Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 30 to 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
Take in views of the Chicago skyline and its landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Enjoy a laidback ride, soaking up panoramic views from this unique perspective. Listen to audio commentary to give you fresh insight into the landmarks you see, like Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, and feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar (own expense).
- See Chicago and Lake Michigan from a whole new perspective
- This cruise is dog-friendly—feel very free to bring your four-legged pal
- Tick loads of sights off your Chicago touring wish list at once
- Don’t worry, there’s a bathroom on board
What's Included
- Pre-recorded commentary on board
- Scenic skyline cruise on Lake Michigan
- Restroom on board
- Pet-friendly
- Food and drinks (available for purchase and you can also bring your own)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Shoreline Sightseeing600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Shoreline Sightseeing Lake Tour is on Navy Pier’s Dock Street. Your tour will depart from Shoreline’s dock on the west end of Navy Pier. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Get a unique perspective on Chicago's world-famous skyline during this sightseeing boat cruise on Lake Michigan. Whether you're looking for some unexpected views of the city's striking architecture, or simply want a chance to relax on the city's famous waterfront, this tour is a great option.
Start your cruise from Navy Pier's Dock Street and head out for a ride on the water. Along the way, you'll listen to interesting commentary surrounding Chicago history, and hear colorful details about its most famous landmarks.
During your ride, you'll have a chance to view some of the Windy City's most famous (and tallest) buildings, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and the Aon Center. You'll also be able to spot neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, plus attractions like Navy Pier, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain.
If you're feeling thirsty, grab a refreshment at the on-board bar (own expense.) Or pack a lunch, as you enjoy your meal while you cruise. No matter how you choose to spend your relaxing boat ride, it's sure to offer a great time for the entire family.
Start your cruise from Navy Pier's Dock Street and head out for a ride on the water. Along the way, you'll listen to interesting commentary surrounding Chicago history, and hear colorful details about its most famous landmarks.
During your ride, you'll have a chance to view some of the Windy City's most famous (and tallest) buildings, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and the Aon Center. You'll also be able to spot neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, plus attractions like Navy Pier, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain.
If you're feeling thirsty, grab a refreshment at the on-board bar (own expense.) Or pack a lunch, as you enjoy your meal while you cruise. No matter how you choose to spend your relaxing boat ride, it's sure to offer a great time for the entire family.
1
Lake Michigan
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Skyline (Pass By)
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (Pass By)
Navy Pier (Pass By)
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain (Pass By)
Millennium Park (Pass By)
Chicago Cultural Center (Pass By)
Chicago Architecture Center (Pass By)
Historic Water Tower (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Cruises are dog friendly
- Beginning November 11th, 2024 through April 2025, cruises will be 30 minutes in length
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jeremy_W
We went right at sunset, it was beautiful. All of the staff were super friendly. I would recommend going to a later one as Chicago looks amazing from the water at night.
Reviews
4.4
based on 927 reviews
Gary_M, Jun 2026
No, being new to Chicago and the navy pier, I was frustrated when we arrived at the address in front of a boat and it was out of service. There was no sign indicating a second place to go to board the boat. E we almost missed the boat due to no signage and incorrect info on the viator site. We walked up and down the pier finally seeing the correct place. The ride was nice but I was so hot and frustrated that it was difficult to enjoy it. A simple sign with instructions could have made the experience enjoyable.
Hazel_E, Jun 2026
We took the 815pm trip snd the sunset was beautiful behind the skyline.
Staff were friendly.
Commentary was interesting. Learnt some new things
Jennifer_S, Jun 2026
I had a really good time. I doubted the app a little because of the low prices but this is definitely a trusted app. This is better than get your guide because I had bought tickets and they didn’t accept them.
Amy_C, Jun 2026
It was a perfect day. Everybody was nice. The staff was great very informative. We were running late. I was able to text them and we were able to get on the next boat, which was amazing. I would definitely book with them again.
Sonya_M, Jun 2026
Accommodating professional, and about your safety. Though I didn't move about the views were so amazing. The history was good too.
Ernest_K, Jun 2026
Great views of Chicago if you go at night take a jacket the navy pier was a great spot
The captain of the ship was entertaining
Anisha_S, Jun 2026
The skyline tour was exactly what I needed after a day of eating and walking about. I was able to book the tour an hour before, which worked for my itinerary and it was affordable. I liked that it is a double decker boat and got to experience the tour from top deck. The day was beautiful and perfect for a tour. The boat was clean, looked presentable, offered cocktails and small snacks(for purchase) and staff were friendly. The tour offered ok views. I was able to capture pictures of the Chicago skyline. My fav part of the ride was how relaxing it was. I would do it again and be sure to nap the next time lol.
