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Chicago Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan
5.0
23 Ratings
Chicago
Experience a private sunset sail on Lake Michigan with stunning Chicago skyline views. Customize your adventure for an unforgettable evening.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Come Sailing, Inc. - We’ll depart from the north side of Monroe Harbor at our dedicated pick-up/drop-off spot. Once the safety briefing is completed and all dock lines have been brought on board, our trip will begin. The itinerary, course/route we are sailing for will depend mostly on wind the direction. However, being that this is a private charter, the itinerary remains very flexible and pretty much at your discretion. So, if you’d like to see a particular landmark or prefer to sail a particular route, just ask our captain and they will be happy to oblige. If, instead, you’d prefer to leave all of the decision up to the captain, no problem. Our captain will be happy to take you for an enjoyable sunset sail on Lake Michigan during which you will sail in close proximity to some or all of the landmarks listed in the itinerary below.
- Buckingham Fountain - Our charter begins with a quick motor passed a part of Monroe Harbor named in honor of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. On July 6, 1959, a small barge ferried Her Majesty from HMY Britannia anchored outside of Monroe Harbor to the aptly named Queen’s Landing for a 13-hour royal visit spectacular. As we pass this historic site Buckingham Fountain comes into view. (Pro Tip: this is a great time for a photo op.) Buckingham Fountain, one of the world’s largest fountains, was designed as a focal centerpiece for Grant Park. According to the Chicago Park District website, John Philips Souza himself conducted his band in the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” before an audience of 50,000 people during the fountain’s dedication in August 1927. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Buckingham fountain is not related to Buckingham Palace or the Royal Family. The fountain was actually donated by Chicago art patron and philanthropist, Kate Buckingham in memorial honor of her brother Clearance Buckingham.
- Shedd Aquarium - Another building which cannot be ignored as we depart from Monroe Harbor is the Shedd Aquarium which sits prominently at the south end of Monroe Harbor. Completed in 1930, the Shedd Aquarium’s mission is “Sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world”. The large dark windows facing the lake house the Abbott Oceanarium exhibit. Added in 1991, the Oceanarium features Pacific white-sided dolphins and beluga whales.
- Adler Planetarium - Sitting on the northeast corner of Northerly Island is the iconic dome of the Adler Planetarium. Built in 1930, this picturesque public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics a popular location for wedding photos. As we head out into the Lake, we get to see a side of this marvelous structure that most visitors never think to investigate: the lakeside! This is where you will find the Doane Observatory which has a large telescope available to the public.
- Soldier Field - Opened in 1924, Soldier Field, known today as the home of the Chicago Bears, has played host to a variety of interesting and historical events. Even though the stadium has changed drastically over the years, the original colonnades can still be seen from our vantage point on the water.
- Navy Pier - One of the most recognized landmarks along Chicago’s lakefront, Navy Pier is also one of the most and visited tourist destinations in Chicago. Sailing passed the east end we’ll have a great view of the Grand Ballroom. This would be another perfect time to snap some selfies or capture a stunning architectural photo. Opened to the public in 1916, Navy Pier has played many roles during its lifetime including an important role during WWII. This piece of Chicago is definitely more than just a photo op!
- Chicago Skyline - One of the most beautiful waterfront cities in the world, Chicago’s magnificent skyline is best viewed from the water. There are too many stories to be told about the amazing architecture, landmarks, and engineering feats accomplished in Chicago. Which ones you hear are up to you. Again, this is your private charter and you set the tone for the trip. If you prefer to just visit with friends and loved ones, no worries at all. Our captains are happy to the role of captain, guide, or both. Come Sailing and let us show you the city we love.
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What's Included
- Use of Bluetooth speakers
- Professional captain licensed by the US Coast Guard
- All applicable taxes
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks (you may bring your own)
- Parking
Additional Information
Enjoy a private two-hour sailing experience for up to six people along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. Kick back, relax, and let the US Coast Guard licensed captain treat you to stunning views of Chicago’s spectacular skyline. Make the experience your own. The flexibility of a private charter allows customization of virtually any aspect of the sailing adventure from guest list to music selection to sailing route. All charters are NON-SMOKING experiences.
