engaging and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot of interesting facts about Chicago history and architecture.
The Skyline view at sunset was awesome. The hour and a half flew by.
Haley_B, Oct 2025
The views were amazing and the staff were friendly and entertaining. Would recommend this cruise to other travelers.
Alexa_C, Oct 2025
Really great experience will definitely do again! It was beautiful and well run make sure you get there early because people were disappointed in their seating!
Pat_B, Oct 2025
There are not enough seats for everyone. We spent the entire 1 1/2 hour standing. We bought these tickets a month ago. We arrived at 5:00 as instructed. We followed the rules. Then when I questioned an employee I was basically brushed off “it is what it is”. Or “wait a bit. People will get up and move”. That really wasn’t the case for our cruise.
The bar was also lacking. Canned wine??? Also there were no prices listed. We could have been charged anything. How would we know.
We really enjoyed being on the lake. We had a perfect night weather wise. The sunset behind the buildings was magnificent.
I’m 71 years old , my husband is 75. I think it’s cruel to expect us to stand for that period of time. We were disappointed. We would not recommend this cruise.
Robert_M, Oct 2025
Thought it would be a good tour but AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL,Chilled and Fun. Special mention for Scotty D and the Captain for their humour and tour information. IF you only have chance for one tour ....do this one, so worth it. 😀
Amberlin_S, Oct 2025
Beautiful views of the Chicago skyline at all stages of the sunset. Our tour guide (Stevie B?) was energetic and even took photos of us on the boat. He went above and beyond. I would definitely take this ride again, must see views of the city!
Gabriele_B, Oct 2025
This was a wonderful cruise to see the Chicago skyline. We especially enjoyed the guide who was so knowledgeable and entertained us.
Tracy_B, Oct 2025
Well organized, pleasant people, good ‘tour guide’ and captain and gorgeous sunset. The soundtrack/music was great. We didn’t buy drinks but we had a blast. Highly recommend.
Nichole_E, Oct 2025
This was a highlight of our trip. The boat ride was beautiful at sunset, and we have a great tour guide who provided so much information on the lakeside architecture. Highly recommend!
Likely to Sell Out
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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1 hour 30 minutes
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