Lyniesha_C, Jun 2026
The ride was nice, and the views at night were beautiful. The fire works show was unexpected but a very nice addition.
Angela_R, Jun 2026
The biggest issue was the address listed on the tickets was wrong. They left from a different location and we had to hurry. We almost missed the tour. Not ideal with a a year old.
Vikram_C, Jun 2026
Not special at all. Cheap option to get on the water for a bit. Of the 4 or 5 different lake cruises I have done, this was the worst.
Andrea_D, Jun 2026
I misjudged my timing with my Uber and arrived late for my booking. Staff easily rescheduled it with no charge. It was an enjoyable way to spend 45 minutes before heading back to the airport. I had my travel bags with me, and there was plenty of room.
Catherine_M, Jun 2026
Beautiful cruise inside the breakwall of Lake Michigan with a recorded narration and drinks for purchase. It lasted a little over 50 min.
victor_r, Jun 2026
Short for the price no destination or a history of Chicago of the places bathrooms cut have been more appropriate and clean
Felicia_M, May 2026
We had a great time. Got there early for our trip, and they allowed us to get on an earlier boat. If it is windy as it was for us, make sure you have a jacket. If wearing shorts a blanket. That was on us. We did have jackets, but my legs definitely got cold.
Hannah_K, May 2026
The views were gorgeous, the staff was all friendly. There was a bar with drinks and snacks and plenty of seating. Would definitely go again.
Shardae_H, May 2026
Nice staff. Plenty of seating , amd mobility from top to bottom deck, good music. Easy boarding a d location.
Brooke_H, May 2026
Took my mother for mother's day and it was a wonderful time! Learned new things and just enjoyed a beautiful day on the lake!
Adrian_H, May 2026
It’s something everyone should have although it rained at the beginning it still was very relaxing and we had a great time
Jenna_W, Apr 2026
The boat tour was wonderful and relaxing. My co-workers and I enjoyed the sight-seeing and the amenities nearby.
Belyse_N, Apr 2026
Fun and we went when the night was approaching so we got cute pictures. The boat ride went good a lil rocky in the middle but nothing too crazy
Luanne_G, Apr 2026
What a great tour. Very informative!! Great photo ops and playlist. Great staff. I Highly recommend.
Syndel_M, Apr 2026
great narrated cruise. it’s quick about 30 mins but perfect for the price and time to see the skyline on sunset. gets cold so bring a sweater but there is an inside !
Susana_c, Apr 2026
It was nice, enough time to enjoy the views. it was on time, the family enjoyed it. very kind staff.
Sharon_H, Mar 2026
Could not ask for a better night. We did thr 7pm boat ride just as the sun was setting. The views were spectacular! Staff was friendly. Boat seating was comfortable and the location on Navy Pier was so convenient.
Alejandro_C, Mar 2026
It was not worth what we paid. We thought it would take us around to see the city but only went away from the city about 15 mins and back. We were visiting from San Diego and it was a waste of money.
Kathleen_M, Feb 2026
Great tour and lots of fun. Perspective from the water of Chicago skyline is awesome. Highly recommend this and a river cruise when visiting the Windy City.
Soaphis_S, Nov 2025
It was cold and raining. We sat in the bottom deck. I wish the weather had been nice. I also would have enjoyed a live guide, but I guess I booked the wrong tour for that.
Logan_F, Nov 2025
It’s a beautiful scenic option to see the skyline (I recommend the night time view) you’re able to see the beautiful lighting of the buildings.
Elena_V, Nov 2025
Great view of the skyline buildings of the city. The old light house would be great to see inside. The tour was nice and smooth with the announcer informing us of what we were seeing. Great quick tour.
romney_r, Nov 2025
Not very entertaining and you could not really hear what the narrator was saying. It would be nice to have heat
From $32.50
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
925
45 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$32.50
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Chicago, USA
- Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library) Tours & Tickets
- Flyover in Chicago Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Riverwalk Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Loop Tours & Tickets
- Pizzeria Uno Tours & Tickets
- Field Museum Tours & Tickets
- Water Tower Place Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Board of Trade Building Tours & Tickets
- Chinese American Museum of Chicago Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Temple Tours & Tickets
- Wrigley Field Tours & Tickets
- Navy Pier Tours & Tickets
- Lincoln Park Zoo Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Cultural Center Tours & Tickets
- Route 66 Tours & Tickets
- Tribune Tower Tours & Tickets
- United Center Tours & Tickets