- NO SMOKING - All charters are NON-SMOKING. Use of any tobacco products, cigars, pipes, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor devices, etc. are strictly prohibited. Use of any of these products may result in a non-refundable, early termination of your charter and the assessment of a cleaning fee.
- CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL - Customers and guests may bring and consume reasonable amounts of alcoholic beverages within the bounds of Illinois State law.
- NO GLASS ON BOARD - Glass containers are prohibited. Please do not bring them. Wine and Champagne bottle are permitted as long as they remain secure in a protective container during charter. Please bring plastic cups for drinking.
- CUSTOMER/GUEST BEHAVIOR - Customers and guests are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Any behavior determined by the captain to be inappropriate (lewd, offensive, unsafe, etc.) may result in a non-refundable, early termination of your charter.
- WEAPONS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED - Weapons on any kind are strictly prohibited! Guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are NOT allowed on board our vessels at any time. Bringing any of these prohibited items aboard may result in a non-refundable, early termination of your charter.
- ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED - Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate animals of any type.
- SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED - Swimming is not allowed on our Sunset Sails.
- FOOD AND BEVERAGE - Food and beverages may be consumed on deck. Please clean up any spilled food or beverage and take your garbage with you. A cleaning fee may be assessed for excessive spillage.
- SEASICKNESS/MOTION SICKNESS - Any person that experiences seasickness must remain on deck. The cabin area below deck is NOT an appropriate place for any person to deal with seasickness. A cleaning fee will be assessed for any person vomiting anywhere in the below deck cabin area of the sailboat, including the “head”/bathroom.
- GALLEY STOVE AND SINK - The galley stove onboard our sailboat is NOT for use by customers. The sinks on board our boats drain directly into the lake and are NOT intended for food prep nor for disposing of unwanted items. None of the sinks have garbage disposals. Please do NOT treat our sinks like you treat your kitchen sink. They are NOT the same.
- CLEANING FEES - Cleaning fees, if applicable, will be equivalent to the standard, full price of your charter.
- TERMINATION OF CHARTER - The captain reserves the right to cancel a charter at any time for reasons of weather, mechanical failure, or safety. Charters will be rescheduled at the customer’s convenience. A refund will be offered if rescheduling cannot be agreed upon.
- GIFT CERTIFICATES/VOUCHERS - Gift Certificates may not be redeemed for cash. Gift certificates may be used to purchase products and services offered by Come Sailing, Inc. The terms “gift voucher” and “gift certificate” have the same meaning and are used interchangeably throughout our website.
- LATE ARRIVALS - The late arrival of customers and guests may result in a shortened charter sail without refund nor adjustment to price.
- BOOKING ERRORS - We reserve the right to cancel reservations that are the result of incorrect pricing/availability due to malicious acts or software/website errors.
- CONSENT TO BE FILMED/PHOTOGRAPHED - Boarding any sailboats operated by Come Sailing, Inc. is your implied consent to be filmed, photographed, and recorded. Furthermore, by boarding any of our sailboats you are granting Come Sailing, Inc., their agents, successors, assignees and affiliates, and their respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders, and representatives the right and permission to use such film, photographs, and recordings of your voice, image, and likeness for the purpose of promoting Come Sailing, Inc. and its related services. You further agree that you will not receive any financial compensation or cash payment for the rights or permissions granted by you. In such case that you are the parent or guardian of any minor child that has accompanied you aboard our sailboat, you further consent to the foregoing on behalf of that minor child.
- COVID-19 FACE MASKS ARE OPTIONAL - MASK FREE SAILING IS HERE! New for 2022, face masks are OPTIONAL. Wear them or not, the choice is yours. Our captains and crew are not required to wear face masks. However, if it would make you feel more comfortable, please let the captain know and they will be more than happy to wear face masks during your charter.
- COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY - This is a private charter for you and your guests only. Social distancing is your responsibility and at your discretion within your group. There is plenty of space on board our sailboats to spread out and maintain appropriate social distances.
