Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 30 to 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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 905 reviews
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
Elizabeth_C, Oct 2025
Great experience with my family. Really enjoyed myself. I will definitely come back. Great customer service
Anas_C, Oct 2025
Immaculate view, very friendly staff, wonderful experience. Would definitely come back when I’m in Chicago
Rachel_F, Oct 2025
We had great weather and loved the onboard bar - the guide recording wasn’t too loud and very informative. Would absolutely do it again, probably for a longer route!
Kelsey_B, Oct 2025
It was a pleasant experience. The boat ride had pretty views and the recorded guide was informational. Also, you should take at least a small jacket because it gets windy; although it is bare-able when the sun is out.
Imani_H, Oct 2025
The skyline was beautiful but there was no narration at all. Someone named Marlyn introduced himself when we got on and there was absolutely nothing else. We just made one big circle. We didn’t go down the river or anything. It was below average but the skyline was beautiful, as usual.
Shalondra_M, Oct 2025
I’m from Houston, Texas! The tour was Very informative and relaxing ! I would recommend it 10/10!!!!
Steven_M, Oct 2025
Great short tour. Speaker in the back of the boat could have been louder but everything else excellent.
Adam_B, Oct 2025
It was nice to just relax and cruise on the river. It has been years since I had been to Chicago. Good to be back again!
April_C, Oct 2025
It was a perfect experience with a great atmosphere. Highly recommended. Affordable. Great views. Best 45 min golden hour sunset cruise!
Winefrida_D, Oct 2025
We were late at our 4:30 reservation but they accommodate us on the next cruise.We really appreciate it.We truly enjoyed the 45 minutes tour.aThank you.We will recommend you to our friends:.We are from Baltimore,MD
Bernadette_E, Oct 2025
It was a great experience, scenic, informative experience in a short period of time. It’s easy to book an experience on the go. Booked a cruise, went right to the pier and boarded the boat.
sblanton07, Sep 2025
Tour was beautiful & staff were friendly. It was relaxing and informative. I will definitely do this again.
Bettina_P, Sep 2025
Top boat and Crew!
The only reason I Dont give 5 Stars is because there were no info about the vendor and VIATOR had no signage - I had to walk the entire Pier, which is amazing, and así every single boat cruise service and security
Reema_A, Sep 2025
My husband and I brought my family to share this experience with them and his uncle who came from out of town, we all had the most memorable expense together and memory’s that will last us a life time. I’m so happy we got to experience the beauty of Chicago together.
Samreen_A, Sep 2025
fun, great views, upper and lower deck. tour starts about 5-8 mins after the slotted time so you have extra time in case you’re running late. parking at the garage was $43 tho
Cedric_M, Sep 2025
The tour was boring and not much to see. We ended up booking the 45 min architecture tour the next day.
Colin_W, Sep 2025
The tour is the perfect length. The crew is very courteous and helpful. The boat is very clean. Recommend.
Consuelo_S, Sep 2025
Excellent, perfect timing for sunset, good picture taking day light and night. this time, a light sweater is recommended.
Jamie_H, Sep 2025
Directions to get to the location were unclear. ended up missing the trip because of poor directions
From $32.50
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
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45 minutes
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