- COVID-19 SICK PEOPLE SHOULD STAY AT HOME POLICY - All passengers are required to self-diagnose their health status before boarding and let us know if they are not feeling well. PLEASE STAY AT HOME IF ANY OF THESE CONDITION APPLY: SICK – If you are sick or not feeling well. SYMPTOMATIC – If, in the last 5 days, you have experiences symptoms related to COVID-19, the flu, or any other potentially contagious disease.
- COVID-19 ACCESS TO CABIN AND RESTROOMS - The fun is up on deck sailing! Not hanging out below deck in the cabin! So, please minimize your time below deck in the cabin. We also ask that no more than one person goes down below into the cabin at a time. There is a restroom on board each boat. However, the restrooms are small, and toilets on a boat do NOT work the same way your toilets work at home. Please ask the captain and crew before using the restroom. We strongly encourage you to use the public restrooms on shore prior to boarding.
- COVID-19 FOOD, WATER, AND ICE POLICY - We will have bottles of water available. However, we encourage you to bring your own beverages and help us reserve our water for emergency hydration. We will provide a small cooler in which passengers may store items to keep them cold. Food, beverage, and ice storage is limited to provided cooler. Please plan accordingly.
- COVID-19 POLICY UPDATES AND CHANGES - The above policies are subject to change without notice in response to changes in status of the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to comply with new or changing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Public Health, and Chicago Department of Public Health.
Location
East Monroe Street & South Lake Shore Drive
From the northeast corner of Lake Shore Dr. and Monroe St. follow the lakefront trail to the north and continue along the harbor’s edge as the trail bends to the east. Our boat will meet you along the Monroe Harbor wall east of the cement pier (aka the pump out dock). Our boat’s name is BERNARD.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Patricia_m
Aug 18, 2024
Captain Mike was awesome!... - Captain Mike was awesome! We really enjoyed the trip. It was beautiful and definitely unforgettable.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_k
Jul 3, 2024
Best idea ever - We went for a birthday celebration, myself and 4 other friends, and it truly was the greatest time I have ever had with my closes friends. Captain Mike was easy to talk to and made you feel safe but also knew that we wanted to experience this great time together on the front oh his boat. He let us eat and play music. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Review provided by Viator
Rene_a
Aug 29, 2023
Great sailing!! - Capt Rich was an excellent tour guide and helped us have a great experience. Beautiful evening on a beautiful boat.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_w
Aug 20, 2023
Gorgeous Views! Perfect! - Capt. Mike was phenomenal! The sunset cruise was gorgeous and perfect! We got day views…. Sunset views…AND night view! So special! Thank You! ♥️
Review provided by Viator
Curtis_a
Jun 20, 2023
Abrams' Birthday/Juneteenth Celebration - The ENTIRE experience was WONDERFUL!!! Including the very accomodating Captain Mike. Thank you all for EVERYTHING!!
Review provided by Viator
V9504psjanej
Jun 12, 2023
Beyond expectations - This sailing experience was worth it! The sunset views were unparalleled. Will definitely be doing it again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tlippert78
Jun 11, 2023
Nice evening on the lake - Nice evening on Lake Michigan. The weather didn’t cooperate for a sunset, but we had a great boat ride and the temperatures were perfect. The views of the City were amazing and our captain was very informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ernest_a
Sep 25, 2022
Lake Michigan Moment - There is nothing like seeing Chicago from the lake. And there’s nothing more beautiful than being on the lake and experiencing the sky above. The beautiful color of the waters that surround you. A perfect family moment, great place to pop the question or just to sit in awe.
Review provided by Viator
563shayb
Sep 10, 2022
A must do sailing adventure! - The sunset sail was positively amazing! Captain Mike made the sail even better! We will definitely do again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
811cheriek
Sep 7, 2021
Sunset charter with Captain Mike is an unforgettable experience! - Captain Mike was wonderful! This was our first sailing adventure and it could not have been a better experience. He was so kind and knowledgeable and really made us feel safe. Definitely recommend the later charter time so that you can see sunset over the skyline. We will definitely be doing this again next time I am in town!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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